Toyota FJ Cruiser (2012)

  
CARBARN | Toyota FJ Cruiser (2012) | Toyota sells a lot of different cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans in this country and that's without us even getting into the mind blowing array of models That They only sell in other parts of the world. Nowhere is this notion more evident than in the looks, character and demeanor of the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is the which is part SUV, part truck and part alien from another planet. Well, fast forward to 2012 model year and it's easy to see That the latest FJ Cruiser is a Jeep Wrangler clone no more.

On the flip side, the 2012 FJ Cruiser is the most fun to drive an SUV or truck That makes Toyota and it's also Relatively quiet even at elevated Southern California freeway speeds even where it absorbs noise Irregularity pothole and pavement with aplomb. Now this is where the designers at Toyota really Decided to throw owners of the 2012 FJ Cruiser for a bit of a loop. Opting for the auto box does push the MSRP above the $ 26,000 mark but that price includes part-time all-wheel drive, tow hooks, undercarriage skid plates galore, air conditioning with a much needed vent for the rather cramped second row of seats, an AM / FM / CD / XM / iPod 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, power windows and locks as well as ultra-Sturdy water resistant (Perhaps even knife resistant) seat fabrics as well as an easy clean rubber floor and rear deck.

Essentially, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes as standard with everything you need to become a truly "outdoorsy" person. But if That is not enough motivation for you to get back to nature, offers both a Toyota TRD Package with off-road tires and Bilstein shocks or the seriously hardcore "Trail Teams Special Edition Package" which Gives you the same Bilstein shocks as well as an electronically controlled center differential, A-TRAC (Active Traction Control), blacked out 16-inch TRD wheels as well as a number of exterior styling enhancements like rock rails and off-road lights.

Our test FJ Cruiser CAME a bit more luxuriously equipped with the Convenience Package ($ 2.150, remote keyless entry, cruise control, tinted glass, rear window wiper, spare tire cover and a back-up monitor in the rear view mirror) as well as the aptly named Upgrade Package ($ 3.030) the which adds 17-inch alloys, a locking rear differential, the aforementioned A-Trac system, a leather wrapped steering wheel, rear back-up sonar (did we mention rear visibility is bad?), a 400 -watt AC power outlet and an 11-speaker JBL premium 6-disc audio system with subwoofer. With delivery fees, roof rails and floor mats our Toyota FJ Cruiser 2012 Came to a still quite reasonable $ 33.667. Also, while the FJ can haul cargo That definitely is not really in its main design brief as the 27.5 cubic feet behind the second row of seats demonstrates Cleary.

This last complaint regarding the interior design of the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser may seem somewhat off-topic but did the powers that be really need to make-the automatic transmission shift lever 9-inches long and unrelentingly so phallic?  Surprisingly, for a two-door SUV, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser scored pretty well in IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) testing with it a top ranking of "Good" score in everything but roof strength where it was marked down one level to " average. "More tellingly, however, is the way in the which the 2012 FJ Cruiser handles corners with a minimal amount of body roll Treacherous. Even the FJ's steering feel is the link and precise as if it CAME out of something intended to be truly sporty to drive on the road.

The 2012 FJ Cruiser has steering you really must experience yourself so please no letters accusing us of finally losing the plot. Despite the FJ's rather two-ton Porky Curb weight, we found to be excellent braking power, fade free in traffic and without any of the grabbiness That Sometimes afflicts other Toyota models. As we Stated Earlier, the standard 4.0-liter V6 is a reliable workhorse That felt far more powerful in the FJ than in any other Toyota SUV (4Runner) or pick-up (Tacoma) That we've driven equipped with this motor. Then, of course, there is still really old school the option of a six-speed manual transmission That also adds the benefit of Full Time 4-Wheel Drive to the 2012 FJ Cruiser party mix.