The look of the Toyota FJ Cruiser is more arresting than most of its competitors', but it's not just another "retro" vehicle—far from it.
It's true that the FJ Cruiser comes from a long line of Land Cruisers with a 50-year history of setting the bar for off-road capability. Deliberate styling cues from the first-generation Land Cruiser include round headlights, upright windshield, the white-cap roof, and wrap-around rear glass.
The FJ concept vehicle débuted at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, and thanks to consumer excitement and rave reviews in the automotive press, Toyota put it into production just six months later. Based on 4Runner underpinnings, the production FJ Cruiser is remarkably unchanged from its well-received concept. The final production models will be in dealerships this March.
On the road, the FJ Cruiser is well-composed and nice to drive. The compact 105.9-inch wheelbase makes it maneuverable and easy to park.
Four-wheel-drive FJ Cruisers will be quite solid off-road. Toyota has outfitted the FJ with a choice of two 4x4 systems, two transmissions, and two types of locking differentials. They also come with a standard automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD) that reads the relative speed of the rear-drive wheels and attempts to match them.
There's plenty of other standard equipment, including air-conditioning, power windows and locks, CD player stability and traction control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. Optional front-side and front and rear side curtain air bags add to the safety factor.
While this vehicle may have been designed for younger drivers who can appreciate the FJ's extreme off-road capabilities, the FJ, like the Land Cruiser, is a very pleasant mode of transportation even if you never go off-road. Seat comfort is superb, with supportive bolsters and a soft yet durable cloth. The interior design stays true to the original FJ philosophy by being straightforward and functional. And despite the vehicle's body shape, there's little wind noise at speeds above 50 mph.
With limited production of the FJ Cruiser and a reasonable price, there will probably be more demand than supply. So if you're inclined to own this rugged vehicle, you'd be wise to visit a Toyota dealer fast.
To test drive the FJ Cruiser: David Maus Toyota, 2925 N. Hwy. 17-92, Longwood; 407.831-9788
