I'm in the market for a smallish SUV that will be semi-daily driven and then see some trail duty on the weekends.

There will be some upgrades (minor) to either rig,but can't go too insane because my wife will also drive them occasionally.

I think the Rubicon will be the much more capable rig offroad,but the FJ will be the more comfortable rig around town.

The lifetime powertrain warranty on the Jeep appeals to me,but the new 3.8 liter V6 doesn't. The 4.0 straight 6 in the old jeeps was a much better engine for an off roader than the V6 will be. The V6 makes more power than the S6,but at a much higher rpm.

What about the transmission? The Rubicon comes standard with the 6 spd manual as does the FJ. The Jeep has an optional 4spd auto and the Fj has a 5 spd auto. For a semi-serious trail rig,the auto is prefered....Correct?

Both rigs have a rear locker,but the Rubicon also has one up front.

The FJs are running considerably less money in the NW than the Rubicons are.

I could probably buy a base model Jeep and put a mild lift/tires on it,throw in a rear locker and be money ahead over the Rubicon. The Rubicon has a Dana 44 front axle that I wouldn't get on the base Jeep though.

My buddy had a Rubicon and he says its like a quad with a heater. It'll go just about anywhere you point it.

Anyone had any experience with the FJs?

 

No comment on the FJ, but I just spent some time in a new Rubicon.
Thoughts: Don't care for the 3.8 V6. Seemed the older Cherokees with the 4.0 had more power. Towed a 3000# trailer in the mountains, no big passes though. It was all the V6 could do to pull it at 60mph on the highway. 4 door chassis handled the trailer weight very well though.
Pretty capable, stock. Took some washed out sloped trails with ease until the snow got about a foot deep.
Was very quiet and comfortable on the highway.

 

I am not an FJ fan due to the lack of visablity. LOTS OF BLIND SPOTS

we did however rent on while in Vegas last year for the SNORE 250 race. We used it as a chase truck. Needless to say, we were not nice to it and it rode like crap.

 

I have an FJ .... mixed feelings about it. Also had an old CJ7 so I guess I have something to compare to.

The FJ does have more creature comforts than a Jeep.
They are quite capable off road.
6 speed standard tranny offers full time 4wd and a pretty low 1st gear.
Blind spots suck !!
Mirrors suck
Windshield is a rock magnet (but so is the one on the jeep).
Toyotas are VERY dependable
Front locker is an option for the FJ
Motor can be tweaked quite a bit on the FJ
A bit noisy (wind noise) The stereo compensates !!
Mileage sucks on either one.

Guess it's a toss up for me ... on the open road, I like the FJ ... up in the hills and getting with it in the mud .. I like the Jeep.

Cheers,
PISTOL

 

Price the cost of the windshield on that FJ and post up your results. You will be amazed on how expensive they are too!

 

Not sure about everyone's insurance, however mine covers windshields, it's a $50 deductable and does not penalize you or increase your premiums. Have had two replaced on Honda Accords - $650 each with out insurance.

Never driven an FJ, however I would think that blind spots would ba an issue. What I do like is the way there's a lot of room under the hood to work on the engine, even the oil filter has a small catch basin (with a drain) under it to catch spills.

Either of these rigs' European counter parts, that we can't get here, with a diesel engine and a manual transmission, would be a better choice. But thanks California - we can't by one due to YOUR regulations (resources) board.

 

Forgot to add a few things about the FJ....

~ standard tranny never needs fluid change
~ bigger inside
~ has the annoying back-up sensor that is supposed to warn you when you are about to back into a tree (I ignored mine ... got the tree. Did I mention that blind spots suck ??).
~ oil changes are very convenient to DIY and happen @ 6k under normal driving.
~ 4 windshield wipers ... 3 up front (great coverage), one in back.
~ They look REALLY good with a 6" lift and some mud sneakers !!
~ 12vac outlet in the back (option) ... for the margarita blender or grinder ...

All for now ....
PISTOL

 

If you can hold out the Jeep Wranglers should a have diesel option available in the 4Q, 2010.

MikeyB

 

I have a 89 YJ so I can't comment on either but I will give you my experence. The Jeep is very capible off road in the stock form so I could only imagine what it would do with lockers. One thing you need to know is from what I hear the lockers will only lock in low range which is 4:1 in the Rubi, but they do have aftermarket programmers that will solve this problem. The rubi also comes with a electronic disco front sway bar. If you get a base Jeep they come with the weak Dana 35 rear and a very capible Dana 30 front. The rubi has the Dana 44 front and rear. If I could afford it I would get a Rubi for myself, but my budgett wont allow it. For me the biggest advantage the wrangler has over the Toyota is the removable top. I keep my top and doors off all summer long and only run with a partial top in the winter. If you don't plan of running topless then get one with the hardtop. All in all it is what is going to fit your plans better but take into account that the Jeep is built right here in America and the FJ is built in Japan (that is from Wikipedia so I cannot verify the source). Just my .02

 

I think all the new JKs have the Dana 44 rear. I'll have to look again.

 

If they do it would be a great improvement over the 35. They should have dont it years ago.

 

Just looked again.

The Rubicons get the Dana 44 front and rear. The JK Unlimiteds (4dr) also get the D44 standard.

 

I have an 05 Rubi Unlimited and wheel on a regular basis. I have zero experience with Toyotas.

We do a fair amount of wheeling and a Rubicon is a great starting point. You get quite a bit of upgrade for your money.

 

I will buy a diesel wrangler. It would probably get 25mpg on the highway even with 35s.

 

I just sold my 08 unlimited rubicon. I didnt want too but I could not afford a truck and the rubi. I will have another one in a few years when things get better. I think all around the Jeep is a much better vehicle and value. Yes the V6 leaves much to be desired, but you have to have a little bad with all the good. Go drive them both. I can tell you this when I see a nice Jeep I give them the thumbs up, when I see a nice FJ wait wait thats not relly possible in my mind .




I can tell you one thing that trumps all- YOU CAN PULL THE TOP AND DOORS OFF THE JEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!