2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Not intended for the timid or those who prefer not to be noticed, Toyota's FJ Cruiser flaunts its potential capabilities like a gladiator brandishing his sword. Not unlike Hummers and Land Rovers, the FJ boasts of its prowess by the way it looks, even when standing still.

Rugged, Retro Styling

FJ Cruiser history began in 1954 when the first Land Cruisers saw military and police use in Japan. The FJ40 was one of the first Toyotas sold in the U.S., initiating a series that drew a long line of enthusiasts over the years, long before the term sport-utility vehicle entered the national lexicon.


Like other manufacturers over the past decade, Toyota considered the prospect of reviving the FJ theme, and prepared a show vehicle to demonstrate the possibility. Styling of the FJ Concept, which appeared at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, was inspired by the 1967 model. That concept vehicle soon evolved into the production FJ Cruiser, built on a structure comparable to that of Toyota's 4Runner SUV. Toyota noted when the FJ Cruiser was launched that its fully boxed frame was a modification of the Land Cruiser Prado sold in Japan.


Apart from Hummers and some Jeeps, few vehicles look as ruggedly ready for way-off-the-road action as an FJ Cruiser. Since the FJ Cruiser went on sale as a 2007 model, little has changed. Rollover-sensing curtain-type airbags went into 2009 models, along with active front headrests, and a rearview backup camera became optional.

Power and Drivetrains

Like the original FJ40, the FJ Cruiser has an upright windshield and white roof. Rear-hinged "clamshell" access doors allow entry into the back seat, opening 90 degrees. The swing-out cargo door (with an externally-mounted spare tire) is hinged on the left.


Power comes from a 4.0-liter, 60-degree V-6, similar to the one used in Tacoma and Tundra pickups, as well as Toyota's 4Runner SUV. Running on premium-grade (91-octane) gasoline, the V-6 develops 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. An FJ can tow up to 5,000 pounds.