<html>
<head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 [filtered)"> <title>This Week in Drive</title> <style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:normal; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.editminiredheader, li.editminiredheader, div.editminiredheader {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:10.5pt; font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Arial; color:#CC0000; font-weight:bold;} p.editlargeheader, li.editlargeheader, div.editlargeheader {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:18.0pt; font-size:18.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; font-weight:bold;} p.editmedheader, li.editmedheader, div.editmedheader {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:15.0pt; font-size:13.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.editminiblueheader, li.editminiblueheader, div.editminiblueheader {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:10.5pt; font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Arial; color:#003399; font-weight:bold;} p.editstorysubhead, li.editstorysubhead, div.editstorysubhead {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:15.0pt; font-size:13.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; font-weight:bold;} span.date1 {font-family:Arial;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:10.5pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:#CC0000'>This Week in Drive</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:18.0pt'><span style='font-size:18.0pt; color:black'>Toyota</span><span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:black'>, Hummer joust</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'>FJ Cruiser, the new kid in the mid-size SUV market, defies H3 and prevails</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:10.5pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:#003399'>Anita and Paul Lienert / Special to The Detroit News</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:7.5pt; font-family:Arial;color:black'>April 5, 2006</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>ANN ARBOR</span><span style='color:black'> -- The arrival of the retro-inspired 2007 FJ Cruiser may signal some unhappy news for the H3, last year's most notable newcomer in the mid-size sport-utility category.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>While each SUV is distinctive, eye-catching and designed for maximum visceral impact, the two combatants could not be more different in terms of their overall philosophy, execution and performance.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The '07 Toyota FJ Cruiser starts at $22,340 for the base 4x2 model and $23,905 for the 4x4 version, including shipping. General Motors '06 Hummer H3 starts at $29,500 for the base model, which only comes as a 4x4.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>We tested a nicely equipped FJ Cruiser 4x4 with a bottom line of $30,208 and an H3 with a sticker of $33,059.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'>Exterior</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Both Toyota and Hummer have opted for out-of-the-box designs, with the FJ adapting some of its styling cues from the vintage FJ40-series Land Cruiser and the H3 borrowing heavily from its military-based Humvee sibling.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Both vehicles have head-swiveling profiles, but the FJ appears to be more polarizing -- indeed, one of us loves it and one is less than lukewarm. The H3 seems to draw raves from nearly every quarter for its rugged exterior.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The FJ has such retro touches as round headlamps, a flat grille with Toyota spelled out in block letters, an upright windshield, wraparound rear side windows and the aforementioned white roof. It also has two odd little rear access doors that open 90 degrees in clamshell fashion and are narrow enough to make entry and exit difficult.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The H3 boasts a distinctive and appealing design that truly captures the essence of the Hummer brand and clearly links this "baby Hummer" with the larger H2 and H1 models. But it, too, has narrow rear doors, which create similar access problems for rear passengers.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>There are visibility issues with each vehicle, but they are especially aggravating in the FJ, whose ultra-thick center pillar seriously impedes vision to the side and makes backing up into oncoming traffic a major pain. Rear-mounted spare tires block vision on both vehicles.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Winner:</span><span style='color:black'> H3</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'>Interior</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The H3 and the FJ are both nicely equipped, with such features as air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, tilt steering column and AM/FM/CD player standard on both models. Power mirrors are standard on H3, optional on FJ.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The H3's cabin looks great, if a bit on the macho side, with top-grade materials, attractive metal trim and chunky, satisfying controls. The front seats are comfortable, and the gauges and controls are simple and easy to comprehend. There isn't much rear leg room, however, and the rear-seat amenities are virtually nonexistent -- only one cupholder and no vents or reading lights.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>We were surprised by the lack of such popular options in the H3 as a navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system and adjustable pedals. On the plus side, the H3 comes with General Motors' OnStar communications system.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The FJ's base interior is functional and no-nonsense, with water-repellent seat fabrics and floor surfaces covered with a gray rubber-like material. Our loaded test vehicle had lots of extra-cost options, including color-keyed door panels, a multi-information display on the dash, plus an outrageous "FJammer" AM/FM audio system with an in-dash, six-disc CD changer and a massive subwoofer stuffed in the cargo bay.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>If the H3's rear seat feels cramped, the one in the FJ is positively claustrophobic. It is pretty spartan, with no vents and no individual reading lights. On the upside, rear cargo space is ample in the FJ, while limited in the H3.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Winner:</span><span style='color:black'> Tie</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'>Ride & Handling</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Both of these mid-size offroaders are truck-based, which means they sit on a full frame.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Unlike the H3, the FJ is available in a base 4x2 model; the Hummer comes only as a 4x4. The FJ rides on standard 17-inch wheels and tires, the H3 on 16s.