Toyota Fortuner Opinions ?

[paul1970]

I'm thinking of buying a Fortuner but I'm interested to hear any reviews anybody has of them and which model to go for ?

I have heard that the deisel one is more powerful than the petrol version, but how noisy is the deisel one to drive ? How is the performance of the deisel compared to the petrol version ?

Also I have noticed when I walked past a parked Fortuner that the rear wheels had drum brakes, I would think the stopping distance on one of these heavy cars with drum brakes would be terrible, so are their models that have disc all round or can the drums be upgraded to discs ?

Thanks for any opinions.

[MrSnrang]

The diesel one is very quiet and smooth. There is only a bit of vibration when parked at red lights and even then it's only through the gear mode selector.

Automotive engineers know what they're doing. They designed the brake system with enough stopping power for the weight of the car. You could put a brake disc kit in the rear wheels but it would only be needed if you significantly increased the power, if there were discs in the rear wheels with standard power there would probably be a tendency for the rear to slide under heavy braking. Most of the brake bias is directed towards the front anyways in most cars so drums are fine for the back. If the brakes aren't enough for you you could always just upgrade your brake pads and get braided hoses.

The top of the line diesel with the TRD body and suspension kit still uses drums in the rear.

[Farma]

I’m happy with the diesel 3.0 V. There’s plenty of get up and go and acceleration is smooth.

There’s slight engine noise at idle. Under load or acceleration, the engine is no louder than a petrol engine and a lot quieter than other diesels I’ve driven.

The brakes are strong and stopping isn’t a problem with 7 adults and shopping on board.

Edited July 18, 2008 by Farma

[paul1970]

The diesel one is very quiet and smooth. There is only a bit of vibration when parked at red lights and even then it's only through the gear mode selector.

Automotive engineers know what they're doing. They designed the brake system with enough stopping power for the weight of the car. You could put a brake disc kit in the rear wheels but it would only be needed if you significantly increased the power, if there were discs in the rear wheels with standard power there would probably be a tendency for the rear to slide under heavy braking. Most of the brake bias is directed towards the front anyways in most cars so drums are fine for the back. If the brakes aren't enough for you you could always just upgrade your brake pads and get braided hoses.

The top of the line diesel with the TRD body and suspension kit still uses drums in the rear.

Thanks, good to know the deisel is quiet, it sounds like the model to go for (some thai's where telling me to buy the petrol because it can be converted to LPG or NGV, but I have no interest in having a compressed gas cylinder in my boot (trunk) space, especially after seeing on TV last night a report on how these things can explode in an accident, my life comes before saving a few baht at the gas station)

In general I agree the automotive engineers know what they are doing, but sometimes they make mistakes or compromises too, the Mercedes A class comes to mind.

[mikethevigoman]

Get the deisel, 2.7 gas is slow and noisier than the diesel ,,the smart is the one id have,. there is a facelift model about to be launched,.

[Moonfruit]

Ive got the diesel and its surprising how well it goes. Lots of torque so performance is good, and stopping power more than adequate.

If there is one complaint i have, is that it is like driving a bus. I also have Camry and there is obviously no comparison in drive quality, though they are two completely different kettles of fish so no point in comparing.

I previously did have Ford Escape, which was much nicer to drive than Fortuner, but also much smaller and i wouldn't buy a Ford again because of service issues. I have driven a friends new CRV, which was much more pleasant to drive. If i were going to be buying an SUV again in the Fortuner price bracket i would buy CRV every time, however as said above, there is a face lift model coming out which should be interesting.

[bkkmick]

Bouncy, bumpy, uncomfortable.

[Grant]

Bouncy, bumpy, uncomfortable.

Yes, have to spend another 200-300k for modification

[bazmlb]

I'm thinking of buying a Fortuner but I'm interested to hear any reviews anybody has of them and which model to go for ?

I have heard that the deisel one is more powerful than the petrol version, but how noisy is the deisel one to drive ? How is the performance of the deisel compared to the petrol version ?

Also I have noticed when I walked past a parked Fortuner that the rear wheels had drum brakes, I would think the stopping distance on one of these heavy cars with drum brakes would be terrible, so are their models that have disc all round or can the drums be upgraded to discs ?

Thanks for any opinions.

Drum brakes actually have good stopping power, but they overheat a lot easier than discs, a lot of the discs now are pressed sheet not cast iron, makes them cheaper but do they warp easier than cast ones?

Are they leaf spring rear like the Vigo? that would be a bigger concern.

[sweetchariot]

It's a shame Paul, cos you really are a nice guy. You will need an attitude readjustment to drive a Fortuner properly, because every one I have seen is driven by a fool.

