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
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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) |
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
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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) |
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.