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Ride quality is surprisingly tame on both models, at least on smooth roads, with the Toyota's larger tires giving it a slight edge in comfort. The Hummer starts to lose its poise when the pavement starts to get a bit dicey, bouncing its occupants around like rag dolls on the really rough stuff. The FJ stays cool on all but rutted, choppy surfaces. Both vehicles exhibit prodigious offroad capability.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>On the highway, the FJ displays a bit more control, thanks in part to its speed-sensitive, variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering. The H3 has a larger turning circle and is more of a chore to park, although the FJ's visibility problems, as mentioned, make backing up an even bigger issue.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Winner:</span><span style='color:black'> FJ Cruiser</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'>Powertrain</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Toyota</span><span style='color:black'> is the hands-down winner in this department, with more cylinders, more power, more gears and better mileage.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The FJ is powered by Toyota's sturdy twin-cam 4.0-liter V-6, which delivers 239 horsepower and, in our test vehicle, was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy is 17 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the highway.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The H3 shares the GM twin-cam 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine that makes 220 horsepower and comes with a four-speed manual. The EPA rates the combination at 16/19 mpg.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Over the road, the FJ feels lively and willing at a touch of the throttle, while the H3 always seems to be working overtime. Even with just one or two people in it, the Hummer's five-cylinder engine feels anemic and grossly underpowered.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Winner:</span><span style='color:black'> FJ Cruiser</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'>Safety</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Safety is something of a disappointment on both these SUVs, in terms of what comes standard and what costs extra.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>The FJ and the H3 both get standard antilock brakes and traction control, and the FJ adds standard stability control (it's an extra-cost option on the H3).</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Toyota</span><span style='color:black'> and Hummer, however, make buyers pay extra for side curtain air bag protection, which will not sit well with parents. The FJ package includes side bags in the front seats. They're not available on the H3.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>Winner:</span><span style='color:black'> FJ Cruiser</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt; color:black'>Summary</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'><span style='color:black'>In our runoff, the Toyota FJ Cruiser beat the Hummer H3 in the key areas of value, horsepower, fuel economy and safety. If the Toyota's looks, inside and out, speak to you more than its American counterpart, then there's virtually no contest.</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.0pt'>Overall winner: Toyota FJ Cruiser</p> </div> </body> </html> |
Ride quality is surprisingly tame on both models, at least on smooth roads, with the Toyota's larger tires giving it a slight edge in comfort. The Hummer starts to lose its poise when the pavement starts to get a bit dicey, bouncing its occupants around like rag dolls on the really rough stuff.
I bet the H3 they tested didnt have the adventure package.No mention of it at all? |
Really bad article. If I was Toyota I would be pissed off that I paid for that.
|
Ok, a road test to see his and hers reaction when driving the FJ and H3 to and from the mall.
S. |
smaller tires remark makes no sense this dude needs to try and follow us we will drag him around like h1's and h2's drag us lmfao
|
did that guy think larger wheels are the same as tires oh boy
|
Quote:
the kids arn't going to set all that well in the back of the FJ , with a whole 4 inches of leg room |
Skip the kids period.
S. |
Hmm. He's wrong on at least a couple of points, isn't he? The H3 does have side curtain airbags, and it does have a navigation radio available as an option.
|
Four speed manual...riiiiiight.
|
Re: Toyota, Hummer joust
Quote:
:D :D :D :D :D |
Re: Toyota, Hummer joust
Toyota's suck. However they make a good 4 cyl...
|
Re: Toyota, Hummer joust
:popcorn:
|
Re: Toyota, Hummer joust
I know this is old, but what a load of crap. Their major points of criticism of the H3 are based on false or misleading information, which invalidates all of their conclusions. Besides, they're comparing a fully optioned 2007 FJ with a base 2006 H3.
But the article is biased on a deeper level. First, they pretend to be unbiased and start the article proclaiming the eye-catching visual and offroad qualities of both vehicles. But they immediately reveal their prejudice, by attacking the H3 and claiming that it doesn't have the options a "luxury" vehicle ought to have, while ignoring its leather and sunroof (both unavailable on the FJ). What a bunch of hypocrites. They're actually saying the H3 is "bad" because it ought to have certain luxury options, while the FJ is "good" because it doesn't either. Which is all false anyway ... the H3 actually does have the stated options and the FJ has premium sound and its own amenities. Then they sidestep that question of luxury (and even offroad prowess) and claim that the real issue is "value". But this is just another con. Price isn't the same as value. It's misleading to compare the features of a fully optioned FJ with a base H3. And it's dishonest to lie about the H3's specs and features in the first place. But it's just plain slimy to quote the base FJ's lower price as a better value, when it lacks all the options the FJ was supposedly "superior" for. So basically, they have to lie about the H3 and misrepresent the FJ's value to put both vehicles on the same level. Then all things now being "equal", it becomes a question of mere aesthetics and personal preference. But their conclusion doesn't follow. Of course there's "virtually no contest" if you like one better than the other. But how can the FJ be the overall winner if the final criteria is personal preference? Apparently, only shallow unsophisticated buyers would choose the H3's "military heritage" over the FJ's "classic retro stying". Whatever. :lame: Quote:
|
Re: Toyota, Hummer joust
Turning radius winner H3
Style winner H3 Performance winner H3 Manufacturing winner H3 Winner of paying off media in US Japan Inc. True overall winner H3:beerchug: |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:04 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin Version 3.0.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.