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

Summary

The 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.