2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Preview

Does it Live Up to Its FJ Pedigree?

Toyota unveiled its first retro vehicle this week at the Chicago Auto Show, but while pulling forward design cues from one of the

Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, unveils the all-new Toyota FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 9th. (Photo: Joe Wilssens, Toyota Canada)

most recognized SUVs of all time, the legendary Land Cruiser FJ40, the new four-wheeler offers a lot of modern attributes.

But the question that remains with 4x4 enthusiasts is whether the new FJ Cruiser will merely benefit from the original FJ40's good name for off-road prowess, or if it will also be capable off the beaten path?

To get the basic gist of just what the FJ Cruiser needs to live up to in order to satisfy such diehard Land Cruiser fans, it's important to take a look down memory lane, or should I say memory logging road, at the vehicle that inspired the new design.

Toyota's short wheelbase Jeep-like FJ all-terrain vehicle sold from late

Toyota's short wheelbase Jeep-like FJ all-terrain vehicle sold from late 1958 until production ended in 1983. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

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.

The new FJ should be tough to beat off-road as well, due to its 4Runner SUV undercarriage and entry-model drivetrain, which is fittingly based on the Land Cruiser Prado SUV available in other markets. That's right. This new FJ is no poser. It will run with the best of the FJ40s and BJ70s, the short-wheelbase Land Cruiser that followed, while being miles more civilized about the job at hand.