| Toyota's growing popularity hasn't been without | | | | Safety features everywhere. Available as a 4x2 |
| controversy. No, the automaker doesn't have | | | | or 4x4, the FJ Cruiser comes with vehicle stability |
| much of a quality issue to contend with and, no | | | | control and vehicle traction control along with |
| Toyota isn't likely to begin losing market share | | | | ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force |
| anytime soon. Yet, there is one area where the | | | | distribution for added stopping capabilities. Add in |
| Japanese automaker has a bit of a perception | | | | optional driver and front passenger seat-mounted |
| problem and that has to do with styling. Of course | | | | side airbags and side curtain airbags for front and |
| Toyota vehicles aren't ugly but there are few | | | | rear passengers and the FJ Cruiser has riders |
| models being built today that are truly exciting. All | | | | thoroughly protected. |
| that is now beginning to change as Toyota | | | | Dependable engine/transmission. Not to take too |
| releases several head turning models including the | | | | much of a risk with this model, Toyota snagged |
| latest rendition of its popular Camry sedan and | | | | the same 4.0L engine powering the 4Runner and |
| one of its newest models, the FJ Cruiser. Keep | | | | other Toyota trucks of its size and stuck it under |
| reading and we'll take a glance at just how | | | | the FJ Cruiser's hood. A five speed automatic or |
| Toyota is breaking one mold by breaking new | | | | six speed manual transmission helps the off |
| ground. | | | | roader triumph as it scales rocks or takes steep |
| Maybe it was the success of the Nissan Xterra or | | | | hills. |
| perhaps it was the desire to recapture past glory | | | | The interior of the FJ Cruiser is anything but |
| [or something in between] but Toyota's decision | | | | austere, but it certainly doesn't rise to the level of |
| to build the FJ Cruiser may not have been an | | | | the overdone Land Cruiser, not a bad thing |
| easy one. With a line up filled with various trucks | | | | though. Power windows and door locks, keyless |
| and SUVs, the proposed FJ Cruiser would not only | | | | remote entry, and a six speed CD radio are |
| be competing against the Jeeps and Land Rovers | | | | some of the features found in this model. On the |
| of the world, but with some of its own models | | | | outside, 17 inch steel wheels do their part in |
| including the car based Highlander and the | | | | helping the vehicle tow as much as 5,000 pounds. |
| versatile, truck based 4Runner. Still, the model | | | | Whatever you choose not to tow can be stuck |
| was thought to stand a chance for two reasons: | | | | inside or carried on top; with the second seat |
| the FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled vehicle taking its | | | | folded down the FJ Cruiser's ample storage area |
| design cues from the FJ40 of the 1960s/1970s | | | | is tops in its class. |
| and for its 5 passenger seating capacity: just the | | | | Best of all, the base FJ Cruiser retails for just |
| right sized vehicle that consumers would want to | | | | over $21,000 with 4x4 versions selling for about |
| take off roading. | | | | $2,000 more. One drawback reported by |
| Yes indeed the FJ Cruiser is one beast with an | | | | consumers is dealer price gouging: some buyers |
| attitude and an effective competitor in a sea of | | | | are claiming that dealers are adding four to five |
| SUVs. For the money, this is what you get with | | | | thousand dollars to the sticker price of every FJ |
| the standard model: | | | | Cruiser sold. |
| Land Cruiser style and versatility. As the original | | | | Finally, if it is fuel efficiency you are seeking the FJ |
| Land Cruisers were noted for their off road | | | | Cruiser just isn't there. Average fuel economy of |
| prowess, the FJ Cruiser matches its heralded | | | | 20 mpg is not terrible, but it is not great either. |
| relative by climbing over rocks, surging up hills, and | | | | Chances are if you are interested in a vehicle like |
| navigating sandy terrain with relative ease. | | | | the FJ Cruiser, then fuel economy will be one of |
| Retro styling. Much like Chrysler, Ford and GM | | | | your least concerns at least Toyota hopes so. |
| which have each successfully introduced and sold | | | | Truly it appears that Toyota has gotten the |
| retro styled vehicles, the FJ Cruiser's two tone | | | | styling side of their house in order with this |
| body, restrained roofline, and painted black | | | | capable retro 4x4 vehicle as evidenced by strong |
| bumpers effectively combine the old model with | | | | sales in a vehicle segment that has been hit hard |
| the new. | | | | by high gasoline prices. |