Why the FJ Cruiser is no Threat to the H3

[Aubs]

I hope no one else has as thread too similar to this one. Anyway, check out the Autospies.com pics of the new FJ Cruiser, inside and out. If this is at all similar to the production model, there's no way I can see it being an H3 competitor. It's small and completely cheap looking inside (even with upgraded materials-- and we're talking about this being a SHOW car here-- I still can't see it). It looks neat, but that's debatable too. Well, love to hear what you guys think, those that do read this section of the forums.

Autospies.com FJ Cruiser Interior Photos

Autospies.com FJ Cruiser Exterior Photos

[ETD]

I don't get it. They seem to highlight the "water-proof seats" a lot. I try to "go" "before and after" and not "in" although there have been moments where I could of wet my pants on the climbs. I think the biggest plus for it is the Toyota quality. Should give the Wrangler some challenge. I still can't see someone having that much of a dilemna between an H3 and an FJ though.

[ETD]

I don't get it. They seem to highlight the "water-proof seats" a lot. I try to "go" "before and after" and not "in" although there have been moments where I could of wet my pants on the climbs. I think the biggest plus for it is the Toyota quality. Should give the Wrangler some challenge. I still can't see someone having that much of a dilemna between an H3 and an FJ though.

[Mr. I - Man]

Biggest CON

IT IS A JAP TRUCK

I cannot believe you post that pic of jap crap on DEC 7 Pearl Harbor Day.

Go die Now

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by HoKC:
We have a Toyota Dealer across the street from us and one of their managers brought an FJ over yesterday to try and go through our test track. It made t past the rollers but did not clear even the log crossing. No way it was even going to be close on the step protion.

Why couldn't it do the log? Was it the front or did it high center?

[Mike B]

Toyota and Honda are known to steal designs from US and European automakers, but this time it looks like Toyota stole the Element design from Honda and put on bigger tires and 4WD.

[AZH3]

Shaggy can I be your boyfriend?

[Mike B]

GM trucks have a higher quality rating than Toyota trucks, so one of your pros is now a cons and one of the H3 con is now a pro.

[DTHVLY]

Originally posted by sfox:

So just a question, we have seen what an H3 can do off road, have you seen one of these new "UGLY AS SH1T" FJ's off road yet? Or is your concept of an off-road vehicle what you've seen in Xterra commercials? Seriously, the approach and departure angles are just terrible and the breakover isn't any better than any other grocery getter available. From the few glam shots on Toyotas website, the flex on the rear is worse than an H1, and that's really bad for a solid rear axle vehicle.

S

Actually I have seen the FJ off-road. They had the video of it running the Rubicon with no problems at SEMA. As far as you thinking it’s ugly, I think we already covered that argument earlier in the thread. I’ll admit the H3 has slightly better A/D angles but I wouldn’t consider 33.5 and 30 to be terrible and the FJ does have a better break over angle, a shorter wheel base, and more ground clearance than the H3, so you do the math.

Originally posted by sfox:
the breakover isn't any better than any other grocery getter available...

Well it's better than the H3's breakover so according to you the H3 is just another grocery getter.

You said it.

[DTHVLY]

Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
DTHVLY (Dicktastesheavenly? - is that on your License plate queer?),

You're never going to win this one, just / yourself.

So now I'm a queer who isn't old enough to drive but has a license plate with “Dicktastesheavenly” on it? That’s ok I understand the personal attacks, that’s what people resort to when they have nothing intelligent to say to support their side.

BTW – DTHVLY stands for Death Valley just one more place you’ll never take your Hummer off-road.

[DTHVLY]

I'd say it's not a threat because I believe that if you're looking for a HUMMER, then you expect true luxury...Me, I want the soft and plush leather seats...I wouldn't trade the refinement of the H3 interior for the FJ.

That's just my humble opinion.

I agree with you, if a luxury grocery getter SUV with carpet, "soft plush leather seats" and push button 4wd is what you want then the H3, VW Toureg, or Lexus are a good choice, but if you want an out of the box offroad vehicle that's got more ground clerance, more power, more torque, less weight, more towing capacity, and more functional options, then the FJ would be your choice.

If your willing to trade horse power and offroad ability for "soft plush leather seats" then go with the H3. there's nothing wrong with Luxury SUV's it just depends on what you want.

[DTHVLY]

Rubber floors instead of carpet, water resistant seats, locking rear diff, traction control, 115 volt AC outlet, rock sliders, heavy duty roofrack with aux lighting, dash mounted GPS, compass, inclinometer, and temp, all standard or factory options, sounds pretty functional to me, not cheap. As far as build quality Toyota's got the best in the industry.

The FJ Cruiser's got a shorter wheel base, more ground clerance, more horse power, and way more torque than the H3, plus it weighs less and can tow more. Sounds like it could be threat to the H3, what do you think?

[VTSTOMPER]

My buddy saw one on the road yesterday - so they are out?

[ShaggyX]

Do they need people that are available that whole time...or just a few weekends and evenings? If it is weekend, and is stuff that I could do (i.e. not mechanic stuff), then please let me know. Thanks.

[HoKC]

Strange operation of the rear door shock. It has a small clip that you are supposed to push to lock the door in place. I could not get it to work on this one.

[HoKC]

Notice that part of the skid plate is a screen looking material. That is what it actually looks like, guaranteed to catch on everything and tear off.

[Ipedog]

Maybe I'll see one?

Nope. None in sight.

[wes1977]

Originally posted by Mike B:
GM trucks have a higher quality rating than Toyota trucks, so one of your pros is now a cons and one of the H3 con is now a pro.

Can you refer me to a creditable source?

[H2Finally]

Para, what restrain! You mustta really given up on this guy, since I think this is your first post which you couldn't even be bothered to give the correct numbers!!

[ShaggyX]

Uh oh....MSRP: $22,890 for basic Manual/4x4. Don't have option package prices yet...but I bet I could keep it under $25k with everything I want. Now to work on selling the s10 and 240sx.