Regular Car Reviews: 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

This is a car for someone who wants a Hummer H2, but who also reads The Huffington Post, and folds the word "sustainability" into every conversation.

[@stupidmonkez]

Just found out my drivers ed teacher watches RCR. I found out he had a focus st. We started talking about cars and he told me how his girlfriend didn't realize it was a stick until after he bought it. I said you could have told her st stood for supple trim. He responds with, "see Tanya." Made my day. It made me realize how great the RCR community is.

[@RegularCars]

Flabbypanda WOAH

[@saxwastaken]

SPER Sports Technology

[@Gyrant]

SPER I always assumed it stood for Single Turbo.

[@AwesomenessUploader]

SPER mannn I thought it was Sport Trim

[@richardharrold9736]

SPER Nah, it's Essex, short for "Shag Tracey", or, alternatively, "Sexually Transmitted"...

[@megatronVS]

I came here for a car review but I got a course in philosophy instead.

[@GunsNBudder]

Welcome to RCR!

[@DelNiceBeto]

That's an average video here

[@tomasbickel58]

Toyota FJ Cruiser: The Stand-Alone-Complex of car.

[@dafordkidfilms2264]

It's more educational than a college lecture in philosophy . It's realistic in college it's about a fantasy

[@rossedwardmiller]

You mean Semiotics

[@bilbobob]

The FJ is for the person who wants a Jeep but doesn't want a vehicle held together by glue and tape

[@davidgrgic5999]

DYNABIKE1 shut up baby

[@stevenstritenberger1761]

Agreed, or one that rusts out if it sees rain through the garage window. Love the FJ!!

[@bdcasey11]

Saud Siddiqui are jeeps supposed to be unreliable? Ive had 2 with over 300k miles

[@gwats19577]

It's a jeep that won't drain your wallet.........

[@jenkins1017]

Only valid argument here is the drain your wallet part. Jeeps aren't cheap. Other than that, they are the iconic off-road vehicle of the world for a reason. Just spend your money on what you like and don't let anyone tell you different.

[@Iliac2112]

One of my cub scout leaders drove an FJ. It was always out of the back of that thing that we had our deepwood taco lunches. The guy was simultaneously all masculine and cool because, hey, in our eyes as Cubs, he was a big bearded leader who made fires, threw hatchets and brought food spicier than our soccer moms would ever feed us. But on the other hand he always looked kind of afraid of you when you looked at him and talked to him, and sounded like he was apologizing whenever he spoke, which was seldom. Whether this says something about FJ Cruiser drivers or about Canadians, I'm not sure.

[@jebmcnees9348]

This is the exact dichotomy of the FJ Cruiser.

[@joshualaw375]

You sir, I believe, have hit the nail upon the head. That’s just about a perfect representation of this car. (Also small world, I’m a BSA Assistant Scoutmaster lol)

[@lukejolley8354]

Yep, Canadians are weird🇨🇦🇨🇦🇬🇧🇬🇧🇧🇲🇧🇲

[@maxamills1929]

My grandmother drives an fj. My grandma. That's the last person you'd expect to drive an fj, but oddly makes sense.

[@faridwakim]

my female computer teacher drives one. Makes just a bit more sense as she is a bit manly

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

EightZeroEight Synthesis its cause your grandma is smarter than most people.

[@proof4469]

Your grandmother is a simulacra of modern masculinity

[@xXMapleVodkaXx]

I like to imagine you've got one of those outdoorsy Vermont-y sort of grandmas that wear a lot of denim, and in that scenario it makes perfect sense.

[@cbrooks1992]

Right. It's a car for the woman who would have bought a Hummer, but felt guilty about it. So she buys the Hummer package, but that gives the impression of a modern family car. FJ Cruiser.

[@Ultrakillerism]

I live in Middle East and this car is god-tier here, shame that they canned production for the NA market due to low sales, the only cars that beat it in dune bashing are the Land Cruiser/LX570 and the H1 Hummer.

[@cliffharris1822]

Nice regional insight, appreciated...

[@pepayson]

Ultrakillerism its seems like u people only drive toyotas, I've always used that as a reason to like toyotas, My grampy always said If 15 arabs can fit in the bed of that thing with an with an anti aircraft gun and still smash through the desert, than it must be reliable

[@Ultrakillerism]

Pete We don't have AA's on pickup trucks where I live, but good point right there.

[@mabamabam]

Ultrakillerism Better than the Prado? Because its pretty much the same car but the Prado looks less stupid and has more space.

[@Ultrakillerism]

mabamabam Prado is a Land Cruiser and price is around 75% higher

[@ethan043]

You forgot to mention the 3 windshield wipers!

[@AlexisChateau]

I think he stopped reviewing the FJ a few minutes in, so he never got to the rest of it. 😐

[@Ziggy0120]

I actually really like the FJ cruiser idk why but it has always appealed to me

[@sleaf6]

HEY EVERYBODY!!! WE FOUND ONE!

[@kobyharrison5593]

You're one of *them*!

