Toyota FJ Cruiser DEAD – Special Ultimate Edition Farewell
Tim Esterdahl | Nov 05, 2013 | Comments 12
Toyota announced today at the SEMA show that the FJ Cruiser’s time has come. In a grandiose gesture, they presented a special 2014 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition. Will you miss it?
The iconic FJ Cruiser is officially dead. This last tribute edition pays tribute to the iconic vehicle.
The writing has been on the wall for quite a while that the FJ Cruiser’s time was limited. Ultimately, the biggest reason for its demise is the upcoming 2016 CAFE requirements. Seeing how the requirements are based on the footprint of the vehicle and the really poor fuel economy of the FJ, Toyota would have had to significantly change the vehicle to meet CAFE. This just wasn’t going to happen.
The interior of the special edition FJ Cruiser.
The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition model is really quite a send off. It includes:
A race-inspired Toyota Racing Development (TRD) off-road suspension was developed and meticulously tuned for the Ultimate Edition. The new suspension includes TRD Bilstein race shocks with increased damping, articulation and high speed stability. The front shock assemblies are 66mm with new TRD race coil springs, which raise the front of the FJ just enough to level out the stance and improve the approach angle. The rear shocks are 50mm and are equipped with remote reservoirs to decrease damping fade.
The list of new TRD goodies doesn’t stop there. A newly developed TRD front skid plate, made from one-quarter-inch thick aluminum plate comes standard on the Ultimate Edition. The TRD stamped front skid plate not only looks great, but improves approach angle and provides an increased level of underbody protection. TRD 16-inch bead lock wheels with BF Goodrich A/T KO tires, rock rails and roof rack complete the exterior.
The Ultimate Edition FJ Cruiser is only available in 4×4 and comes standard with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Crawl Control (CRAWL available with automatic transmission only), Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with off switch and electronically controlled locking rear differential. In addition, the Toyota Star Safety System is standard.
This vehicle definitely left its mark on the American automobile landscape.
Toyota says that they will only build 2,500 FJ Cruiser’s next year and the new 2014 models will be in dealerships in February 2014. The FJ has sold more than 200,000 units since 2006 and will be one of the most iconic vehicles in Toyota’s history.
What do you think? Was it time?
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Filed Under: Auto News
I always liked the FJ although I never owned one. My neighbor has one, and loves it.
I owned a 1975 Toyota L/C and maybe it was nostalgia that drew me to the FJ. The styling cues were so reminiscent of the original Landcruiser.
The only downside I saw to it (other than the fuel economy) was the vertical windshield. They just don’t deflect small rocks or other debris.
Just about every FJ in Alaska has the same feature; a cracked windshield. I’m still sorry to see them go.
Here in Utah, I see many FJs. I have several neighbors who have them. A friend was planning on getting one in a few years. He was not aware that it is being discontinued. He will need to move his purchase date up. I guess there is just not enough demand nation wide to support the FJ and 4Runner.
Too bad, it seems to be a good alternative to the Jeep 4 door.
Sorry Tim, I just can’t come up with more then that. Just not a real working truck subject. I also think it’s available with a 6 speed manual transmission.
Toyota just needs to cull the herd so to speak to improve their average mileage figures.
I always found it odd that they offered so many SUVs. In addition to the two you mentioned, there’s also the RAV4, Hilander, Venza, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser.
Seven different SUV/Crossovers seems like a lot.
GoBig,
Don’t forget the 4Runner. I do agree they seem to have quite the product assortment although the Sequoia is really just a boxed in Tundra.
-Tim
Oh I didn’t forget. I have one in my driveway. I just skipped it since the previous post had already mentioned that one.
I’m not sure I would call the Venza an SUV, but that’s more or less how Toyota views it. I guess “crossover” is the term they prefer.
I sort of classify vehicles as to whether they are serious off road platforms, or soccer mom four-wheel drives. The old Land Crusier, and more recently the FJ certainly bring serious capability to the off road segment.
GoBig,
I’m with you. The Venza is a weird size/type of vehicle. And for how many fans the FJ had, there were double the critics.
-Tim
Larry,
Thanks for the comments!
-Tim
This is really sad. I’m planning on getting one for trail expeditions. FJ is Toyota’s hardcore trail vehicle. Short wheelbase 4×4. Of course, even though it’s dead, the price for a used one will still be high. Hopefully it’ll come back in a few years with a diesel engine. Jeep must be happy. Less competition for them.
Art,
I don’t see it coming back at all. The cost to restart production with the low sales volume just doesn’t make sense.
-Tim
I don’t think the FJ had any real backing from the start. The design always seemed to be all over the place, nothing coherent, inside and out – almost ‘like it or hate it’ style.
The Jeep has a formula and to my surprise, Chrysler improved on it and may even be considering a 3.0L diesel. They sell a lot of them and make money.
I had my rear installed at a shop in Atl who specializes in refurbishing and upgrading older off-Road Toyotas. I’ve seen more than a few really nice, old FJ’s from customers who wanted a ‘Jeep-like’ vehicle with removable top etc., but with lockers, A/C, improved engine, etc.
To me, that is where the FJ cut its teeth and should have remained – light weight, good engine, safari or off road, good brakes, wider stance, open interior – things the Jeep had incorporated but interestingly, didn’t lose weight. The Jeep is too heavy.
Best they let the FJ die. RIP old bud.
I felt they were just going after the old Land Crusier crowd right from the get go. Manufactures sort of jumped on the “retro” bandwagon the last several years.
The Camaro, T-bird, and FJ all being examples.
There are only so many old L/C fans out there, and I could see why the FJ wouldn’t hold tons of appeal for anyone else. It has a pretty minimalist interior for a modern vehicle.
I have a 2008 FJ with 90K on it. On had to change brakes, rotors and one set of tires. Of course I have done all the regular fluid changes when they needed them. Other than that’ it has been a perfect ride. I am already looking into getting one of the last 2500. I want one so bad’ I’d sell a kidney for one.