Toyota FJ Cruiser Review

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV Shown

In recent years, a few automakers have introduced what have become known as "retro" vehicles. These cars and trucks typically marry modern mechanicals with styling that recalls a successful model of the past. One of the newer additions to this retro vehicle trend is the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

The FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV that harks back to Toyota's earlier and now iconic FJ40 Series of Land Cruisers. The original FJ40 was a tough, dependable four-wheel-drive truck sold in the U.S. from 1960-'83. It's generally assumed that the U.S. military's Jeep from WWII provided the inspiration for the FJ's predecessor, the BJ20.

Like the FJ40, the new Toyota FJ Cruiser has superior off-road capabilities. It's built on a truck-based, ladder-frame chassis and features a stout suspension and drivetrain. Much of its underlying hardware is similar to Toyota's 4Runner SUV. Toyota has designed the FJ Cruiser to be a bit more specialized, however. Compared to the 4Runner, it's smaller, less expensive and more capable in off-road situations, and it's designed to appeal to younger and more active consumers.

Current Toyota FJ Cruiser

The current Toyota FJ Cruiser debuted as a 2007 model. Though officially classified as a midsize SUV, its price and immediate competition place it in the small SUV category. On the FJ Cruiser, Toyota has emphasized off-road performance and a style that invokes the heritage of the original FJ40 of the '60s.

Much of the vehicle's retro theme comes through its exterior styling. Key elements include a grille that incorporates tightly spaced round headlights, a grille-mounted classic Toyota name badge instead of the modern emblem, a white-top roof, wrap-around rear windows, an exposed full-size spare tire and an offset rear license plate.

Besides style, a major draw for shoppers will be the vehicle's off-road abilities. The Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed to have 32-inch tires, considerable wheel travel, high ground clearance and a tough, fully boxed frame. The front suspension is independent with a double-wishbone design while the rear features a solid rear axle with a four-link coil-spring suspension. Providing power for every FJ is a 4.0-liter V6 capable of 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque.

Toyota has outfitted the FJ Cruiser with a choice of two four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems and two transmissions. Four-wheel-drive models with the five-speed automatic transmission come with a transfer case that can be changed to 2-Hi, 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes. FJs with the six-speed manual transmission are more off-road-oriented, as they provide a lockable center differential but lack the 2-Hi mode. There's also a two-wheel-drive FJ Cruiser available. It comes with the five-speed automatic only.

All FJ Cruisers have two standard front doors with a pair of smaller, reverse-opening rear doors that provide easier access to the rear seat. Standard feature highlights include air-conditioning, a CD stereo, power windows and locks, stability control and antilock disc brakes. Toyota offers a few option packages to further expand the vehicle's list of amenities. Should that not be enough, a wide variety of aftermarket parts is also available.

In reviews, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has earned positive commentary for its impressive off-road ability, comfortable front seats and distinctive exterior styling. FJ Cruiser drawbacks include limited outward visibility and a rear seat area that's, in spite of the access doors, difficult to get in and out of and not particularly comfortable.

Changes to the current FJ Cruiser include the elimination of the TRD Special Edition model for 2008, although many of that model's features are available via an off-road package. Also, side and side curtain airbags became standard in '08 after having been optional for the FJ Cruiser's first year of production.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.