The Toyota FJ Cruiser (FJC) is a retro-style compact SUV produced by Toyota introduced as a concept at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show and in production form at the following North American International Auto Show. It went on sale in early 2006 as a 2007 model and features styling reminiscent of the original Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers from the 1960s (particularly the front fascia and wrap around rear windows), and is based on the Land Cruiser Prado platform, which is also used by the 4Runner. The FJ cruiser was not originally intended for production but due to enormous consumer response about the car following the North American International Auto Show, production eventually began in early 2006. All FJ Cruisers are built by Hino Motors in Hamura, Japan.

The addition of the FJ Cruiser adds a sixth SUV in Toyota's American lineup, meaning Toyota will have two compact SUVs (the RAV4 and FJ Cruiser), two mid-size SUVs (Highlander and 4Runner), and two full-size SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser). One in each category is biased for on-road use, while the other caters to more off-road enthusiasts (though the Sequoia and Land Cruiser are body-on-frame SUVs, the Sequoia is generally more car-like). It is also Toyota's only current vehicle to use the name Toyota spelled out across the grille instead of the corporate emblem, a nod to the classic FJ40 and Land Cruiser family and to older Toyotas before the introduction of the Toyota emblem in the early 1990s.

Engine
The FJ Cruiser uses the 4.0L 1GR-FE DOHC V6 with VVT-i, rated at 239 hp (178 kW) at 5200 rpm, and 278 lb-ft (377 N·m of torque at 2700 rpm ([3]). It is the same engine that is used in the Tacoma and 4Runner. Premium fuel is recommended to produce the fuel efficiency that is officially reported by Toyota, though actual efficiency varies based on a variety of conditions.

Drivetrains
5-speed A750E automatic transmission (on rear-wheel drive models)
5-speed A750F automatic transmission with VF2A transfer case (on Part-time 4x4 models)
6-speed RA61F manual transmission with VF4B transfer case and limited slip differential (on Full-time 4x4 models)

Suspension
The FJ Cruiser uses a high-mounted, double-wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar, and a 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The 120-series Land Cruiser Prado shares the same suspension parts.

Brakes
The FJ Cruiser uses power-assisted 4-piston front/2-piston rear ventilated disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. also equipped with vsc (vehicle stability control).

Features
The FJ Cruiser is currently available in 5 colors - "Sun Fusion" (yellow), "Black Cherry" (dark magenta), "Titanium Metallic" (silver), "Black Diamond" (black), and "Voodoo Blue" (blue). 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.
Other 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.

TRD Special Edition
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is also producing a limited-production "TRD Special Edition" FJ Cruiser, which includes such things as a TRD performance exhaust, TRD air filter, upgraded suspension components (TRD/Bilstein off-road tuned shocks, painted red), rock rails, and TRD badges. The TRD Special Edition is available only in an all-black paint scheme, and includes a black roof (instead of the traditional white), as well as 16-inch gun-metal gray finish wheels (instead of the traditional 17-inch bright aluminum), including the spare.

The TRD Special Edition includes mechanical changes to synchronize the locking differential with the active traction control (resulting in the rear differential no longer overriding the active traction), which enables the FJ Cruiser to navigate through difficult off-road terrain.

Production numbers for the TRD Special Edition are limited to 3,200 units for the 2007 model year. Base price for the TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser is approximately US $23,735 (manual transmission) and US $24,145 (automatic transmission), with the TRD Special Edition package carrying a US $7,265 premium on manual transmission models, and US $7,250 for automatic models, for a total MSRP of approximately US $31,000 for manual transmission models and US $31,395 for automatic transmission models.

2008 Model Year Changes
The 2008 model received only minor changes. 3 new colours were added: BRICK [02JX,03R8](Red), SANDSTORM [02JY,04U0](Beige) and ICEBERG [00580(White). The Iceberg (like all models), still has a white roof. The color Black Cherry Pearl (03P0) is discontinued. Added for 2008 to all models: Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags and Roll-Sensing Front and Rear Head / Side curtain airbags. Engine Immobilizer, Rear Window Wiper/Washer, Front Seat Side Sun Visors, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Integrated Remote in Key.

The "B" package has been renamed "Off-Road package", and now includes P267/75R16 BFG Rugged Trail tires on alloy rims as well as Bilstein shock absorbers. The temperature/compass/inclinometer cluster that was previously on available in the "C" pacakge also included. On US models, the roof rack is no longer included, but is available as a dealer add-on. Canadian models retain the roof rack. Other features from the 2007 "B" package are unchanged.

Canadian "C" package now receives SubWoofer to the FJammer Audio system, which was unavailable in Canada previously.