In recent years, a few automakers have introduced what have become known as "retro" vehicles. These cars and trucks typically marry modern mechanicals with styling that recalls a successful model of the past. One of the newer additions to this retro vehicle trend is the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

The FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV that harks back to Toyota's earlier and now iconic FJ40 Series of Land Cruisers. The original FJ40 was a tough, dependable four-wheel-drive truck sold in the U.S. from 1960-'83. It's generally assumed that the U.S. military's Jeep from WWII provided the inspiration for the FJ's predecessor, the BJ20.

Like the FJ40, the new Toyota FJ Cruiser has superior off-road capabilities. It's built on a truck-based, ladder-frame chassis and features a stout suspension and drivetrain. Much of its underlying hardware is similar to Toyota's 4Runner SUV. Toyota has designed the FJ Cruiser to be a bit more specialized, however. Compared to the 4Runner, it's smaller, less expensive and more capable in off-road situations, and it's designed to appeal to younger and more active consumers.

Current Toyota FJ Cruiser

Though officially classified as a midsize SUV, its price and immediate competition place the Toyota FJ Cruiser in the small SUV category. On the FJ Cruiser, Toyota has emphasized off-road performance and a style that invokes the heritage of the original FJ40 of the '60s.

All FJ Cruisers have two standard front doors with a pair of smaller, reverse-opening rear doors that provide easier access to the rear seat. Standard feature highlights include air-conditioning, a CD stereo, power windows and locks, stability control and antilock disc brakes. Toyota offers a few option packages to further expand the vehicle's list of amenities. Should that not be enough, a wide variety of aftermarket parts is also available.

Providing power for every FJ is a 4.0-liter V6 capable of 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Toyota has outfitted the FJ Cruiser with a choice of two four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems and two transmissions. Four-wheel-drive models with the five-speed automatic transmission come with a transfer case that can be changed to 2-Hi, 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes. FJs with the six-speed manual transmission are more off-road-oriented, as they provide a lockable center differential but lack the 2-Hi mode. There's also a two-wheel-drive FJ Cruiser available. It comes with the five-speed automatic only.

With such serious four-wheel-drive systems available, a major draw for shoppers will be the vehicle's off-road abilities. The Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed to have considerable wheel travel, high ground clearance and a tough, fully boxed frame. The front suspension is independent with a double-wishbone design, while the rear features a solid rear axle with a four-link coil-spring suspension.

Even if you don't plan on spending much time attacking trails, the FJ Cruiser's unique brand of retro style should appeal to many. Key elements include a grille that incorporates tightly spaced round headlights, a grille-mounted classic Toyota name badge instead of the modern emblem, a white-top roof, wrap-around rear windows, an exposed full-size spare tire and an offset rear license plate. Color-keyed interior panels and a decidedly old-school, panel-like dashboard carry on the whimsically rustic look inside.

In reviews, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has earned positive commentary for its impressive off-road ability, surprisingly fun on-road driving experience, comfortable front seats and distinctive exterior styling. Under the Hood FJ Cruisers are available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations; they all use the same 4.0-liter V-6 engine.