Toyota FJ Cruiser

FJ Cruiser - Off Roading Dream

If you are looking for the ultimate off road ride that Toyota has to offer than the FJ Cruiser is it. Toyota has a long history of making dependable and rugged vehicles. The FJ is no different from any of those vehicles. While it is a rather new model, the FJ Cruiser hearkens back to the old Toyota FJ, but adds in all the modern features you could want.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

I find many of todays so called off road vehicles to be merely tame versions of the on road vehicles. This is not the case with the FJ. Like its counterpart, the Jeep Wrangler, it is completely designed to be an off road vehicle. Its sole purpose is to find the toughest terrain and conquer it. Despite all that, on road it still is very refined and handles itself very well. But don't kid yourself, this vehicle is all outdoor warrior.

The power plant is a 4 liter DOHC 24 valve V6 that puts out an impressive 271lb-foot of torque at 4400 RPMs. What this means to you is that it has all the oomph to get up and out of any problem you may find yourself in. You can also get the FJ in both manual and automatic configurations. If you are looking for the ultimate in control I recommend the manual configuration. The FJ has both 2WD and 4WD options, but again if you are even considering this vehicle then the 4WD is a must have. With both full and part-time 4WD you can run in 4WD on road if need be.

The suspension is where this vehicle really shines. A 4-link suspension with lateral rod coil springs and stabilize bar keeps you upright in even the most challenging of situations. The four wheel drive models also come with active traction control making sure that the wheels that need power get it. This is a separation from the vehicles of the past and is a welcome change. What the older off roaders did with brute strength, the FJ handles with subtlety and accuracy.

If you are looking for modern off road vehicle that is tons of fun, the FJ Cruiser is almost impossible to beat. If you are looking for an SUV to cart your kids around and get back and forth from soccer practice, this is not the vehicle for you. The Highlander and Land Cruiser would be much better options, options that you would be more happy with in the long run. But if you are looking to get a bit dirty and want a vehicle that can take you there, none are better than the FJ Cruiser.