Sending A Ripple Through The SUV/Truck Pond

Last year we hinted at the fact that Toyota was looking to make a huge impact in the truck market with their new truck re-branding marketing plans and then again last December with Toyota's press release outlining their intention to deliver six new variations of truck models than they had in 2004, but they didn't mention the delivery of their little FJ Cruiser model.

The FJ Cruiser, which was introduced to the public at the Chicago's 2005 Auto Show, was described by Don Esmond, Toyota's chief U.S. executive(We don't know what that means either) as ''a basic, capable and affordable off-roader aimed specifically at young buyers with active outdoor lifestyles.''





The FJ Cruiser was approved for production, according to Esmond, by the ''overwhelmingly positive response'' to the concept vehicle which debuted in 2003. While the FJ Cruiser is a far cry from the coolness level of the Concept, it does have some resemblance, namely the color of paint.

While the new FJ Cruiser does share some visual similarities with Toyota's old FJ 40 styling's, it is being marketed as a fully off-road capable SUV and to prove that point Toyota designed the mechanical points of this vehicle to fully incorporate the off-road lifestyle (again, we aren't sure what that means). The FJ Cruiser comes with a 4.0L V-6 that generates an impressive 245-hp and 282 lb-ft torque. Matted with a five speed automatic transmission or optional 6-speed manual transmission, this little SUV has the makings of everything needed to take this little guy to the off-road challenge you have always dreamed of. On a side note the FJ Cruisers can deliver all that power to the ground in either a 4x2 or 4x4 drive train configuration.

Our take? We are on the fence on this one. Overall we are about as thrilled with this new SUV as we are with the Honda Ridgeline "Truck", but at least the FJ does seem more capable than the before mention car with a bed and if it truly is more affordable than the standard SUV off the showroom floor, it is sure to make a big splash with the targeted younger American public. From a styling aspect, it reminds us of the Mini Cooper and has both Jim and I taking bets on if it will fit in the bed of my Super Duty.

Read More About the FJ Cruiser...