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

sleaf6 this truck should've been reviewed off road. You guys are stupid.

[@sleaf6]

bruce wayne sounds pretty... "based" of you lolololollolool

[@Commissar0617]

i wouldn't mind one. the winters around here are snowy and ice enough, it'd be great to be able to drive myself outta the ditch

[@Evan2]

That introduction was fucking incredible.

[@JacobSpam]

S A W S A W S

[@Jiuwrong]

I giggled.

[@jamesflores9456]

i fucking laughed my ass off

[@randomguylol-bg8yc]

its glorious

[@hallmonitor98]

should have taken it off road, it would make you appreciate it for what it was made for. Staying on paved road the whole time is like using an RV as a daily commuter and criticizing it for being a giant lumbering gas guzzler with a microwave.

[@paulpeynado7842]

hallmonitor98 LOL great analogy.

[@KurNorock]

It's awful offroad. It's ifs, it doesn't flex, and the visibility is shit.

[@427060]

At least it's being reviewed in its natural habitat. FJs that get seriously wheeled get breaky very fast, especially halfshafts and diffs.

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

@@427060 they upgraded in 2010 to bigger diff. The 4runner too

[@fritty9927]

Kur Norock I smell a disgruntled Jeep fan boy😄

[@alecjahn]

The saws get me every time. I have to pause it and walk away for a couple seconds.

[@nickb3968]

The plate says "JPNHUMR", I suppose the owner meant "Hummer", but I think "humor" is more appropriate.

[@dbh1cibai]

JaPaNese HUMmeR

[@terrythomas1690]

Japan Hummer ! but Not ! really wish they wpould make a newish 1975 toyota landcruiser with maybe an airbag or two so we did not die at the thought of a roll over ..... they were pretty narrow !

[@Haloruler64]

"You're not remembering the memory itself, you're just remembering the last time you remembered it." It may be an RCR quote, but it's a very real twist on a car review. Bravo, it describes this car very well.

[@JevonMaddox]

My Product Design, Quality processes, and senior design professor drives an FJ Cruiser and uses it as a snowplow in the winter. He bought it to replace his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Here's his review on your review: "Well I don't think they paint a very clear picture of the consumer, but i agree with the rest. I bought mine based almost exclusively on MPG, the guy in the video called the FJ a gas hog. He has a point with the aesthetics, it is styled with the middle aged hipster in mind. My FJ spends as much time on dirt and gravel as it does on asphalt and it is great in the winter. I need the clearance in the winter and the 4 wheel drive works flawlessly. I don't like the traction control bullshit, but i have been very happy with everything else. take care, W"

[@JevonMaddox]

correction: he used to have Jeep Commander 5.7L V8 hemi

[@lyric.kayden]

+Jevon Maddox He made a great choice. Jeep's are horrible for reliability and the FJ is a great vehicle for everything. This guy making the video obviously must be a Jeep or Hummer fan trying to trash an FJ.

[@MirageTactics]

Lyric Klein he's actually a Toyota fanboy. Which you clearly aren't if your calling a FJ cruiser an "FJ".

[@jasonsong86]

Lol, I didnt know you actually did a review of the FJ Cruiser because I own one. I think to me the FJ cruiser totally makes sense the way it is designed. It's reliable. Most people buy cars like this type are not hardcore offroaders but they want 4x4 and ground clearance living in a snowy area. They also want to use it daily for many miles. I've seen people with over 400k miles on the car never had any issues. The interior is designed to be functional. All plastic, easy to clean. Big buttons and knobs, easy to use with gloves on. The last thing you want in an SUV is carpeted floor and fancy trim to get damaged and buttons too small to use. Think of it as a shovel, you never cared what kind of material its made out of. The design however is a bit odd mainly because it's retro looking and the other problem is the brand. People buy Toyotas don't really look for unique looks, they want something that blend in and reliable. The FJ is too much look at me kinda retro. Overall, I like my FJ. It's not something you see everywhere on the street.

[@Hakunamutata916]

Everything Goes so many contradictions... people buy Toyotas to blend in... I like my FJ because it’s not something you see every day.. lol

[@freddieh5539]

I bought my '08 FJ brand new, and currently have a little over 100k miles. It has been as reliable as I expected, for a Toyota. Replaced tires, battery, brake pads...no other problems. I've only used 4WD a few times. In each case I was going someplace to shoot guns that most cars would be unable to navigate. Take that however you want.

[@kimieann1975]

Exactly!! What good is getting 40mpg if your replacing your car every 3 to 4 yrs. Or all the folks who can't drive around in a low clearance small vehicle. My dirt roads would tear up a little car in no time at all.

[@TheSavvySultan]

My mom has one of these, it was great. Correct me if I'm wrong, but because of the all plastic interior you can just hose out the inside of the car.

[@UintaDave]

2008 Trail Teams Owner, you can’t just hose down the interior because realistically there’s wiring underneath the flooring interior and it would damage them over time if not properly dried. You can easily clean the interior and it’s a breeze after off-roading.

