Toyota Fortuner 2.7L and 3.0D4-D test drive report

**number001** · November 1st, 2005 11:33 PM

With the omission of so many features from the Thai version such as the immobilizer, steering wheels controls, leather seats, back-up sensors, rear disc brakes, TDS, etc.. and with the recent spate of senseless price increases, one can't help but feel very shortchanged by Toyota Phils.

**apexi_66** · November 2nd, 2005 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by carlocaraddict

mbt, mazdamazda, baiskee and me test drove the Fortuner this morning in Toyota Makati.

IMO, the Fortuner is a little bit bouncy for me. Though the 4x4 D-4D is very responsive comparing with the 2.7 vvt-i. We drove the Fortuner to Malugay street where it has uneven road road surface. The steering wheel was somewhat unstable(it was noticed by mazdamazda).
I really dont know if the km/l readings on the dashboard were acurate. sa 4x4 it reflected as 4.4km/l.

Well, IMO, the noise level in the cabin is acceptable. Head unit is somewhat cheap looking. There are tweeters included in the Fortuner. Sound system medyo bitin.

Well, if I compare it with the Everest and Montero, mas ok ang Fortuner, IMO.

paging mazdamazda and baiskee

Kamusta naman ang headroom? I heard mababa. Sa labas, he looks tall. Maybe it's because of the tire size. Saka yong door panelling, is it really thick. It' looks bulky and heavy. Saka the way I look at it pag tumatakbo sya, parang tipsy sya malakas ang body roll.

**mbt** · November 2nd, 2005 11:24 PM

body roll is quite heavy by car standards (and car-based SUV standards) but about average for a truck.

no complaints with headroom for me.

**vicoyski** · November 3rd, 2005 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by apexi_66

Kamusta naman ang headroom? I heard mababa. Sa labas, he looks tall. Maybe it's because of the tire size. Saka yong door panelling, is it really thick. It' looks bulky and heavy. Saka the way I look at it pag tumatakbo sya, parang tipsy sya malakas ang body roll.

Why are you so intent on listing all the bad stuff on the Fortuner? It has many bad stuff, but headroom and body-roll are the least of its problems...

You want a list of bad stuff? Here it goes...
- Plastic interior makes you feel like you're driving a "little tikes" SUV. It's not thick. It sounds hollow nga when you knock on it, eh.
- Sluggish steering wheel.
- No wheel well covers.
- No rear bumper cargo loading guard. Loading heavy sharp-edged items at the rear can scratch up the rear bumper.
- High-end variant has exactly the same amenities as the low-end variant (shouldn't the high-end variant at least have leather seats?).
- Stereo sucks! Doesn't even have auxillary in (can't plug in an iPOD).
- Last, and probably the worst of all, THE WAIT!!!

So, if you really feel that a Sorento can outweigh the above list, then by all means, get one.

**cardo** · November 3rd, 2005 10:16 AM

The fortuner will not make US Landfall unless it has the plush suspension, roominess and engine pep that will rival most US based midsize SUV’s. Sure the 2.7 and d4d engines make good on our shores but in the US, you’ll be left behind on their mega freeways. You’ll just be honked at and angrily be greeted to move to the right by those yanks

Just checkout the average American, an laki nila and they haul lotsa stuff. Everything there is extra large! And they are always in a rush, because time is money to them hence their need for large gas powered engines to power them and move them from point A to B for this type of car.

**bruquee** · November 4th, 2005 09:32 AM

to be honest. this car brings the term POS (piece of ....) to mind. my old 2003 subaru forester (not the turbo version mind you) could easily outperform this underequipped suv. so i don't understand what all the fuss is all about.

it seems to me that the reason the car is so popular is because of its looks. since we all love cars that are "ma porma" without regard to whether or not we are actually getting something for our money.

**cardo** · November 4th, 2005 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by bruquee

to be honest. this car brings the term POS (piece of ....) to mind. my old 2003 subaru forester (not the turbo version mind you) could easily outperform this underequipped suv. so i don't understand what all the fuss is all about.

I got also a subaru in the US. An outback 2.5 but non turbo. It makes 165hp, quite a figure if you're in the phils. but in the US, I sometimes feel I'm lethargic when merging with the freeway. I have to stay at the right and let those 3li-3.5 v6 v8's by and pass me

The 2.5 turbo 260+hp subaru would such a welcome upgrade

I personally think the 2.7vvti sells as it is here in the phils because of its prices, you get the prestige of owning a good looking midsize SUV compared to a similarly priced cute ute. It continues the "feel" of owning an SUV as what the 2nd gen pajero offered.

**Alpha_One** · November 4th, 2005 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by OTEP

The diesel (and 4x4 system) is worth it if you actually intend to use it (probably in the later years of the vehicle's life.

Though the price gap of gasoline and diesel are closing, diesel still packs more energy per liter than gasoline. It can get more km/L under the same driving conditions should other external variations be eliminated. So despite having the extra weight of the front wheel drive system and transfer case, the Fortuner diesel still gets roughly better average mileage than the lighter gasoline version.

Diesels are also inherently tougher, more rugged, and will take abuse better than a gasoline motor. There are less parts to break, less maintenance items to take care of, and less electronic stuff to worry about despite having an ECU already.

Also, diesels are more efficient than similarly sized gasoline engines by nature. They use heat to cause the fuel to self-ignite and can extract more mechanical power thanks to their very high compression ratio.

Ever wonder why half of the cars sold in Western Europe are diesels? Even though the cars *and the fuel* costs more?

**vicoyski** · November 4th, 2005 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by bruquee

to be honest. this car brings the term POS (piece of ....) to mind. my old 2003 subaru forester (not the turbo version mind you) could easily outperform this underequipped suv. so i don't understand what all the fuss is all about.

it seems to me that the reason the car is so popular is because of its looks. since we all love cars that are "ma porma" without regard to whether or not we are actually getting something for our money.

I take offense at your referring to my SUV as a POS!

You must be some kinda SUPER expert to tell if a vehicle is a POS, without even driving it! From your post, I can easily tell that you haven't even test-driven a Fortuner... Don't diss it 'til you've tried it!