While we had the Toyota FJ Cruiser here in The Garage, our good friend Neil Caton was picking up his own FJ Cruiser in Connecticut. Neil has been so happy with his FJ that he agreed to give our readers of his impressions of his big red beast:

My SUV experience first began with an ’89 Pathfinder that didn’t have working brakes, or working lights. That truck lasted a week until I ended up in a 2002 Pathfinder. In a short amount of time that Pathfinder had been lifted, and graced with an ARB Bullbar on the front, guard in the rear, and various other modifications done myself. It was a passion I thought I couldn’t give up. Unfortunately the Pathfinder and I went separate ways when the fiancée didn’t get along with her, and I ended up driving a Hyundai Tucson for 18 months.

I’ve now regained my passion with the addition of a week old 2008 FJ Cruiser. She’s Brick Red, with a locking rear differential, rock rails, TRD exhaust and few other options. She’s been aptly named Leila (of Futurama Fame) for her unordinary array of three windshield wipers.

My first impressions on the road were fantastic. A solid hold in the corners with the perfect amount of suspension to feel the road but not be bothered by the bumps, let you know you’re driving a truck; at the same time it handles in a civilized manner in contrast with the trucks rough image. The large stock tires, high ground clearance and sharp lines indicate an offroad prowess that’s both visual and genetic. The FJ Cruiser definitely follows closely in the steps of its ancestors.

In the first few days Leila was hauling 3000lbs after her 500 mile break-in. Impressively, we managed to get 18.9 MPG out of her with the monstrosity on her back. Gas mileage still isn’t a treat compared to a smaller vehicle, but with the 4.0L V6 there’s still a lot of power to get a very non-aerodynamically truck up to speed without breaking the bank.

The short wheel base makes maneuvering deceptively easy, and the turning radius is surprisingly tight. It’s also necessary with the poor sight lines. The rearview mirror is barely useful, and the C-Pillars create a massive blind spot through the rear. The length of the side windows means that visibility is still there, but I’ve found that my driving habits have had to change to accommodate the new sight-lines.

Offroad the FJ is already leaps and bounds ahead of other SUVs. The wide and short wheelbase compliment the handling I’ve already mentioned. With the locking rear differential the truck is incredibly smooth when traveling over loose ground, and plenty of torque makes the truck feel self-assured and confident. The lack of good offroading terrain where we are has made it tough to test, but in our short term use I’ve been very pleased. With the Rear Diff option, Toyota’s “ATRAC” option can be added by the owner for around $60, which adds to the trucks ability to handle difficult terrain, which is a great way to get some additional ability without going to the FJs most expensive package.

The FJ has reignited a passion for vehicles which I’d previously lost, and I thank Toyota for creating a vehicle that is unique and well equipped, while being affordable and not so over-done that the owner can’t project his personality on the truck. It’s a daring move in a time when off-road access and the pastime in general are diminishing, and I think it has been received well. More after-market support is needed, and a larger owners base that’s willing to experiment and modify, but I see a huge opportunity for an incredible legacy in the FJ Cruiser that the FJ40 began almost 60 years ago.