FJ CRUISER - Everything You Need to Know | Up to Speed

Donut
22 Aug 201912:45

Summary

TLDRThe Toyota FJ Cruiser is a rugged off-road vehicle with a storied past, tracing its roots to the military's need for a versatile 4x4 during World War II. Evolving from the AK Series to the iconic FJ-40, the Cruiser boasts a utilitarian design and impressive off-road capabilities. Initially a concept car, the FJ Cruiser's popularity led to production, featuring a 4-liter V6 engine and distinctive retro aesthetics. Despite discontinuation in 2014 due to declining sales, the FJ Cruiser remains a cult favorite with strong resale value, appealing to those who appreciate its go-anywhere attitude and unique style.

Takeaways

  • 🚗 The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a 'go anywhere, do anything' vehicle that is both rugged and reliable, offering a unique alternative to Jeeps and Land Rovers.
  • 🇯🇵 Originating from Japan, the FJ Cruiser is designed to fit in various environments, from military outposts to suburban driveways.
  • 🎥 The video is sponsored by Nos Energy Drink, which is portrayed as a superior energy drink that empowers the consumer to take on various challenges.
  • 🛠 The FJ Cruiser's lineage traces back to World War II, where Toyota was tasked with creating a better version of the Willys Jeep, leading to the development of the AK Series.
  • 🏁 The Toyota Jeep BJ, which later became the Land Cruiser, was developed during the Korean War, showcasing Toyota's growing expertise in all-terrain vehicles.
  • 🔧 The second-generation Land Cruiser introduced in 1955 featured a redesigned engine known for its torque, reliability, and low RPM operation.
  • 🌏 The iconic FJ-40 model helped establish Toyota as a global brand, known for its ability to conquer various terrains and its long production run of 40 years.
  • 🚀 The new FJ Cruiser began as a concept vehicle (XJ-10) that was well-received at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, leading to its production against initial plans.
  • 🔧 The 2007 FJ Cruiser was based on a stretched Land Cruiser Prado frame and powered by a reliable 4-liter V6 engine, offering both automatic and manual transmission options.
  • 🛠 The FJ Cruiser was designed with utilitarianism in mind, featuring exceptional off-road capabilities and distinctive exterior and interior design elements.
  • 🔄 The vehicle's off-road prowess includes a high approach and departure angle, deep water fording ability, and innovative features like the A-Track system.
  • 🎨 The FJ Cruiser offers extensive customization options, with a TRD version and potential aftermarket modifications, appealing to off-road enthusiasts.
  • 📉 Despite strong initial sales, the FJ Cruiser's production was discontinued in 2014 due to declining sales volumes, but it maintains a strong resale value.

Q & A

  • What is the Toyota FJ Cruiser known for?

    -The Toyota FJ Cruiser is known for its go-anywhere, do-anything attitude, being a super capable and reliable off-road vehicle that fits in various settings from military outposts to suburban driveways.

  • What is the significance of the Nos Energy Drink in the script?

    -Nos Energy Drink is mentioned as a partner of the show, providing energy to the host and being humorously compared to the capabilities of the FJ Cruiser.

  • What was the original purpose of the FJ Cruiser's predecessors?

    -The FJ Cruiser's predecessors, like the AK Series and the Toyota Jeep BJ, were originally created for military use during World War II and the Korean War.

  • How did the Toyota FJ Cruiser's design evolve from its military origins?

    -The Toyota FJ Cruiser evolved from military vehicles to a more utilitarian and off-road focused design, with elements inspired by the iconic FJ-40 Land Cruiser.

  • What engine does the FJ Cruiser use?

    -The FJ Cruiser uses a bulletproof 1 GR-FE engine, an aluminum 4-liter V6 engine that produces 239 horsepower, later upgraded with VVT-I for an additional 20 horsepower.

  • What unique feature does the FJ Cruiser have in terms of its windshield?

    -The FJ Cruiser has a flat, squat windshield similar to the FJ-40, which requires three front windshield wipers due to its design.

  • What is special about the doors of the FJ Cruiser?

    -The FJ Cruiser features hidden doors that open 90 degrees, making it easier to load and remove the quick-release seats, although this design can cause issues when both front and back passengers exit simultaneously.

  • What customization options were available for the FJ Cruiser?

    -The FJ Cruiser offered a TRD version with enhancements like a catback exhaust, Bilstein shocks, rock rails, and different wheels and tires. Additionally, customers could customize their FJ Cruiser with aftermarket parts like winches, light bars, and brush guards.

  • Why did Toyota discontinue the FJ Cruiser?

    -Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser in 2014 due to declining sales, as it averaged only 14,000 sales a year and they did not want to carry a vehicle with such low sales in their lineup.

  • What is ironic about the FJ Cruiser's discontinuation?

    -The irony is that despite being discontinued, the FJ Cruiser maintains its resale value better than almost any other vehicle in America.

  • What was the initial concept behind the FJ Cruiser's design?

    -The initial concept behind the FJ Cruiser's design was the RYU (Rugged Youth Utility) design team's idea, which aimed to create a vehicle that was utilitarian, lightweight, and had a strong off-road capability, reminiscent of the FJ-40 Land Cruiser.

Outlines

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関連タグ
Toyota FJ CruiserOff-Road Vehicle4x4 CapabilityRetro DesignMilitary OriginsLand CruiserAutomotive HistoryConcept to ProductionVehicle ReliabilityCustomization Options
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