[@jackstacey7519]

I own one, and while I wouldn't take a hose to the interior, a bucket of water and a sponge combined with the plastic and rubber floors make cleaning much easier.

[@jordanlerner8150]

4 am here and I'm watching RCR instead of getting some sleep for school

[@davidphillips7927]

I'm high on coke

[@SPEEDTRIBESAKURA]

Only 1 AM here. heh

[@ndinadis]

me too -4:30 but no school

[@RicoRivera]

and only 12am for me #hawaii

[@precariousbyte]

Graveyard shift. Lunch break.

[@scambroselauntrellus3681]

The more I watch RCR, the more I realize that Mr.Regular is an English major.

[@coureurdebois]

well, hes not, its the guy who is singing. (i think)

[@prashanthpanicker2890]

I believe the Roman does more of the writing.

[@Racin3]

They're both English majors, both have masters

[@blacksheepfjs58]

I love my Tonka Toy. There's nothing else like it on the road.

[@anarchybullet1624]

Thanks for the effort on making this video, But to be honest FJ Cruiser is a great off road car :P

[@jackmetzel631]

It's the best.

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

AnarchyBullet shit, I'm getting one. Toyota 4 life God dam it.

[@anarchybullet1624]

I got one 2016 ;P with crawl control ;)

[@OutsideAndStuff]

Having been off-road quite a few times in one of these, and having been half way up the door in swamp water in one of these, I feel like you missed out on seeing another side of this car. Yes, there are tons of bros compensating, and yes it guzzles gas, and yes plastic as f*uck. But give this car another run. But next time, please go off-road and see how far you can work that level before thinking it's going to flip end over end. :)

[@Rudenbehr]

Outside & Stuff No.

[@JohnSmith-wx9wj]

Sorry for the late reply. I'm also drunk. Anyway, I would totally buy one of these if it wasn't so got dang expensive in the used market. I don't want to be a hardcore off roader. I just want to hit trails and go camping. Do some star gazing at night. This truck would be perfect. But damn, Toyota used inflation on top of the fact that these are loved but not in production anymore.

[@isaacrodriguez2523]

this vehicle is on point,mountains, dunes, desert offroad and highway 4x4 is great in action. I have to question weather or not you've ever driven one.🙄

[@Bartonovich52]

No... it’s not. If you’re serious about off-roading, you’re not buying one of these. You’re buying a beat up truck to turn into a prerunner or flogging an old [insert light, narrow, body on frame SUV here] around. This is too new, too ponderous, too plasticy, and too complex for serious off-road work.

[@dmak81]

Bartonovich52 wrong.

[@SpacemanXC]

I agree, it's fucking hard to describe this car. You can clearly see what they were trying for. But pegging it is difficult because of the diverse nature of its drivers. The context of masculinity is hilarious. Because here in SoCal these are driven by soccer moms and dentists with garage gyms and mountain bikes that they mostly use to hang stuff on. To me, it embodies a form of pseudo masculinity that says "I LOOK LIKE I CAN DO STUFF...BUT I DON'T." It's never a choice for real off road people, because the idea of building a sweet jeep for less money will always appeal to those guys. And anyone with real money buys a Land Rover. So where does this thing fit? I don't really know. Somewhere in middle class mediocrity I guess.

[@Brockftw69]

Jeeps cost quite a bit more than the FJ. My dad wanted a car that he could go offroading with, but also daily drive. For a 2007 FJ a good starting price is 16k. For a 2007 Wrangler 4door, the price is >20k.

[@Brockftw69]

"Anyone with real money buys a Range Rover" that is just not true. Anyone with real money (who wants to offroad) buys a 2014 Rubicon

[@SpacemanXC]

Brockftw69 Then why do all the rich people around here drive Land Rovers instead of Rubicons? I've never seen a home worth at least a million sporting a Jeep out front. You're confusing rich people with guys who actually want to spend a week in Moab or Death Valley.

[@SpacemanXC]

Brockftw69 Yeah, but I'm not talking about new Jeeps when I say "build for less money." You're forgetting that 90% of off road culture is 80's Toyata Hiluxs and 90's Jeep Cherokees. Those are the guys I'm referring to.

[@SpacemanXC]

***** Not so shocking really. They're a dime a dozen and fairly capable stock. And even better if you throw on some heavier axles.

[@bavarianbanshee]

I love when Mr. Regular goes deep into topics like this. I could listen to him talk about these kinds of concepts for hours.

[@breeze787]

I like that my FJ CRUISER doesn't have: "Death Wobble", "Hood Flutter", transmission problems, engine start issues, air conditioning break downs, oil leaks, cabin, road and wind noise. I like my FJ Cruisers ride & the looks I get from Jeep & Range Rover owners. I like the looks of my FJ while I'm towing my trailer. I like watching others watching me make it through 2 feet of snow as they envy my unheeded progress. I like picking up my FJ after getting it detailed and having to answer questions about if I just bought it off the showroom floor. I find that getting 20 miles per gallon works for me. I like the handling and taking it off road. Mainly I like the fact that my last 4 Toyotas made it a 'no brainer' to get the FJ Cruiser because of the quality & the reliability built into all TOYOTAS. All politics aside FJ Owners have no remorse purchasing an SUV made by TOYOTA that will follow in the footsteps of $30,000 to $100,000 FJ40's built back in the 1970's for $6,000.

