Toyota to Unveil All-New FJ Cruiser SUV at Chicago Auto Show

New FJ Pays Homage to Toyota's Long and Rich 4x4 History

The return of a legend? Toyota certainly hopes so. The addition of a ninth sport utility model to the Japanese automaker's lineup

Developed in the early '50s, the virtually unstoppable Land Cruiser was introduced to North America as a '58 model. From 1961-65, it was the region's best-selling Toyota. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

will not only add to its sales roster but should also boost interest in the brand.

After all, the FJ Cruiser pays tribute to one of the most recognized SUVs of all time, the FJ40 Land Cruiser. The short wheelbase Jeep-like all-terrain vehicle sold from late 1958 until production ended in 1983. Initially the Land Cruiser was Japan's military conveyance, over-engineered to provide punishing service no matter the job at hand. Except for a tendency to attract rust, it was virtually unstoppable.

Without doubt Toyota will increase coverage of its latest truck focused

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. COO Jim Press unveiled the FJ Cruiser concept sport utility vehicle on January 7, 2003 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

television ads when the FJ Cruiser debuts at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 9th. The ads remind truck and SUV buyers about Toyota's long and rich history in the genre, in which it offered a lineup of sport utility vehicles long before they were trendy.

The new FJ Cruiser should do the same, not only causing truck and SUV buyers to remember the short wheelbase FJ40 and BJ70 models, but also its line of full-size Land Cruiser wagons, the original 4Runner pickup truck-based sport utility, and early Toyota 4x4 pickup trucks.