FJ Cruiser dead

[KingBilly]

Right hand drive models to cease production in August 2016

http://www.4x4australia.com.au/news/1605/production-to-end-for-toyota-fj-cruiser/

KB

[plusnq]

The manufacturers are being forced into more and more boring off road vehicles

[JSKM]

They have been a very big seller in Australia, what a shame Toyota are doing this.

Agree with Plusnq, pushing a more and more boring off road vehicle.

[KingBilly]

Haven't been made in left hand drive since 2014, so their fate was decided some time ago

KB

[Fizzie]

I seem to remember reading when they came out, along the lines that they were never intended to be a full market line, but were only built as a short-run promo vehicle, or something like that; but when they hit the street, they went off like hot cakes, to Toyota's surprise 

[Mr Man]

I have always been undecided on how I feel about the new FJ

[tk421]

Sad that its going. I agree, it is a bit of a love hate shape, and I think from speaking to owners there are compromises to owning it, but I love the look of it and they are fun off road. 

Realistically, its old tech now based on the older Hilux/Prado's suspension, shorty chassis and older V6 engines, and it's had declining sales - they only sold 87 new ones in Jan this year - same as the Defender. Probably just not viable anymore for a high volume manufacturer to make such a niche vehicle.

[NewieCamper]

Wonder how many would have sold with a diesel or a manual option? When it first came out it sounded like a 'Murican version of the original - kinda tough, but somehow kinda wrong.

[Bird]

I have always been undecided on how I feel about the new FJ

Im not.. they are hideous!

[doc evil]

The manufacturers are being forced into more and more boring off road vehicles

and the FJ ain't. .......... 

[Kiwijohn]

Soon as the Fortuner came out something had to go - just too many options in the same bracket.

[Bird]

and the FJ ain't. .......... 

The 80 and GQ were the last of the serious wheelers...

[Mr Man]

Im not.. they are hideous!

I was trying to be diplomatic.
Yeah they make me cringe I hate the look, the colours and the fact they have a Toyota badge. I'd have more respect for them if the badge said Mahindra.

[me217]

when they first came out i really didnt like them, but after seeing a few of them getting around town withe a fair bit of work done they look quite good. reminds me a an offroad buggy from the front view.

dont think i would ever own one though.

[kylarama]

Retro based cars are always going to have a limited lifespan.

[NewieCamper]

Retro based cars are always going to have a limited lifespan.

Yup, there's a bunch of people that race out to get one to relive the glory days, then once all those people have one you need to have something special to get others to buy them. A petrol only, auto only, two door (well, it's no good for kids in the back) that looks a bit weird isn't going to win many over.

If it had four proper doors, a diesel, 7 seats it would make a much better family tow wagon

[KingBilly]

If it had four proper doors, a diesel, 7 seats it would make a much better family tow wagon

Yep, Toyota have such a vehicle, it's called a Prado 

KB

[downhilly72]

i think in stock trim they look a tad sad but once modified look sick and are quite capable.

[rags]

 A very capable car out of the box , considering it has the the under pinings of the prado
* coil rear end
* coil over strut front end
* all the usual traction control stuff
* rear diff lock
* 159 ltr fuel tank

Add to that some after market accessaries from the huge range available and you end up with a very capable car.  It has its limitations  being size internal but great for 2 people to travel in.

I would love one as a play 4x4

[The punter]

A very capable car out of the box , considering it has the the under pinings of the prado
* coil rear end
* coil over strut front end
* all the usual traction control stuff
* rear diff lock
* 159 ltr fuel tank

Add to that some after market accessaries from the huge range available and you end up with a very capable car.  It has its limitations  being size internal but great for 2 people to travel in.

I would love one as a play 4x4

Yep, that's why I bought one. My kids have their own cars, there's no better 4wd in terms of cabin space for touring for two. The best entry and exit angle of any 4wd and 10k less than the Prado  price tag. I love mine, it's a great car. No fuss, no leather, no fancy hoo ha, I chuck my dogs, firewood and all sorts of kit in the back and it's great

[kylarama]

Yep, Toyota have such a vehicle, it's called a Prado 

KB

I wonder if in 30 years Toyota will do a Retro 90 Series

Yep, that's why I bought one. My kids have their own cars, there's no better 4wd in terms of cabin space for touring for two. The best entry and exit angle of any 4wd and 10k less than the Prado  price tag. I love mine, it's a great car. No fuss, no leather, no fancy hoo ha, I chuck my dogs, firewood and all sorts of kit in the back and it's great

Sent from my GT-I9507 using Tapatalk

[doc evil]

The 80 and GQ were the last of the serious wheelers...

have to agree there bird but I'd include the GU. Anything that you need to press a button or twist a dial to engage 4wd or have fancy electronics to "assist" with your 4wding ability isn't a true offroad vehicle.........

[Skinnee]

have to agree there bird but I'd include the GU. Anything that you need to press a button or twist a dial to engage 4wd or have fancy electronics to "assist" with your 4wding ability isn't a true offroad vehicle.........

Just like any vehicle with 33" , lift and lockers hey? 

Have a bog standard 68 series 2 Land Rover I think your vehicle is too technical to be considered a true off road vehicle 

[GanG]

The way some folks rail against progress we would all be driving willeys jeeps in the bush.........its a shame that the gizmos seem to make some owners believe they no longer need to be able to drive, or that they are an alternative to experience.

[MattP]

I don't understand why people say it should have four doors and seven seats.  As mentioned before that's what the Prado is for.  The FJ as I understand it is based on the three door (not four door) Prado Chassis which is why it is lighter than the 4D Prado and more designed for recreational rather than a family off road tourer.  The suicide doors are a compromise but 100% better then two doors in the 3D Prado on which it is based.  They're built for a different demographic.  Great for two people for touring with the power to weight ratio.  No diesel! Now that's a valid argument, the limited volume put paid to that.  Mind you the petrol six is bullet proof and there is the 10K saving on purchase price over the Prado.  With both doors open you can use the blower vac and a damp rag for a quick clean given the vinyl floors and water resistant seats.  I love it.