[@dwadholm1]

Are you suggesting that FJ Cruisers will go up in value? Highly doubtful...but they should hit a floor and stick like Jeeps.

[@pablocontreras8767]

@@dwadholm1 Fun fact.... The FJ went up in value since you wrote this...

[@dwadholm1]

@@pablocontreras8767 Yeah it's weird. 98+ 4WD Ford Rangers are skyrocketing as well.

[@pablocontreras8767]

DJ Wadholm yeap. That’s because they are very capable off-road vehicles, that are also reliable. You don’t find many options like that anymore!

[@D_2_M]

@@dwadholm1 go check for used one it's crazy.

[@Eatinbritches]

I don't know... the FJ is pretty capable off road. It's a good choice if you want something that will take you just about anywhere, but you're not a hobbyist off roader and don't want a project build. Maybe it gives off an air of faux-masculinity, but it does have the nuts to back it up after all.

[@jonathanpeterson1]

People tend to shit on off-road capable vehicles if they don't have solid axles, lockers or if they are unibody. A lot of SUV's are more capable than you think they are.

[@OtherMomo]

1. That last bit of existential memory metaphore really floored me. 2. JPNHUMR

[@__sno__3820]

Mohamed Balkis my god

[@quarawlisstafford487]

this video made me watch it and take in all the knowledge but at the end of it all i kinda sat back with a understanding and still said to myself like a remedial child with adhd in algebra "Wait what"

[@codyayo6158]

Well i feel attacked lol i got adhd and failed algebra 2

[@captainbacon3634]

I own an FJ Cruiser, AND I LOVE IT. It’s amazing, you can’t understand it until you drive one for awhile.

[@olbear303]

How could you not mention the fact it has 3 fucking wiper blades!? Japan's subtle nod to Americans love of excess? I believe so.

[@MrStiggy91]

Or, because the windshield is so short and wide that any pair of conventional wipers would not give sufficient coverage. I think the three wipers are basically a result of a vehicle going straight from concept to production. It is probably the quirkiest thing about the FJ and I too am surprised it wasn't mentioned.

[@RoobieD]

UMMs had them for ages

[@cliffharris1822]

Perhaps tres blades were required to span the windshield with optimum efficiency?

[@christopherconard2831]

A response to the idiotically short greenhouse. Either lower the doors or raise the roof. Only the new Camaros have a worse design.

[@atfsgeoff]

You forgot about one important demographic. The FJ Cruiser also appeals to people who appreciate its unique and very robust drivetrain. 6 speed manual, coupled to a high/low transfer case pushing power to a Torsen center diff, which splits the power to Torsen front and rear diffs, meaning there's always power going to all four wheels, through a fully mechanical linkage (no viscous couplings here!). It's the Unicorn of OEM 4WD systems.

[@cefb8923]

Its not, all Wranglers have come with that for basically ever. But I do appreciate it non the less because basically nothing else does anymore. Once I heard six-speed it sounded so soothing, I am buying a car that is fun to drive but then getting it in automatic.. why?

[@atfsgeoff]

​@@cefb8923 Wranglers never came factory-equipped with Torsen diffs. Some higher trim levels have electronic locking diffs, like the Rubicon. Not the same thing.

[@connor3288]

@@atfsgeoff tj rubicon rear axle is combo of locker and gear type lsd, basically a torsen design. Front is open/locker combo

[@Sekushiwolf]

I always thought of the FJ as more of an answer to the Wrangler.

[@jcnopal1740]

Sekushiwolf me too

[@kathyjulian1369]

It is

[@michaelramsey82]

I agree. It's a retro-inspired "reboot" of the old Toyota FJ40, which was basically a Japanese Jeep CJ.

[@DonutHole123]

I can't help but watch the intro over and over again

[@usernameuser5573]

Recognizing all the filming locations is starting to creep me out.

[@Spectrum184]

The memory thing... Mind. Blown.

[@josiahemhof5586]

I know someone has already said it earlier and better but this quality of writing is so rarely seen in the automotive community, in particular yt that I can’t help but come back and watch these older (now) videos almost entirely for the talent that you have, and a fun(ish) car to boot. Thank you

[@1Aevum]

If Mr Plinkett did car reviews...

[@streetgangtm]

Parody of "Daddy why did you eat my fries?" from Adventure Time at the end I'm pretty sure.

[@Angel7black]

^this, i nearly lost my shit

[@antecboy]

Yes, I did notice this too

[@alabaz]

i thought i was crazy for a second. i had to look it up. confirmed. the roman is the best

[@SM-qe4wd]

Stealth Bobber Isn't it Radiohead's Creep?