Edited in hindsight, as some people might find the word '<deleted>' offensive, and I don't want to get banned......again

Edited July 20, 2008 by sweetchariot

[Grant]

Are they leaf spring rear like the Vigo?

No, but suspension need to be changed anyway

[NotNew2You]

some here have complaints with fortuner's airbag...just search "mobi" and "fortuner" for a harrowing story!

[PETERTHEEATER]

Get the deisel, 2.7 gas is slow and noisier than the diesel ,,the smart is the one id have,. there is a facelift model about to be launched,.

Clearly you have never driven the gasoline version very far. When I bought mine over 3 years ago my Thai friends were exhorting me to buy the clattery diesel now, suddenly, they all wish they had gasoline models to convert to NGV!

I have switched to E10 (Gasahol) and after 5 tankfuls I am still recording 10.4 kpl. One of my friends has a diesel VIGO and he is recording 11.6 kpl. The difference is in the way you drive.

To the OP: Test drive the different models from the dealers and make an informed choice. Or else buy a VIGO like Mike!

[Halfaboy]

To the OP: Test drive the different models from the dealers and make an informed choice. Or else buy a VIGO like Mike!

Good point, but I found it hard to find a dealer with test cars. Their stock of cars is usually about zereo !

[Maigo6]

It's a shame Paul, cos you really are a nice guy. You will need an attitude readjustment to drive a Fortuner properly, because every one I have seen is driven by a fool.

Edited in hindsight, as some people might find the word '<deleted>' offensive, and I don't want to get banned......again

I doubt very much that one can drive a Fortuner in a foolish manner whilst stuck in a Pattaya traffic jam.

What is about the Fortuner that riles non Fortuner owners so much ?

Are you so insecure that you feel somewhat inferior in a smaller car ?

You're like one of those guys on a Honda wave who hates people that ride big bikes, secretly wishing they had the balls to ride one or the money to buy one.

I think it's YOU that needs that attitude adjustment.

Edited July 21, 2008 by Maigo6

[TGIR]

Only one reference to MPG.....I have an '06 Ford Escape, my friend has a Fortuner. Both are nice in their own way. The Toyota is bigger which is nice when a passenger but I rather like the nimbleness of my Escape when driving.

My friend says he only gets about 9 mpg. I get 21 mpg. This would be a concern given the recent prices of fuel.

I've driven both and the Fortuner is a little quieter, the ford a lot peppier (3.0 V6). My wife says Thais don't buy the Escape because they think buying a big engine is stupid..........obviously they aren't products of the pony car generation as I am. The throaty sound of a nice V-8 is music to my ears.

Frankly I would love to have a Honda Jazz, except I wonder what would be left of us if we actually got hit by a Fortuner.

[Meerkat]

Only one reference to MPG.....I have an '06 Ford Escape, my friend has a Fortuner. Both are nice in their own way. The Toyota is bigger which is nice when a passenger but I rather like the nimbleness of my Escape when driving.

My friend says he only gets about 9 mpg. I get 21 mpg. This would be a concern given the recent prices of fuel.

9mpg in a Fortuner? Wow, is that the petrol or diesel version? I've had my diesel one for about three years now and average around 32mpg (or around 27 per US gallon) with a mixture of urban and ex-urban driving. You sure you're not getting the units mixed up? I could understand around 9km/l with urban driving (but that's still around 25mpg/21mp US g).

[solent01]

Yes, I think he has got mixed up with the unit of measurement, by the way, along with the face lift will be satnav, I asked if it will also play movie disks and was told yes, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

[sumasa]

Hi everyone,

I am from Singapore and am new to the forum. Been looking around for advise.....believe its best to check out with my Thai brothers here in the forum on Toyota Fortuner. I mean where else can u get best advise on fortuner besides from beautiful Thailand where the car is made.

Anyway, I am planning to buy a 2nd hand toyota fortuner 2.7L petrol. Most of the cars I have narrowed/selected have a high mileage of 70,000km to 80,000km. Is there something that I have to look out for? Is it okay to buy these cars or look for something with a lower mileage say below 50,000km?

here is my selection:

http://www.sgcarmart.com/main/info-2fonmN9g-1175.html

http://www.sgcarmart.com/main/info-2Excism-1175.html

Note: All fortuners in Singapore are 2.7L gasoline/petrol as diesel private cars are not allowed.

Also, I have been reading the forum and there is a problem with the braking system. What do I need to do to avoid this problem? upgrade the braking system? etc....

I look forward to your advise and thank you in advance.

Cheers!

sumasa

Edited July 23, 2008 by sumasa