Ride of the Month: Nick’s Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota vehicles are generally known as reliable, staid cars that maintain their value. Many may be unaware of Toyota’s rich off-road history. Their Land Cruiser series (which was available in North America from 1960 through the mid-80’s) is legendary for its off-road prowess and indestructibility. If you’ve ever met a Land Cruiser owner, you’ll find that they are an extremely devoted lot. Some 1990’s Land Cruisers from the Asian market are still imported by enthusiasts. If you keep an eye out, you may spot the occasional Land Cruiser with right-hand steering of this origin.
In 2006, Toyota released the FJ Cruiser, which was a design tribute to the FJ 40 Land Cruiser. Nick M’s 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is our Ride of the Month for August. While the FJ Cruiser’s body style pays homage to previous designs, does it possess the off-road capabilities of the old standards? By all accounts, the answer is most definitely yes. The FJ Cruiser is acclaimed by both reviewers and consumers for its off-road abilities and also for its surprising on-road comfort as well. Car and Driver magazine also agreed as they named the FJ Cruiser as one of “10 Vehicles for the Apocalypse” in a light-hearted 2007 article.
The FJ Cruiser’s off-road capabilities come from a number of angles. The centerpiece of the FJ is Toyota’s beefy 4.0 L V-6 engine which delivers 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Features like off-road tires, generous ground clearance, skid plates, locking rear differential and an ultra-low-range transfer case all contribute to the off-road proficiency of the FJ.
Nick has added a few other items personalize his FJ:
- Trail Gear Rock Sliders (heavy duty running bars)
- AFE cat back exhaust
- Toytec 2″ lift (front)
- SPC adjustable front upper control arms
- Old Man Emu 2″ lift (back)
- All-Pro rear lower control arms
- AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants throughout
Nick M’s Toyota FJ Cruiser
Nick uses his FJ Cruiser for hunting and fishing excursions as well as to tow his ATV to the cottage on weekends. By all accounts, he has chosen the perfect vehicle for his purposes.
Would you would like to submit an offering as our Ride of the Month? Just send us a photo and short blurb on any type of vehicle that you enjoy and that others may find interesting. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, etc. are applicable. Your full name and location will be omitted. Feel free contact us at “info-at-oildepot.ca”.