[@antecboy]

Sm ramgator Listened to it again, but it bears little to no resemblance to Radiohead's Creep compared to the Adventure Time's Daddy why did you eat my fries. Besides it's way too upbeat for the very grungey Creep song

[@VertigoGTI]

My contribution: My hairstylist/barber has an FJ Cruiser and asks me constantly if I want to go off-roading, possibly because I have an old 4Runner. I've accepted his offer multiple times but he always seems to find an excuse to not go. He's a nice guy; hell, I'd even call him a friend. But I've never understood his reasoning of purposely buying a vehicle and then setting up 'just kidding' offers to take it on a trail. I chalked it up to small talk until I noticed that he asked me every time I got a hair cut. And he's even said, "Hey, do you remember when I asked you if you wanted to hit up a trail", quickly followed by a smile... almost as if he's recalling our imaginary trip like it was a genuine memory.

[@metallicademon]

BRO LETS GO TO MOAB MOAB /rcr inside joke

[@666cemetaryslut]

I've met people like that who are all talk and no action, I hate that shit. It's probably a fantasy of his but he's too afraid of breaking it or something.

[@VertigoGTI]

metallicademon MMMMMHHHH.... SO HARD FOR MOAB

[@cliffharris1822]

perhaps the moral of the story is: hairdresser's don't come correct?

[@mickeylikecrazyy]

It's called owning a "Mall Crawler". You buy it and fix it up for off roading but youre actually too scared to take it out. Exactly like being a poser.

[@keon5779]

Love these cars so much! But they are so expensive now, used ones can go for 32 thousand dollars!

[@l8nightvibes]

depending on the year tho.. 2014 under 40k mileage can run up to $50k

[@vilchenburgbodesky1]

Love my fj, 07 Trd special edition. Super reliable, beat it to death 130k miles all original except tires obviously. Only needed oil brakes and the 100k tune up. Just won't die

[@ezekielherrera4070]

ryan klein hell yeah i have a 4x4 automatic from 2008. 185kmiles and still runs like a dream

[@ovrlxnd]

If you didn't like the FJ, it's because you didn't take it offroad and use it for what it was designed for.

[@rdspeedfab]

Exactly. Why review an off road capable vehicle and leave it on the pavement? I dont mind that he makes fun of it, but at least engage the 4WD and let it eat!

[@nezerac]

The fj is for someone who wants to offroad but doesn't know anything about offroading.

[@NonsensicalSpudz]

+No username exactly who needs mud and dirt when you have terrible roads

[@nezerac]

***** That depends on what part of what state you live in. San Diego, Ca? GET A FJ! LOL

[@nezerac]

***** "I own a 1992 Ford Festiva," YOU LIE!!! LOL. I want one of those SO FUCKING BAD BRO!! I need to get another Bronco first but festiva is on my top 10 cars to own list.

[@alexander1485]

+nezerac Geo Metro, LSi is better.

[@nezerac]

alexander1485 Metros aren't bad. If I'm honest I'd own either one. I'm not too tall and I don't mind a slow car in town. If I had to choose I'd choose a festiva and if I had a second pick it'd be the Chevy Sprint Turbo.....look that one up :D

[@johnbarr2011]

This guy rips a great car, I live in the northeast where it snows roughly 7-8 months a year, and the FJ is an absolute beast in bad weather on bad roads. Maybe he should stick to reviews of minivans and imports that run above 100 grand. Sounds like that might be HIS style.

[@gwats19577]

I like my FJ.... it's a Land Rover Defender without the Cost, lack of reliability, and snobbery.... It's a great Colorado ride.......

[@nyansugoi]

I'll remember this episode of RCR so that one day I may remember remembering it, and when that time comes I will come to better understand these things (maybe).

[@WRXXXual]

"#3: Social justice warrior who co-opts another minority's right to be offended." Amen, and thank you.

[@wompstopm123]

i discovered this channel like 2 weeks ago, and it is rapidly becoming one of my favorite channels

[@yellowbeanieboy2930]

I saw one of these today and the driver was King Douche. Everytime I switched lanes he would switch to the same lane that I was in. I eventually decided to just floor it past him

[@countvlad8984]

No one buys Toyota 4x4s, because no one needs new ones! Many 60s FJs still run today, so whats left for a car that's 5-6 or 7 years old.

[@awesomeologyism]

But those old FJ40s can get pretty stupid expensive if they're even remotely nice

[@V8SupercarFan05]

How about the millions of old Land Cruisers still running around

[@countvlad8984]

Yes,they can definitely be salty, but no matter how salty, never as salty as a new one. (Also I'm not sure if this was some dig, but the FJ40 IS a Land Cruiser) :)

[@V8SupercarFan05]

Yeah but also including the newer models, like the J70

[@cliffharris1822]

True Sir, true.

[@Dragunov302]

I LOVE THESE!!!! The reason they do this plastic, is because you can wash out the interior with a hose. I sat in a orange one in 2013, I loved it, with matching orange interior plastics. Id have the same thing, but with a manual

[@dfjelddalen]

Went back to this today, it really is one of the best especially with the way the commentary folds in on itself ånd even the intro/outro song tales konger than usual. I will noe always remember remembering this. As I drive my PT Cruiser...

