Why did Toyota drop the FJ Cruiser?

Why Toyota dropped the FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was discontinued for a combination of reasons, including market dynamics, changing consumer preferences, and internal considerations. Here are some key factors that contributed to the discontinuation:
1. Evolving Market Trends: The decision to discontinue the FJ Cruiser was influenced by evolving market trends. Consumer preferences were shifting towards more fuel-efficient vehicles and crossover SUVs, which offered better fuel economy and improved comfort for daily commuting.
2. Declining Sales: Sales of the FJ Cruiser started to decline, particularly after 2009, with sales numbers ranging between 10,000 and 15,000 units per year. Toyota never wanted to place incentives on the FJ Cruiser, which further impacted its sales.
3. Design and Features: The FJ Cruiser had a unique and distinctive design that appealed to a niche market. However, it also had some drawbacks, such as large blind spots, smaller cargo capacity, and rear seats that were difficult to access. Toyota attempted to address these issues by offering a reversing camera and improving the entry and exit from the rear seats, but these changes were not enough to sustain its popularity.
4. Shifting Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences were moving towards more modern and technologically advanced vehicles. The FJ Cruiser, with its retro-styled design, lacked some of the advanced features and technologies that were becoming increasingly important to buyers.
5. Market Competition: The FJ Cruiser faced competition from other SUVs and crossovers in the market. While it had a dedicated fan base, the overall demand for the FJ Cruiser was not sufficient to justify its continued production.
It’s worth noting that Toyota has considered building a small 4×4 SUV along the lines of the FJ Cruiser to appeal to hard-core off-roaders, but no specific plans or timeline have been announced.
Overall, the decision to discontinue the FJ Cruiser was a result of a combination of factors, including changing market dynamics, declining sales, and shifting consumer preferences.

Are FJ Cruisers good on gas?

The FJ uses regular gas, but it consumes a lot of it – 17/21 mpg city/highway. I averaged 12.5 mpg in city driving, so be prepared. As I drove the FJ Cruiser, the comments on the street were neverending. Most moms with little boys said it reminded them of a Tonka truck.

Why did Toyota quit making the FJ Cruiser?

Share. It’s an off-road paradise. And we think the fj’s sales problems would have been resolved if it had remained around for a little while longer.

Why is the FJ Cruiser so good?

1. Off-road capabilities: The Toyota FJ Cruiser is built to handle rough terrain and challenging driving conditions. It has a sturdy body-on-frame construction, a high ground clearance, and a range of advanced off-road features such as a locking rear differential and hill start assist.

What does FJ Cruiser stand for?

Many people have asked about the Toyota FJ Cruiser and its origins. It has roots in the legendary Toyota series. The “F” focuses on the engine type and the “J” stands for Jeep. Earlier FJ Cruiser vehicles were recognized and called BJs because they ran on a B-type engine and not the F-type engine.

Is Toyota coming back with the FJ Cruiser?

But also for the automotive. Industry as a whole the Return of the E Cruiser to the market reflects a growing demand for off-road vehicles as well as a renewed interest in classic designs.

What is the common problem of FJ Cruiser?

Depending on the model year, the Toyota FJ Cruiser commonly develops drivetrain problems like vibration and loud road noise. Other common issues for the Toyota FJ Cruiser include a shaky steering wheel, loose foot rest pedal, bad driveshaft, and shuddering engine.

Was the FJ Cruiser a flop?

Toyota sold 56,225 FJ Cruisers in its first year in the US, though sales took a steep dive when the Global Financial Crisis hit in 2008, plummeting to 28,688 examples two years after its launch. After 2008, the Toyota FJ Cruiser did not exceed 15,000 annual sales in the US.

How many miles will FJ Cruiser last?

On average, a Toyota FJ Cruiser will survive 250,000 miles. This number meets and exceeds the typical lifespan of a car from Toyota, offering an exemplary lifespan for such a unique vehicle. With proper maintenance and repairs, the car can survive even longer.

What is the problem of FJ Cruiser?

Depending on the model year, the Toyota FJ Cruiser commonly develops drivetrain problems like vibration and loud road noise. Other common issues for the Toyota FJ Cruiser include a shaky steering wheel, loose foot rest pedal, bad driveshaft, and shuddering engine.

What year was the best FJ Cruiser?

Sales for the debut year of the FJ Cruiser validated all of Toyota’s efforts for the project. More than 56,000 examples were purchased in the U.S. alone, according to Carsalesbase. In fact, the 2007 model year was the best for the FJ Cruiser.