Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007

By René Gervais

What a grill!

Of all the Cruiser’s distinctive features, the look leaves no one indifferent. The grill and the general appearance, while very contemporary, retain certain nostalgic touches. The body color scheme also stands out; it doesn’t matter which one of the five colors is chosen, the roof remains white, making for an interesting contrast. The style exercise continues with an unusually large and square-looking running board which houses various controls. And what about a windshield so restricted that it needs three wipers? I’ve seen a lot of features in my time but never this. As you would expect, front visibility is good but for over-all visibility, the word “horrible” comes to mind. Better to use the giant mirrors for a more secure ride.

A well suited engine but…

The grace with which the Cruiser pulls its imposing weight, however, has a price: that V6 agility and smooth ride makes the big PJ extremely thirsty.

To send that power to all four wheels, two types of transmissions are available; a six speed manual or the automatic five speed. After having driven the latter, I have nothing but praise for its performance.

Conclusion

My eagerness to drive the PJ was justified. If you’re looking for a personality with unique character traits, it fits the bill. The PJ is a rugged vehicle, made for off-road and for those who value practicality over luxury. Often criticized for the plain look of its models, this time, I salute Toyota’s design efforts.