So Long Toyota FJ Cruiser

[NemesisPrime909]

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5, 2013 -- It’s finally here…and then it’s gone. Toyota today unveiled the 2014 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition at a press conference held at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

The 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition is a commemorative final special edition of the FJ Cruiser. It is the toughest and most capable FJ ever and pays tribute to the iconic vehicle that will end its production run at the conclusion of the 2014 model year. With limited production, only 2,500 will be built.

The FJ Ultimate Edition pays tribute to the iconic Land Cruiser FJ40 of the 1960’s, from which the FJ Cruiser draws its rugged DNA, inspiration and design. A unique white painted front grille surround and newly developed “Heritage Blue” paint are reminiscent of the classic FJ40.

Designed and built for rugged off-roading, the Ultimate Edition raises the bar one more time for off-road capability with all new performance upgrades. 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 4x4 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.

Farewell to an Icon
Chiseled from nearly a half-century tradition of tough off-road performance provided by the legendary FJ40, the original 4Runner, and 4x4 compact pickups, the FJ Cruiser was developed as a basic, capable and affordable off-roader aimed specifically at serious off-roaders looking to push the limits. Hailed by consumers and critics alike, the FJ Cruiser became an instant classic.

The final model year 2014 FJ Cruiser is on sale now. The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition is scheduled to roll into dealerships in February 2014, kicking off a fond farewell to a Toyota original.

With sales of more than 200,000 units sold since 2006, the FJ rides into the sunset leaving lasting memories of one of the most iconic vehicles in Toyota’s rich SUV history.
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FJ CRUISER ULTIMATE EDITION TRAIL TEAMS KEY FEATURES

Performance and Exterior Features
Unique white front grille surround and exclusive Monotone “Heritage Blue” paint
Blacked out bumpers, exterior mirrors and door handles
All-new TRD heavy duty one-quarter-inch thick aluminum front skid plate
Sew Specially-developed off-road tuned TRD Bilstein front suspension and rear Bilstein shocks with remote reservoir
Exterior FJ Trail Teams Badge
Roof rack
Rock rails
TRD 16-inch Gunmetal bead lock wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires
Rear wiper

Interior Convenience Features
Stainless steel FJ Cruiser Ultimate Edition dash plaque
Power outside mirrors with illuminated markers
Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and rear door windows
Cruise Control
Leather-trimmed steering wheel
Floating-ball Multi-information Display with inclinometer, Compass and outside temperature
Remote keyless entry system
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera display
One 115V/400W AC power outlet

I always thought the FJ and 86 where monuments to what can happen when a car company hires someone who has passion to build.

sad to see it go

[rcm47]

I've always liked these. Sad to see it go, hopefully they make a replacement for it, but chances of that are very slim.

[Taro]

I love the FJ. If I was into driving high-up/offroad vehicles, I would have purchased it instead of the 86. I settled for an Autoart FJ.

[sprintertrueno86]

Always wanted one. I look at used FJ from time to time and the resale value on these things stay pretty high. Anyone think these will be a collectible down the road?

[Whitigir]

I will need one when a Hydrogen bomb attack happens, or Zombie apocalypse. As of now, I don't need one :-D

[Kelbyat07]

An Asian Hummer haha. I was actually thinking about getting one in the summer, hopefully Toyota will make a nice big vehicle like this in the future.

[Seanskeezy]

Traded my 2012 Black FJ for my current white FR-S. Still think about these beauties from time to time and go...what if. Had to get the zombie apocalypse mode, bug out off-road vehicle thing out of my system. Who knows, it might come back at a later time.

[NemesisPrime909]

Originally Posted by Seanskeezy

Traded my 2012 Black FJ for my current white FR-S. Still think about these beauties from time to time and go...what if. Had to get the zombie apocalypse mode, bug out off-road vehicle thing out of my system. Who knows, it might come back at a later time.

heh

what was it like to live with on a day to day basis if you don't mind me asking?

[Fluxx]

I always liked the look of it, but it was just too wide for me to consider. It wouldn't fit down most of the trails in my area.

[NemesisPrime909]

Originally Posted by sprintertrueno86

Always wanted one. I look at used FJ from time to time and the resale value on these things stay pretty high. Anyone think these will be a collectible down the road?

I know the trail teams and TRD models will be, but as for the others, they might not. been seeing quite a few used ones drop below the $20k mark

[NemesisPrime909]

Originally Posted by Whitigir

I will need one when a Hydrogen bomb attack happens, or Zombie apocalypse. As of now, I don't need one :-D

like this guy

[Seanskeezy]

Originally Posted by NemesisPrime909

heh

what was it like to live with on a day to day basis if you don't mind me asking?

Poor gas mileage, to be expected, but overall a big and fun suv. Would recommend if you're thinking about it. My co-worker got in and said it felt like he was sitting in a hummer. I smiled.

[teamturbo]

The FJ Cruiser is a great car, but it depends on your application. Notoriously bad visibility in the rear. You have to double and triple check when you reverse. Bad gas milage overall. Overall, I would not get this car as a daily driver unless you live close to the mountains.

Off road capabilities are excellent. When in low gear, 4x4 with locked diffs, you get excellent high torque and traction to the wheels. I've done extensive off roading in South West Colorado with one, taking it up to 13,000' on some horribly scary trails. Literally get cold sweats knowing I'm inches from death.