[@joseferastorga]

This reviews are so well put together. I love that you could have made reviews of any art piece, book, whatever... but you chose to do it about cars. Even better, and more niche: about old cars.

[@negil]

Cars getting smaller? No, not really. Cars are getting lighter and better and gas, but if you take a look at modern versions of older models they're larger. My '91 Civic, half the size of a modern Civic, but hey, those are different cars, what about the Fit? The '91 is still smaller. 90s Rav4s are tiny, new Rav4s big. Early to mid-2000 Ford Escapes, small, 2014 Ford Escapes, sorta big. But all of those are lighter and better on gas. Cars are getting bigger, but more efficient.

[@mckseal]

The offroads/SUVs have gotten smaller to improve gas mileage, the small cars have gotten larger for safety reasons.

[@StarTrekmanrulz]

Peregrine M Yeah, but the smallest SUV on the market these days (probably the Jeep JK) is bigger than my '83 S10 Blazer, heck my Blazer looks small even next to modern sedans.

[@lamella64]

yeah modern cars are heavy and big becouse of safety regulations. big crumple zones, airbags everywhere, A pillars like that big monument in washington. allso this weight has to be pulled around so car manufacturers cant realy afford to make undertuned engines anymore which is kinda sad.

[@masterkang1024]

vehicles aren't getting smaller, but people are buying smaller vehicles. CRV has gotten bigger over the years, but it's still smaller than a Suburban from the 90's. Hence the cars (that people buy) are getting smaller

[@Daylan_Chapman]

masterkang1024 People are still buying the fuck out of Tahoes.

[@s50201]

"...modern masculinity as filtered through a crucible of misunderstanding." Amen.

[@coureurdebois]

so you just described yourself?

[@s50201]

justin bouche I can totally see that about myself -and at least 85% of men at large in society.

[@tommyculver6771]

As a fellow writer and orator, I must say that you, sir, are a master wordsmith. I've followed your channel for a couple years, and I'm consistently impressed by your talent. I very rarely comment on videos, but I felt like telling you that I sometimes steal your licks. I steal licks from Clapton and SRV too, and I reckon you get what I mean. It's pure, bloody poetry. Automotive poetry. Thanks for what you do. Another, marginally less talented guy atop a mountain between TN and NC sees what you did there... and it was awesome! Keep it up! ☮️❤️🤘

[@chromerican99]

oh man did not expect the adventure time song reference at the end there...awesome!

[@nx_Exe]

Why did you eat my fries? how did that get spoof'd by Roman haha

[@over1498]

Oh MAN I love RCR but it's nice to see you massively wrong about something. FJ Cruiser has the highest resale value of any car full stop. 2016 and everyone wants one desperately. Turns out the opposite of nobody wanted this thing. It's a fantastic offroader for those who don't want a Wrangler like everyone else. No subconscious image issues, it's just a great SUV. And saying it's for a guy "trying to make ends meet"... Well, again even with a shitload of miles the resale is about 90% of the original msrp I'm not a hater, I don't own this, and never will. But damn, the FJ is a great truck.

[@jacquizzlemons1980]

They're not great at all. They're junky as fuck. They're so cheaply made. I literally watched one with a stock Toyota battery die while the car was driving. The battery died while the car was driving!! I've heard plenty of other horror stories about these too

[@jackmetzel631]

Owner here. sticker was 28 in 2012, value of 32 in 2015 when I bought it off the lease.

[@anarchybullet1624]

Jacquizz Lemons lol u don't know what fj cruiser is..

[@stevenstritenberger1761]

You're an idiot, I saw one the other day, a 2007 and no rust at all and still going with over 500k miles on it, he's had little to no issues either.

[@kathyjulian1369]

Jacquizz Lemons You are a dumb moron!

[@limeyosu2000]

Even though these went out of production in 2014 the resale on these is incredible! as soon as they stopped making them the resale value went through the roof.

[@zx6dave77]

"Stench of rose water and yes, dear." Another amazing analogy!

[@david2996]

I drive an FJ Cruiser because I like to own a vehicle that actually appreciates in value.

[@maninredhelm]

I never really considered these ultra-masculine. Only the precise example he's driving, in black and lifted, gives the impression of a hulking vehicle IMO. But its face belongs on some tiny Suzuki off-roader. My mother really wanted a FJ until the massive plastic interior turned her off, and she's the stereotypical suburban female SUV driver who never intentionally leaves the pavement. She thought the FJ was cute.

[@robmoss8198]

Maybe your funniest video yet. Especially the bit about the hypothetical driver blending quest bars and protein powder.

