Yep. Learned to drive in one of those (and a Willy). I've been saying for years that Ford should reintroduce the Bronco & that Toyota needs to come out with an updated version of the old 2-door Land Cruiser. That design has definite potential, can't really tell until you see it, and see how dirt-worthy it is, and how much plastic crap they put on it (ala the Avalanche). Then again, I was thiiiiiiiiiis close to buying a D-90 before I bought my last truck, and many/most peeps think those are ugly as sin.
In all honesty, I think the majority of people who buy hybrids think they're saving money. If they knew they weren't going to get the mileage that's advertised most of the time and that they were paying more to do it, I doubt the majority would buy it. Sure there are some that do it for environmental reasons, but like I said, I doubt it's the majority.
Oh, and as for the car... well... different tastes, I suppose, but I remember the first time I saw a pic of the FJ, I hurled. But you're getting married, so you got that goin' for ya...
I don't know. I certainly don't think it is the only reason. But, considering even this year you still get a $2,000 tax credit, plus in many states you are allowed to use HOV lanes with fuel efficient vehicles even with only one person...well, clearly there are benefits other than saving the environment. What you make actually find is people buying a car in their price range - which means they are paying the same as they otherwise would, but just got a different car - maybe less flashy, etc.
I don't know what the actual vehicle will be like, but seeing as Toyota makes the highest quality vehicles there is (at least according to JD Power with regard to Lexus), and seeing as the FJ 40 Landcruiser was the best 4 wheel drive vehicle ever made, I will be VERY interested in checking this thing out. And this is coming from an F-250 diesel, 4X4 crew cab driver.
Watch out for that nearly "flat" windshield. I have a friend that bought a Honda Element that also features a nearly flat windshield. She said rocks and pebbles don't deflect like they do on a normal windshield but rather hit head on and seem to "stick" causing a lot more cracks and dings and holes. Honda repair guys confirmed the issue...
I am waiting for the Jeep Gladiator, I would post pics but I don't have the inclination--check out the link: http://automobilemag.com/2007_sneak_preview/0503_jeep_gladiator/ This is a cooooool concept, I get a Jeep AND a truck bed, something I have always wanted since I used to drive an old 79 Jeep Scrambler. That said, I LIKE this FJ concept although it needs some open-air capability like a removable hard top or gigantic sun roof and removable doors. I would be hard pressed not to buy another Toyota, I have a 95 4Runner 4x4 five speed and I will run it untill the wheels fall off or park it on the lease. It's the last "boxy" 4Runner that Toyota made and sits higher and better ground clearance than most new fullsize American 4x4 trucks of today. That thing will crawl up the side of a building in 4-low, lots of fun in the hills of the Edwards plateau and any river bottoms you can find.
I just ordered an '06 last night! And what's the knock on the PT Cruiser? The wife and I bought one 3 years ago and I've never been so surprised by a car in my life. It's her daily driver, but we use it to travel. I've driven from Maryland to Texas and back three times and it's been an absolute pleasure. Cruises at 75 - 80 like a dream and have never had a problem passing on the freeway. It's got surprising power for a four-banger. Just about to go over 100,000 miles and have never had a problem with it. It's not even a novelty anymore (they're EVERYWHERE), but people still ask about it.
The Mustang is an absolute beauty. Seriously, for the type of money you pay, there isn't a car on the market that has more features or more quality-made or more power than the Mustang ($25 grands for 300hp, nice interior design, and classic retro looks). As far as the PT Cruiser concerned, they are not my taste and I wouldn't be caught dead in one, but their sales have been very strong and, in fact, a top seller for Chrysler. So it has been a big success for Chrysler. My take on 4X4 vehicles: unless you frequently do some serious off-roading, it ain't worth it to get a vehicle with high ground clearance just to cruise around city highways. If anything, the safety concern should be enough for people to avoid those vehicles all-together; same thing applies to trucks IMO. Those vehicles were designer for a reason and a target market, not for the average Joe.
I have a truck, and it doesn't see much off roading....if any. I drive it from city to city, but every summer etc. I love having it, as it's time for me to move. I don't have to worry about having a damn Uhaul truck etc.
Nice, how much did it cost you, if you don't mind my asking? And when is it expected to come in? I'd test drive the 350z and RX8 as well but I'd think I would end up with the Mustang, especially when it's cheaper than the other two!
