Even responsible adults have the right to go out and have fun with their trucks. Thank God there are still manufacturers which allow us to feel like a child again. I'm talking about Toyota and the 2008 FJ Cruiser. This truck is a blast to drive on weekends, but is it enjoyable and practical the rest of the week?
A matter of styling
The FJ Cruiser looks like one big brute, which is why it does not appeal to everybody. Either you love it or you hate it. This Toyota is actually a modern interpretation of the legendary FJ40, a tank-like truck which the Japanese automaker sold for more than a decade.
What seems to turn some people off is the outrageous size and stance making the FJ Cruiser look like it's up to no good. Truth is, when you finally get behind the wheel, this big SUV grows on you rather quickly.
A muscular V6
The 239 horsepower generated by the 4.0-liter V6 are more than enough to move the near 2-ton FJ. That's because the 278 pounds-feet of torque are available early, allowing 0-100 accelerations in under 8.5 seconds. And with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilos (5,000 pounds), you can go on vacation with your boat, ATVs or trailer house.
With regard to fuel economy, my tester posted an average of 13.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which I find to be fairly reasonable.
When playing in the mud, the Toyota FJ Cruiser benefits from a good old 2-speed transfer case for RWD or 4WD operation. Believe me, the truck will be extensively covered in mud before it gets stuck, as we found out during Toyota's media launch two years ago and our comparative match last summer. Ever since coming to market, the new FJ has proven to be a sizeable threat to the iconic Jeep Wrangler.
Surprisingly, despite its amazing off-road capabilities, the FJ Cruiser fares pretty well on paved roads. Of course, you shouldn't expect great comfort over long rides, but the suspension adjusts nicely whether you're driving on asphalt or a rough trail. Handling is also commendable.
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| The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is far from perfect, but there are many reasons to like it. |
A matter of styling
The FJ Cruiser looks like one big brute, which is why it does not appeal to everybody. Either you love it or you hate it. This Toyota is actually a modern interpretation of the legendary FJ40, a tank-like truck which the Japanese automaker sold for more than a decade.
What seems to turn some people off is the outrageous size and stance making the FJ Cruiser look like it's up to no good. Truth is, when you finally get behind the wheel, this big SUV grows on you rather quickly.
A muscular V6
The 239 horsepower generated by the 4.0-liter V6 are more than enough to move the near 2-ton FJ. That's because the 278 pounds-feet of torque are available early, allowing 0-100 accelerations in under 8.5 seconds. And with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilos (5,000 pounds), you can go on vacation with your boat, ATVs or trailer house.
With regard to fuel economy, my tester posted an average of 13.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which I find to be fairly reasonable.
When playing in the mud, the Toyota FJ Cruiser benefits from a good old 2-speed transfer case for RWD or 4WD operation. Believe me, the truck will be extensively covered in mud before it gets stuck, as we found out during Toyota's media launch two years ago and our comparative match last summer. Ever since coming to market, the new FJ has proven to be a sizeable threat to the iconic Jeep Wrangler.
Surprisingly, despite its amazing off-road capabilities, the FJ Cruiser fares pretty well on paved roads. Of course, you shouldn't expect great comfort over long rides, but the suspension adjusts nicely whether you're driving on asphalt or a rough trail. Handling is also commendable.
 |
| Despite its amazing off-road capabilities, the FJ Cruiser fares pretty well on paved roads. |