What do you think about the 2006 Toyota FJ 40?

[2tacomas]

You guys seen the new pics and specs on the FJ 40. It is going to have the same 4.0L V6 as the 2005 Tacoma, be built on the 4Runner frame (but the body will be shorter), be offroad capable, and Toyota says it will be "very affordable for younger buyers." Production will start for the 2006 model year. Maybe these things will be cheap enough where people won't be afraid to take them offroad (not like the newer model 4runners-I am yet to see one offroad...too pricey), it would be nice for Toyota to make a vehicle again like the original FJ or earlier model 4runners: built tough, but cheap enough to take offroad and do modifications (i.e. lifts). What do you think?

[ABTRD]

That's a pretty sick design.. I think it'll be good idea for Toyota to come out with this vehicle...esp. since it'll be cheap, I'm sure there will be a lot of aftermarket parts for this ride, and even all the better if it does good off-road, I can't wait to see how tricked out these things might get. Just how the Scion's are gettin' more tricked out than I ever imagined.

This is a picture of the 1970 FJ 40, my girlfriend's neighbor owns one that's super tricked out. I'll try to nab some pics of it when the neighbors aren't watching.

[black93DX]

Unless its got a SFA, forget it. Now, throw some nice Toy axles under both ends with a locker and coils......

[greasyjeep]

Originally Posted by black93DX

Unless its got a SFA, forget it. Now, throw some nice Toy axles under both ends with a locker and coils......

and make it a drop top or enlarge those rear windows so you can see
also need to rip that front bumper off and improve the approach angles
SFA is a must tho

[ABTRD]

Sfa?

[dna59]

First thing I think of when I see the new FJ is Hummer H2. Don't know exactly why, but I do.

[tacojet]

Solid Front Axle

[black93DX]

Nobody in their right mind wants an IFS FJ40. That is almost contradictory. But it looks to me that it is leafsprung in the back and IFS front. Look at the picture. Also, if it was built on the 4-runner platform, is that not what it would be?


Hint to SUV companies seeking to make an enthusiast SUV or truck: get a dual solid-axle platform and throw a locker in!!! It would sell like no other! Forget road manners. What matters is that the thing can handle offroad. IFS is a great thing for MOST situations. But SFA is almost a must for a specialized offroad machine.

[greasyjeep]

Originally Posted by black93DX

Hint to SUV companies seeking to make an enthusiast SUV or truck: get a dual solid-axle platform and throw a locker in!!!

Can you say Rubicon Unlimited?

[black93DX]

Exactly!! The only one in its segment and they're selling like there's no tomorrow.

[dna59]

The look of the FJ has really grown on me, now I actually like it.

[snipe523]

Any idea on what this thing will tow?

[2tacomas]

It should have about the same capacity as the 2005 Tacoma w/ the 4.0L v6. I will have to admit that I am not much of an SUV guy, but the more I look at pics of it the more I am liking it. Here is a copy of the article from MSN covering the auto show:

With its brand-new FJ Cruiser, Toyota promises a capable, affordable and durable SUV for young buyers.



Taking their traditional first press conference slot in the Second City, Toyota kicked off Media Preview days at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show by proudly unveiling its latest sport-utility vehicle, the FJ Cruiser, to a capacity crowd of journalists.

The all-new SUV is true to the heritage of the design and off-road performance of the FJ 40 and the original Toyota 4Runner. Toyota decided to put the FJ Cruiser into production after the FJ Cruiser concept generated a very positive response when it was first shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show.

Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division, describes the FJ Cruiser as a vehicle that will "deliver true off-road ruggedness, image and performance at a very low price, making it highly accessible for a large volume of young buyers."

Taking styling cues from the original FJ 40, the FJ Cruiser design includes a wide grille with Toyota logo, round headlights, and offset combination lights. Other design features from the original include an upright windshield, white roof and wrapping rear quarter windows. The final design of the FJ Cruiser was a joint project between Toyota Motor Corporation and Calty Design Research, which developed the FJ Cruiser concept two years ago.

Toyota's latest SUV will be powered by a 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 that delivers 282 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic for either 2WD or 4WD trims. A 6-speed manual will be offered for 4WD versions.

The FJ Cruiser will be built on the platform of the current 4Runner. Although the overall length will be 11 inches shorter than the 4Runner, the wheelbase will be only 4 inches shorter, giving the FJ Cruiser short front and rear overhangs.

As with all Toytoa SUVs, standard equipment will include Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist. Other standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels and 4-wheel disc brakes.

The interior design has not been completely finalized, although Toyota officials did say that the tough, straightforward design theme will continue through to the interior and will feature a mechanical theme. Design elements include round inset instrumentation and exterior color trim on the instrument panel.

Standard interior features will include air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, a tilt steering wheel, cupholders, and rear seats that fold flat to maximize cargo capacity.

Optional equipment will include 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a rear differential lock, electronic 4-wheel traction control, running boards, a rear sonar backup assist, power outside mirrors with image lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a multi-information display, exterior color door insert panels, privacy glass, and a rear wiper. The FJ Cruiser will go on sale in early 2006.

[jg7]

Looks badass to me. Too bad you'll have to wait until 2007 to buy one since it will have rattling noises, paint chipping, parking break recalls, rough shifting, cracking plastic parts, and no customer service from Toyota!

What ever happened to Toyota quality?

[crazycruzer]

Hopefully it will bring up the value of my '71 (400 hp).