The Toyota FJ Cruiser was launched for the first time in the year 2006 as a model vehicle for 2007, by Hino motors.

Its assembly plant is located at Hamura, Tokyo in Japan.

It is built based on the front engine layout providing either the four wheel drive or the rear wheel drive and on the platform of Toyota Hilux.

The FJ Cruiser falls under the category of compact SUV class cars and is built on the body style of 2+2 door SUV model.

Toyota FJ Cruiser – The Ultimate “Compact SUV”

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Upon introduction, Toyota FJ Cruiser came with 4.0 liter 1GR-FE V6 engine equipped in it and was offered in two types of transmissions – the five speed automatic and the 6-speed manual transmissions.

First Generation (2003)

FJ Cruiser was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show in 2003 as a model car and Toyota took three years to release the original model, which was shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. The model was not intended for production in 2006, but due to good response, development began eventually in the early months of 2006.

Mix And Match – The Variants of the Cruiser

FJ Cruiser variants come with the 4.0 liter 1GR-FE DOHC V6 engine that produces 178 kilo watts of power @ 5200 rotations per minute and torque of 278 lb-ft @ 2700 rotations per minute.

The FJ Cruiser uses double wishbone high mounted front suspension and the stabilizer bar and a four line rear suspension with coil springs, and lateral rods. The 120 series model of Land Cruiser uses the same suspension parts as that of the FJ Cruiser.

FJ Cruiser uses the power assisted 2-piston rear or 4-piston front ventilated disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, anti lock braking system and the FJ Cruiser is also featured with the vehicle stability control system and traction control.

Standard Features

The available options in convenient package include features like:

• daytime running glasses,

• rear privacy glass,

• remote keyless entry system,

• power outside mirrors with illumination markers,

• rear intuitive parking assist system and

• the power mirrors.

The upgrade package includes the features like:

• active traction control system,

• electronic rear differential locking,

• 17 inches 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels,

• 400w power outlet,

• FM/AM 6-disc CD changer,

• exterior color keyed door trim inserts and

• the multi information display.

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser has the wheel-base of 2690 mm, while its length, width and the height are 4671 mm, 1895 mm and 1811 mm respectively.

The curb weight of the standard variant is 1840 kilo grams, 1950 kilo grams for the 4WD manual variant and 1948 kilo grams for the 4WD automatic transmission variant. This SUV is closely related to the likes of the 4Runner, Toyota Hilux and the Tacoma.

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser

As far as the body features are concerned, the rear access doors give a unique appearance to 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser . It retains its heritage with its stocky frame, grille headlight arrangement and short wheel base.

2011 FJ Cruiser is available in five different colors – Voodoo blue, Sun Fusion (yellow), Black Diamond (black), Titanium Metallic (Silver) and Black Cherry (dark Magenta).

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is in the making, and will be a worthy choice in its segment; we’ll keep you posted on the updates as and when Toyota formally announces anything.