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

I bought 1 of these because I love how it looks and I like the fact that you see a jeep everywhere and never see these trucks. If I wanted a jeep I would have just bought a tire lmao

[@DrpzOfBlUd787]

When you've been watching RCR for years and now when someone in your master's class asked what a simulacra is, you just say, oh it's like the FJ Cruiser to a room of confused looks and stunned silence

[@dacasman]

Nice adventure time reference at the end there xD

[@christianloper9483]

For all you saying that you had a hard time doing your usual thing with the FJ, I thought this was one of your very best breakdowns. Super cool.

[@NicholasWhitaker]

this is a riot. so glad I found your channel.

[@The0riginal]

I wanted to be an author and journalist until I ran into this stuff being spewwed by my English professor. All very interesting to the point that it hurts and I know it makes for an engaging read but I couldn't help but thinking through every single lecture "no one cares!". Yet oddly this is one of my favorite RCR's to date. Keep it up regular car reviews guy.

[@Scerttle]

Jonathon Payne He's quite modest, and I think that's why it works.

[@cavegift]

nice case of projection there dude

[@bigjohn75]

i love the fj I use it for camping towing my jon boat it fits my families lifestyle perfectly and I don't think I fit into any of those categories

[@jaqssmith1666]

+big john i got bad news for ya, buddy...

[@lyric.kayden]

+big john Same here and I drive it proudly. Trust me if you don't drive a broken down, full of plastic and unreliable parts Jeep than your an outcast. The FJ is a great vehicle and I love it and it's built off the tried and true Prado platform. Previously owned a 04 4Runner and got up to 372,000 miles when I traded it in last year for the FJ. The FJ is excellent and don't believe this idiot who made this video. Gotta be some Jeep or Hummer fan. He talks about the plastic interior but has he been in a Jeep or Hummer because those are all plastic as well but Toyota does use stronger plastics. He has only negative to say and totally is ignorant.

[@stevenstritenberger1761]

. Agreed, I'm getting a salvaged one to rebuild and looking forward to it. It fits everything I want for offroad use, towing capacity and everyday driving. I'm not buying it becuase it's some kind of cool status thing, I'm getting one because they are bulletproof and fun to drive. The video maker is clearly an overeducated elitist moron. As for me I'm just a guy who paint and builds motorcycles and lives in the country.

[@nikhilpatil7218]

You aren't taking these reviews seriously right? It's just for entertainment.

[@theSEGAtwistisover9k]

I want it even more now, one of the best videos yet.

[@zacharyf.568]

I like how this car was just 2 years old when he reviewed it, yet the interior is used up looking. the condition the cars in makes it look like it was filmed today(2019).

[@TheJoncic]

And the resale on these is insanely high. Not so much for the H2 Hummer.

[@SIZLL]

H2 hummers have been going up in price

[@wheezin_mtnbkr3576]

Ironically, now that old SUVs are becoming desirable in car culture, the FJ Cruiser's value has gone up, and they are being sold for more money used at Toyota dealerships than they nearly were new. That is for the folks who want a vintage looking off road machine....without all the hassle of it being an old off road machine. Hahahahaha.

[@horatiohuffnagel7978]

How does this channel not have a million subs? Its my kind of humour. It's very sophisticated then he goes off the handle for a second with abstract crudeness and comes right back to normal.

[@JasonGogela]

This channel is my new Top Gear. Followed up the PT Cruiser with this. I'm learning a lot about cars. Even more about life.

[@nwilczyn]

I was glad when this car came out because companies taking any real chance on styling are few and far between... especially Toyota imo... win or lose, someone had some fun designing it and it always at least makes me smile when I see one on the road... so I say it's 'neat' at least

[@crazyviolent69]

I have 2 comments. You should have reviewed the better car ( Nissan xterra) and why on earth did I completely understand what you said about the simulation and simulacra. And remembering the last time you remember a memory I strangely understood that... Great job as always

[@bruen77]

Dylan Kantzler Xterra's one of the few left that are still body on frame ie an actual SUV

[@notasolution]

The Nissan Xterra isn't even close to being the better car here. Lol what are you saying

[@RocketJohn]

bruen77 Xterra still uses leaf springs in the rear... Nissan basically decontented a Pathfinder and sold it to poor college grads in hopes they could find something fun about their lives.

[@nerdlydood]

But the Xterra is smaller and (IIRC) cheaper as well. I wouldn't really compare the two. The Xterra is more of a conventional 4x4 SUV that maintains some semblance of urban utility in addition to its off-road capability, primarily manifested in real glass windows, while the FJ40 is more of a dedicated off-roader.

[@VertigoGTI]

Take the Xterra out of the equation and replace it with the last gen 4Runner. The 4Runner was a better choice in almost every way. The FJC seemed to be the desperate sidekick that relied on macho posturing to mask its flaws... almost like an overeager wingman.

[@ghost.town.outfitters]

Watched probably 75 reviews.... Still getting better every time.

[@rajmoran]

I just like the way it looks.

[@imhellag]

Best automotive journalist working right now. Sweet Jesus that was beautiful.

