Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUVs
2007 Toyota FJ-Cruiser: Autoblog First Look
Toyota revealed the new 2007 FJ-Cruiser today bridging the gap between the concept and production and Toyota has kept much of the original shape. Toyota is calling the FJ-Cruiser a "Freedom Truck" for the active person. More info and pictures at the link.
The FJ is designed to be affordable, in a position that will be between the RAV4 and 4Runner. It is built on the
same platform as the 4Runner, but 11 inches shorter with only a 4-inch shorter wheelbase, which means most of the loss
came from the front and rear overhangs. 
The truck will be powered by a 4.0-liter 245 hp V-6 with either a 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic. Locking rear differential and 17 inch wheels will be optional. Upright windshield, white roof and wrap-around rear window.
The FJ is a year away from launch and what they showed today is a production prototype and had an unfinished interior (hence the windows being blacked out and no interior pics). They would not release the price due to many details that still need to be worked out, but did state that it will be affordable. Toyota is planning on 40,000 units a year, but expects for demand to be higher once the price is announced.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
rob rudorf 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
no no noo nno000 nooo. this isn't supposed to be happening, they said that blue thing was a styling exercise! no no no nein!!! what a drag. i have to find me a tall bridge, now.
Reply
Bob Lionel 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
It's junk and a slap in the face to the memory of the old FJ's. Independent Front suspension makes this just a Highlander with different sheet metal.
Reply
Mike Homeniuk 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
A disappointment........thought they might clean up the concept but it looks like they left everything more or less intact. Strange roofline, massive C-pillar blindspots, weird, unfinished fender detailing, bet that side-hinged rear door with the 17" spare weighs a ton. A real letdown...........
Reply
BusNuts 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I'm in, this reincarnation looks great! I am bummed to have to wait another year to get one to tow behind my bus.
BusNuts
Reply
punkigor 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I think it's awesome and will do well. I'd get one (even in the blue).
Bob, you have to remember that there haven't been any solid-front-axle toyotas in ages. Even their trucks come with an independent suspension. it's a Tacoma with different sheet-metal, not a Highlander.
Reply
pete r 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
looks like Toyota shot itself in the foot on this one. An updated late version (1983)FJ40 with better seating, turbo diesel and better "metal" would have been a DEFINITE winner. This new model looks like a toy for "yuppie kids"........I think Jeep (sorry fellas) has the right idea...when you have an "original" design that works, don't mess with it. My 78 FJ is hanging its head in shame.......
Reply
pete r 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
looks like Toyota shot itself in the foot on this one. An updated late version (1983)FJ40 with better seating, turbo diesel and better "metal" would have been a DEFINITE winner. This new model looks like a toy for "yuppie kids"........I think Jeep (sorry fellas) has the right idea...when you have an "original" design that works, don't mess with it. My 78 FJ is hanging its head in shame.......
Reply
Edsel 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Well, the white roof is sort'a the same and it's got four wheels and a rear mounted spare tire.
Long live the original;
http://intranet.logiconline.org.ve/Deportes/camping/Toyota/fotos/FJ40.jpg
Reply
n8 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Yep, I won't be even considering it. I'll wait for the Jeep Rescue.
Reply
punkigor 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
agreed - a turbo-diesel would have been awesome!
or a hybrid!
Reply
Ian Drake 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
This will be a great replacement for my 2000 Amigo. It looks like this will have suicide rear doors (good), but a tailgate that opens sideways (bad). Why can't they have the tailgate open like a truck, like in the older 4Runners? At least it doesn't open like a minivan tailgate (very lame).
Also, I think the hood looks better now than on the prototype.
Sorry to they guys that like the old version, but I'm not interested in driving a 25+ year old truck. Yuppy...maybe, but definately safer, more reliable, more powerful, and more convenient. I'll be looking at this and the Quad Cab Tacoma in the next few years.
Reply
pete r 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
10/4 on the hybrid. One positive result is the value of the old FJs just took a giant step upward. Shame on you Toyota for creating a Legend "wanna be". I guess I'll have to remove the "Friends don't let friends drive Jeeps" from Ole 78.......
Reply
Ringo 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
This is amazingly similar to the concept vehicle. I had assumed that they would have taken more practicality into consideration. I agree with previous commenters that the massive C-pillar blind spots are horrible. Also, I'm not a fan of the external tire and sideways opening rear gate. Living here in the rainy Northwest, I think ALL SUV rear gates should open upwards (and serve as rain covers).
Reply
BC 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I think it looks rad and as soon as they're out I'm getting one... in smurf blue, no less!
Reply
Toyota Fan 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
This thing will be longer than the original 4Runner with more than twice it's horsepower. That's not the FJ tradition!
Reply
Ian Drake 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
No self respecting SUV should have a rear gate that swings UP. S-UTILITY-V not S-RAIN COVER-V. Sorry, but to put oversized item in a SUV you can't have a gate that swings up, not much utility in that. I've heard that actually getting into the truck can be a good rain cover.
Reply
Doogs 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
After years as a Land Rover enthusiast, I'm used to an automaker abandoning what made it great in the past. Land Rovers used to be utility vehicles. Heck, even the Gen I Range Rover was a utility vehicle, it just happened to have a dash of luxury (leather seats and power windows, basically). Today's Land Rovers are luxury vehicles with a dash of utility, and WAY too many electrical systems. They've abandoned the simplicity and reliability of solid axles and coil springs for Dial-A-Terrain and other techno gimmicks. I used to look forward to a new Defender, but now I shudder at the idea.
I don't think the FJ Cruiser is anywhere near that bad. Yes, its too bad that it won't have a solid front axle, but that's just the way things are these days. Outside of the Wrangler and certain heavy-duty pickups, you can't get a solid front in anything.
Front axle aside, though, the FJ Cruiser will be affordable, capable, and functional. They're going after the Xterra, after all, and I think the Xterra is the closest thing we have these days (beside the Wrangler, of course) to the old SUVs that existed before everyone and their soccer mom went out and bought one.
And...if its taking its drivetrain from the Tacoma, I bet it'll make as competent an offroader as you can hope for in a new SUV. Especially with a TRD package and locking diff.
I don't know if I'd buy one, but when the time comes to replace my Xterra, I'll definitely give it a look.
Reply
Sean 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
OH MY GOD this thing is FRIGAN AWESOME. I love Jeep but I really love the FJ. I told Toyota if they built this thing they'd have a new customr, well Toyota you have a new customer!!!
Reply
punkigor 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
i don't think people can talk about the reduced visibility of the large C-pillar without seeing interior shots or test-driving it. the oversized mirrors and wrap-around rear windows may more than make up for it.
Reply
Chanrith 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Well, I was looking into buying the first gen FJ but was concerned about the safety since I do have kids. This new FJ looks promising and since it is using the 4runner chassis and Tacoma engine I'm sure it's gonna be a great SUV. Though, I wish Toyota had kept more of the first gens shape it still looks good to me. I know Jeep would have a say in it if Toyota had kept the body of the first gen because those really do resemble the Jeep.
Reply