The Toyota FJ Cruiser

Each year, we get to see the new and exciting colors available for the FJ Cruiser. The 2011 FJ Cruiser is no exception. We've been busy checking out the Army Green, and while that is one of those debatable types of colors, it happens to be one of our favorites! Below you'll find some helpful information on the Cruiser and its detailed package availability options.

FJ CRUISER COLORS



1: Silver Fresco Metallic
2: Black
3: Brick
4: Iceberg
5: Army Green
6: Cavalry Blue
7: Quicksand

Available options and packages include:
Convenience Package - a remote keyless entry system; cruise control; power outside mirrors with illuminated markers; rear privacy glass; rear wiper; rear intuitive parking assist; and daytime running lights.
 

Upgrade Package 1 - 17-in., 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires with exterior rear-door mounted full-size spare; Active Traction Control (4WD only); electronically locking rear differential; 115V, 400w power outlet; AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability, and 8 speakers; exterior color-keyed door trim inserts; multi-information display floating ball type (with inclinometer, compass, and temperature); leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls; and aluminum brush transmission level and transfer level (on 4WD models).

Upgrade Package 2 - similar to Upgrade Package 1, except the stereo includes a subwoofer with off switch. Options - include driver and front passenger front-seat mounted side airbags and front- and second-row side curtain airbags. There are a number of accessories available to the FJ Cruiser, including such things as running boards, rock rails, roof rack, front skid plate, brush guard, Garmin portable navigation device, spare tire cover, passenger-side armrest, dash applique, tow hitch, cargo mats, and cargo net.


 

A Piece of History
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is actually based on 4Runner underpinnings, the production FJ Cruiser is unchanged from the well-received and highly cartoonish concept that debuted at auto shows just four years ago.
Toyota advances both the art and science of the off-road vehicle while recalling its own off-road heritage with the introduction of the 2007 FJ Cruiser sport-utility vehicle (SUV), available in March 2006.

While actually slightly less than a foot shorter than the Toyota 4Runner, the FJ Cruiser's wheelbase was only shortened by a mere four inches. An available locking rear differential and the standard 4.0-liter V-6, rated at 245 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque, also will aid in rock-crawling adventures. That V-6 shares its four-liter displacement with two other small SUVs: the Nissan Xterra, which shares exterior dimensions very close to the FJ Cruiser, and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The Xterra's V6 has an advantage of 20 hp and 2 lb-ft, while the Rubicon's straight six gives up 55 horsepower and 47 lb/ft to the Toyota. The original FJ40, slightly smaller and taller than a modern-day base Wrangler, never got more than 135 hp and 210 lb-ft out of its inline six.

 

The five-passenger FJ Cruiser was designed as a concept vehicle and was first seen at Detroit's North American International Automobile Show in 2003. Public and media reaction to the FJ Cruiser concept was so positive that the vehicle was slated for production using most of the same design parameters as the original concept. As an indicator of the vehicle's unmistakable family DNA, several of the FJ Cruiser's color selections are reminders of the FJ40 colors.

A choice between an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission is available for 4x4 models of the FJ Cruiser. The 4x2 model of the Toyota FJ Cruiser is available only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission features Artificial Intelligence Shift Control, a which varies the transmission's shifting pattern based on road conditions and the driver's intent to provide optimal up and down shifting. It also utilizes Toyota's Flex Lock-Up Control, which is added to the basic locking torque converter.

 

INSIDE THE TOYOTA FJ CRUISER - As reported by About.com

 

Step over the high sill into the tub of the FJ Cruiser's cabin, and marvel at the simplicity of the interior. The highly perched seats are comfortable and supportive, with enough adjustment for most drivers to find the sweet spot. The dash is straight, flat and devoted to function. Key gauges sit in a cluster above the beefy three-spoke steering wheel. On top of the dash at center is space for an optional pod that houses three round gauges – an analog compass, an ambient temperature gauge and an inclinometer. There's a hatch on the dash for an optional Garmin GPS unit designed just for the FJ.

The FJ's headliner is set up as the diaphragm for two "exciter" speakers, which disperse sound throughout the cabin. A simple, body-colored rectangular panel at the center of the dash houses the radio and climate controls. The AM/FM/CD head unit powers six speakers, and will play MP3/WMA files on disc, as well as accept auxiliary input through a mini-jack on the dash – a much more advanced system than any FJ40 Land Cruiser ever had.

The FJ has clamshell rear doors for easy access without fussing up the exterior with another set of door handles. The back seat is roomy and secure, though side visibility isn't nearly as good in back as in front.

 

Toyota FJ Cruiser Archive

Consumer Reports FJ Cruiser First Look