2006 TOYOTA FJ Cruiser 4.0L V6 RWD 5AT (239 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota introduced the FJ Cruiser at the 2005 North American International Auto Show as a retro-styled SUV built on top of the Land Cruiser Prado platform.

The idea of a retro-styled SUV was born in the mid-’90s at Toyota’s headquarters, and the project was strongly supported by no other than the company’s president, Akio Toyoda. Even though the carmaker already had a few chassis available to create the car, the final solution was found on the Land Cruiser 120, which was the latest and most competent one to support such a project.

With a design that left no doubt about its FJ40 heritage, the FJ Cruiser sported a flat front fascia with two round headlights that flanked the grille. Moreover, the automaker didn’t put its logo on it but used the complete name instead. In addition, the bumper resembled the aftermarket ones mostly used by off-road enthusiasts on their FJ40s, albeit it was not made from steel but from plastic. Still, it featured silver trims that mimicked a shield. From its profile, the squarish wheel arches and the flared wheel fenders made room for big, off-road tires. But the most unusual part of the vehicle was found on the doors. The front ones were regular, but the rear-hinged ones were unique. Moreover, when both were opened, there was no B-pillar, so passengers could easily climb inside.

The cabin showed a minimalist design, with flat plastic areas and a center console separating the front passengers. In the back, the bench was profiled for two, albeit it could host a third person. At the same time, the trunk could’ve been expanded by lowering the rear bench.

Under the skin, the FJ Cruiser sported a ladder-frame chassis fitted with an independent front suspension and a live axle in the back. Power came from a 4.0-liter V6 that drove all the wheels via a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.