Every time I drive our long-term Toyota FJ Cruiser I can't help but wonder: Was the 1999 Isuzu VehiCross six short years ahead of its time, or just two small suicide rear doors away from success? I'm not sure which is the correct answer, but I do know this; the FJ is consistently praised by the media for its innovative design, while the VehiCross was hammered by the same media for its poor outward visibility and cramped rear seat. Well, I just spent a long weekend in our FJ, and trust me when I tell you, it's hard to see out of and its rear seat isn't exactly spacious.
From where I sit, there's only one big difference between the FJ and the VehiCross, the FJ is a sales success, while the VehiCross was not... Sometimes being first isn't easy, and nobody knows that better than the product planners at Isuzu.
Scott Oldham, Editor-in-Chief Inside Line @ 20,350 miles
Subscribe
Recent Posts
Archives
Vehicles
Past Vehicles
Links
You also forgot that one looks like a really cool retro-concept while the other one looks like a melted jellybean.
The visibility issues on the VehiCross were partially solved by the addition of the Japanese market only rear view camera. Another item ahead of its time. I think that things would have been different if this was standard equipment on the US models. Then it would have been another nifty selling point.
Which is the cool retro and which is the melted jelly bean?
Aside from the name Cruiser and the grill, I see very little of the old TLC in the new FJ Cruiser. Where does that enormous ugly C-pillar come from?
The FJ makes you want to hug it and put it in your toy box. The VehiCross makes you want to step on it to see if you can crush it and then leave it in the backyard in the rain to rust.
The Isuzu fell in the "people don't like 2-doored SUVs" category.
The Pontiac/Mitsubishi side streaks are too much.
The VehiCROSS's $30,000 price tag is WAY too much.
Doood, $30K? I forgot about that, I woulda guessed 20...
I think the reason Isuzu didnt make it is plain and simple. Its one ugly vehicle (kinda like the Rav4). The cruiser is cool and has that awesome hummer look.
Ps.. Im biased, I have one and love driving it. I have no problems with visibility. I dont mind turning my neck and if necessary my back a few degrees to get a better look while backing up or changing lanes. If some isnt able or willing to do that, they shouldnt get an offroad utility vehicle and stick with the foo foo 'suv' made for the mall.
Actually all the best off roaders have great visibility. The original TLC, Jeep (CJ,YJ,TJ, Cherokee), Samurai, Trooper, etc. That's because they are designed to fill a function and not for style or looks.
It's the mall suv's that are styled to have a certain look that have all the big blind spots.
Visibility is even more important off road, when trying to navigate around or backing up from difficult situations. The FJCruiser's massive C pillars are pure style over function. I took one off road in the mountains above Santa Barbara and backing up was really difficult no matter how much I turned my head or moved my back. In comparison, a Jeep Wrangler is like looking out of a glass house.
I love the rest of the Fj, that is the one thing I'd change.
when will isuzu be gone from the US? All it is is a failed attempt at GM rebadging. Come on people may want rebadged opels in the US but why have a rebadged chevy? I cant see it lasting much longer unless they do something great with there diesel tech.
I've driven them both - though there are similarities (when I read the reviews of the FJ I too noticed they sounded very much like the reviews of the VehiCross, back in the day), there are also huge differences. Anyone who has driven a VehiCross on the street knows that it handles more like a sports car than a truck - the FJ, as much as I like the look, handles like a brick in comparison. I've taken a stock VehiCross offroad (Uwharrie) and know its capabilities - but I haven't had the opportunity to do the same with a FJ - I'd predict that they are similar (a bit more clearance on the stock FJ) but the tighter wheelbase on the VX might give it the edge on trails frequented by Jeeps and classic FJ40s.
Isuzu has been around and helping CHEV,HONDA,ACURA for a long time.remember the Chevrolet LUV/Isuzu P'UP.
Honda Pasport/Isuzu Rodeo
and the Chevrolet Colorado/Isuzu i-370.
Oh the Vehicross was ahead of its time and still is .
I like the sportcar style on the 4x4 frame.
I do think the price was to high for its time.