[@rickjames9477]

Toyota missed the boat here in a big way. What NA should have gotten was a 70 series land cruiser like the rest of the world gets. You say there is no FJ 40 like trucks anymore and that simply isn't true. 70 series Land Cruisers are everywhere, except for NA. Offered in so many different flavors you would be shocked, pickups, troopie's, short wheel base, long wheel base, hard top, soft top and then the custom trucks.. They run in mines underground all day long all over north america, but rarely see the light of day. When you see 20 non american soldiers hanging off a truck strapped and loaded with heavy artillery, ak47s and ammo, you can bet your ass the only truck they're trusting is a 70 series. Protectionism at it's finest and it's been happening for years, if we were able to buy what the rest of the world gets the big three would have been tits up long ago....

[@skrame01]

nicely done, appreciate the effort for clear expression of thoughts.

[@baloneyjusticecheezedog]

The argument of simulation vs simulacra was incredibly deep and insightful... I love that, but i personally feel like the FJ cruiser is actually a water-down copy of what was a really a super capable 4x4 legend, and a failed attempt to capture on the Jeep wrangler market. Sure, they took lesson to heart from the HUmmer H2, but that was dead by 2009, and there best year was 2005 when they made 33,000. All Toyota did was make all the same mistakes GM did with basically the same results. On that note.. I think for the same reasons I love to have a H2, a FJ Cruiser would also cure my Simulacra 4x4 fixation. Superb videos as always!

[@dillonlol507]

What were the parodies of at the end? I recognized Creep and maybe Slow Motion?

[@briansizemore2319]

In a lot of ways isn't this similar to the "new" Beetle. I mean it's a derivative work of the original, but nothing like it at the same time. And if RCR doesn't know what to do with an FJ I'd love to see them review an Isuzu Vehicross...

[@InvictvsNox]

I would LOVE to see a Vehicross review!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

This is the greatest car review channel. Ever.

[@DaLizMs]

I got a 2014 Trailteams. Been wheeling init and its wicked, Been on roadtrips and wicked again, but I love just rollin around town init also, I look fwd to driving init everyday,. Superman has his Fortress of Solitude and I got my FJ of Solitude. All I ever drove were VW GTi cars for 15yrs but for some reason the FJ was the only appealing 4x4 I was interested in,. loads of ppl dont know what it is which is bonus I think. In the 4 years Ive owned it Iv only seen 1 other in my city of 350k which is dope!

[@CruzinKrispy]

I love this car, cant wait until its a reasonable price for a play toy like the fzj80 and 4runners are.

[@MiguelLuna1]

Dude soo deep I need someone to tow me out of here.

[@krylonfanboy9643]

you just had to hit us with the "you're not remembering the original memory you're remembering the last time you remembered that memory" in that last line there mr regular.

[@bvedant]

Now that I'm re-watching this, that conclusion really hit home!

[@iluvmyeski]

@ 7:08 I see a toyota prius review coming

[@vmontoya4]

The Mazda Miata was just a British Roadster but without all the poor engineering. Now it's Mazda's most celebrated car. The Jeep Wrangler has always notorious for being an unreliable money pit. I thought that this was Toyota trying to do the same thing. All the fun of a Jeep but with none of the headaches. I worked with a guy that had one of these. He abused the poop out of it and it never failed him once. I was sure it would be a hit because it was as capable as a Jeep but as reliable as a Toyota. Don't know why it fell flat on its face. Guess for the reasons you stated but I think it's a shame because now the Jeep has no competition and now they're so badly screwed together they catch fire. Saw one catch fire with my own eyes trying to get out of a sand pit. A SAND PIT!

[@amerigo88]

Jeep has had the CJ, YJ, XJ, JK and so on. A guy told me that FJ was a slap from Toyota - F*&k Jeep!

[@MotoFoofighter]

This review was so spot on, I just bought one yesterday and the description of potential owner #2 was exactly me haha

[@kathyjulian1369]

The perfect choice for roads outside of Boulder, they handle corners well for a real Suv.

[@leapoffaith20]

270 hp from a 4.0 liter engine? What the fuck?

[@hyperlogos]

Is that a problem? They clearly meant it to keep running for hundreds of thousands of miles. Audi only got 300hp and 295lb-ft out of the original Audi A8 at 4.2 liters. That car does 0-60 in 6.7, not too shabby for 1997

[@lamella64]

yes, its undertuned to be able to take punishment for a longer period of time

[@FehaWTF]

Martin Espinoza Audi also had the ABH 4.2 litre v8. It had 280hp and 400 Nm (295lb-ft).

[@hyperlogos]

FehaWTF was that was they called it in the Audi V8? God I hate that name

[@FehaWTF]

I have a spare ABH engine and a 5-speed. I also have a spare S13 bodyshell... I'm thinking of building a mad drift missile.

[@MrNinjaSkittles22]

I like the creep parody

[@tomlin6554]

Came here for a review of the fj cruiser, got bombarded with philosophical mumbo jumbo. LOVE IT.

[@skswig1]

A simulacra is something or someone that is nostalgic for a past that never existed. Best vid I have seen you do.

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

Shawn Swigart lol you're stupid.