For the 2007 model year, Toyota added another outstanding SUV to the five already being sold in the United States. The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a compact SUV that is especially appealing to off road enthusiasts who spend a lot of time driving in sport utility mode. Toyota now has two SUV models in each of the three size categories-compact, mid and full size SUV-with each model either more applicable for off road driving or more applicable for every day comfort and moderate utility needs. The Toyota FJ Cruiser is the off road champ when compared with Toyota's other very capable compact SUV, the RAV4, which boasts more beauty (and comfort) and less brawn to tackle the rough terrain as well as the slightly less comfortable FJ Cruiser.

The instantly apparent retro style of the FJ Cruiser was derived from and presented, in part, in memory of, the 1960's Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. Before the creation of the corporate Toyota emblem that most are familiar with seeing on Toyota vehicles today, the 1960's FJ40 Land Cruiser's bore the letters spelling out the name of its manufacturer-TOYOTA- on the front grille. Reminiscent of that day and time, the grille of the FJ Cruiser proudly displays the Toyota name on a Land Cruiser inspired front bumper and hopes to make just as good an impression as its apparent idol the Land Cruiser, which is still produced and manufactured as of 2007-more than 50 years since it was first introduced in America. The distinctive wrap around rear windows and low overhang are also clearly inspired by the decades former Land Cruiser.

The 4 liter V6 engine that powers this agile and all terrain dominating vehicle is more than adequate for its size, though immediate acceleration can be slower than expected. The stability and handling of the FJ Cruiser are high above average as it effortlessly conquers a variety of off and on road conditions. On the road, this rugged and functional compact SUV provides a relatively smooth ride as it surrounds the driver and passengers with high quality materials that are visible throughout the simple yet highly functional interior-highlighted with metallic touches in all the right places.