ShareThisIf the Mini had a mother, it would be the FJ Cruiser.The two-tone Toyota stands out in a crowd with its white top and bright body, defying a trend of increasingly racy, car-like sport utility vehicles.Pick a color -- any color -- and the FJ Cruiser looks simply adorable in its retro design: yellow body, white top; blue body, white top. The color schemes seem simultaneously quaint and rugged. Like the Mini Cooper, the FJ Cruiser always appears to be wearing a hat.Designed to resemble Toyota's FJ40, sold in the U.S. from 1960 to 1983, the Cruiser emerged as a concept vehicle from Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., in 2003.Retro styling cues included the front grille with two round, five-inch headlights, resembling the FJ40's. Hood and fender contours hearkened to history, as did a rear-mounted full-size spare tire with an off-center license-plate-mount. The Cruiser is the only current vehicle bearing the word "Toyota" across the grille instead of the corporate emblem. Despite the branding, it is actually built by Japan's Hino Motors.After its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 2003, the Cruiser went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model.For 2009, Toyota adds three new colors to the scheme: Black, Silver Fresco Metallic and Iceberg. My advice: Keep it simple. You can't go wrong with black, blue or yellow.Prices rise slightly for 2009 at about $275 per vehicle or 1.1 percent. The two-wheel-drive Cruiser goes for a very attainable $23,320, while the 4x4 sells for $24,910.Upgrades in this model year include driver and front passenger active headrests, roll-sensing curtain airbags, front map light, and a driver-side vanity mirror as standard equipment. New in the convenience package option is rearview camera and backup warning.The Cruiser's 4-liter V6 engine is appropriately strong at 239 horsepower and 278 foot-pounds of peak torque. Tuning is designed to create a pleasing exhaust note, while special sound-absorbing material under the engine cover quiet the cabin. Buyers can choose an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual on the 4x4, but the 4x2 comes only with the automatic.The automatic varies the shift pattern based on road conditions and driver input. A Flex Lock-Up feature modifies the lock-up clutch's operational range and improves fuel efficiency, which is not great at 15 city miles per gallon or 18 mpg highway with 4-wheel-drive and automatic transmission. Fortunately, the energy crisis is over thanks to the new government program -- Drill, Baby, Drill -- and the economic collapse, of course.As a true off-roader, the 4x4 uses a part-time four-wheel drive system that can slow to a crawl for terrain such as California's Rubicon Trail. A boxed steel ladder-braced frame is de rigueur for off-roaders, and double-wishbone independent front suspension allows 7.87 inches of wheel travel for climbing over rocks.The solid rear axle uses a four-link coil-spring suspension system with a lateral rod, tubular shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. This system provides 9.1 inches of wheel travel. The disc-brake system uses ventilated 12.6-inch front and 12.3-inch rear rotors. The FJ Cruiser employs a variable-ratio, hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system. Standard wheels are 17-inch steel, with 17-inch, six-spoke aluminum wheels available as an option.Sure-footedness is enhanced through traction control, anti-lock braking on the disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The electronic brain keeps the FJ Cruiser on the intended course by detecting front or rear-wheel slide during cornering and intervening to straighten the path.The Cruiser's angular wheel arches are designed to accommodate the potentially weird wheel positions that come with off-roading and are framed by flexible fender flares that resist damage.The interior is designed to reinforce the retro style while actually resisting the mud and wetness drivers and passengers are expected to encounter. The rubbery floor is easy to clean, and the water resistant seat fabric is designed for efficient drying.Ergonomically, switches for major functions, including climate and audio controls, and the optional locking rear differential are mounted for easy reach in the center dash.Standard features include air conditioning, power accessories, tilt steering wheel, four cup holders and two bottle holders, rear-window defogger, skid plates for the engine, transfer case and fuel-tank, front and rear tow hooks and mudguards.An AM/FM/CD system with six speakers, including two ceiling transducers is standard, but you can upgrade to a Premium Audio FJammer AM/FM eight-speaker system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer.Standard safety features include front seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row roll sensing side curtain airbags.WHAT'S NEW: Colors, more options.PLUSES: Styling, ruggedness, safety.MINUSES: Fuel economy.BOTTOM LINE: Uniquely retro and rugged.(E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend(at)sbcglobal.net)
Colorful FJ Cruiser covers rough terrain
Submitted by SHNS on Thu, 10/30/2008 - 18:59
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