Thoughts from the Curb

Sep 22, 2008 - Toyota FJ Cruiser: My Favorite Toyota

I was driving the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza this weekend, but because of scheduling issues, Toyota had to pick up the car early on Sunday and trade it for a mystery car. Frankly, it's hard to get excited about a Toyota "mystery car" -- oooh, a Camry, a Corolla, a Highlander?!? Does the fun ever stop?

Alas, the good folks at A&M transport deposited on my door step a cream white Toyota FJ Cruiser. A brief drive yesterday confirmed how much I missed our departed long-term FJ and how much I like this wacky off-roader. In fact, it's an easy declaration to name the FJ Cruiser my favorite Toyota.

If I were to sum up the typical Toyota attributes, I'd say inoccuous styling, complete lack of character and a boring, disconnected driving experience. The FJ Cruiser is none of these things. It looks cool, has more character than that Dos Equis guy and it actually has steering feel -- that's right, the steering wheel doesn't feel attached to an electric rudder. Despite being a tall truck with limited handling abilities, I feel more connected to the FJ than any other of its brethren. I also find its compromised visibility and limited back-seat room more acceptable drawbacks than the great many found in our long-term Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

If I lived someplace where I'd be going off-road a lot -- say next door to John McCain in Sedona  -- there's no doubt which vehicle I'd pick. Ditto if someone forced me to buy a Toyota.

-James Riswick

9:05 am | Categories: car reviews Permalink | Alert Administrator

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