2007 Toyota Camry and FJ Cruiser
Next week I will be driving both of these vehicles, and I'm really looking forward to it. The Camry has been duking it out with the Accord as the best-selling car in American ever since the Taurus went belly-up over a decade ago, so obviously it's a crucial vehicle for Toyota. But I'm even more fascinated by the FJ. Just as the new Mini Cooper and latest Mustang successfully capture the spirit of the original models that inspired them, the FJ looks very cool and, assuming Toyota nailed the execution, it could easily be the hottest SUV on the market six months from now...
The embargo on both vehicles is several weeks away, so I won't be able to divulge details after the press event. But I will get an FJ to drive away from the event for a full test (complete with performance numbers and extensive off-roading). Look for the full test to post before the end of December.
Is the 07 Camry all new or just reworked on the current platform?
The FJ is interesting - but ugly to me. I really can not see this selling all that well. The Element has done well so ya never know.
And as far as the hottest SUV in six months - obviously it will be the 07 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade;)
I think the Camry is "all-new" for 2007. Isn't it about due for a total redesign (the last was 2002)?
I'm very curious about the new Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. We'll be driving one of those, too, in the next three weeks.
Yes, I'm curious about the new Tahoe, etc. I've got a 2002 Suburban and the thing has been great.
Off the subject probably but when are you going to get more info on the Buick Lucerne out there? You did a first drive on the car -- what's your take on the car? And, no, I'm not interested in drag racing or impressing the teens. I've got three little kids, I drive a lot and I need something that will start every single day, not cost an arm and a leg and go well on the interstate....and survive being punched by some moron in a big SUV (oops, that would be me:))
FJ looks like fun, if nothing else it's completely different. Element has similarities, but that's car-based, this is all truck.
Reworked? Yes and No. 'yota's are on a 10 yr life cycle for each platform. This is the 5th year of this Gen4 model. Gen5 is the new one being built now for debut in Jan. But it still is on the same platform with the same 2.4L engine as the Gen4 model.
The exciting questions to be answered IMO are:
- is the styling more up to day and modern like the Solara/Avalon?
- will it have ALL the safety equipment standard like the Sonata?
- WHICH V6 ? I didnt think so before but I have been convinced that it will be the 268 hp 3.5L rocket in the Avalon.
- When and what are the characteristics of the new HSD Camry?
I love the look and idea of the new FJ Cruiser. I just wonder how it will really perform off-road in stock trim and how quickly useful options will become available. Specifically an expedition rack, front and rear winch bumpers, and a lift for larger tires. I understand much of the mechanicals are based on the 4-Runner so that is encouraging because some accessories (especially internal) might just already adapt.
The exterior of the '07 Camry is mostly a HUGH disappointment! While it looks great from the side, the "grill" with the big Toyota emblem protruding more than half-way into it takes away any linear esthetics and the pronounced downward curvature of the tail lights on the trunk appear to be a designer's after-thought. The last well designed Camry was the '94 which I'm currently driving. I'm buying a new car this Spring, and it will be a Mercury Milan.
Being a LR owner now I am very interested in the FJ Cruiser. I have done lots of research and from what I have seen it is a very capable vehicle. Stock and lots of offerings aftermarket. Rack, Bumpers, Lifts are all available. I have seen manufacturers such as Donahue Racing, Old Man Emu, GObi Roof racks, ARB. The best resource I have found for this vehicle good and bad is www.fjcruiserforums.com
I am intersted in your take of the vehicle. Hope to make a decision soon.