2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Mini Cooper of SUVs

It's stylish, fun, practical and affordable. Buy one if you want to stand out on the street or trail.

Toyota's hip new FJ Cruiser has enough charisma and prowess to spur a cult following, as did the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser built between 1956 and 1983, upon which it's loosely based.

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Unlike the bloated full-size 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser, which has little more than its name in common with the original, the smaller FJ Cruiser is a true successor, more compact, like its forefather.

The current Land Cruiser is a pricey family vehicle for grown-ups, whereas the new FJ Cruiser targets younger buyers. Think of it as a more imaginative and sophisticated Jeep Wrangler.

The FJ Cruiser's overall length is 11 inches less than the Toyota 4Runner, on which it's based. But the wheelbase (the space between the front and back wheels) is only 4 inches less than the 4Runner's, which means that front and rear overhangs have been minimized so that the FJ Cruiser can approach and descend steep grades without getting hung on its bumpers. Large 17-inch tires and 9.6 inches of ground clearance also aid off-road ability.

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The only engine available on the FJ Cruiser is Toyota's sophisticated and smooth 4.0-liter V6 that produces 239 horsepower and a hearty 278 pound-feet of torque. The radiator and battery are heavy-duty. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on rear- and four-wheel drive models, while only the latter gets the option of a six-speed manual. A locking rear differential for serious off-roading is optional on 4WD models. Rear-drive FJs get a standard limited-slip differential.

After driving the new FJ Cruiser on roadways and through the back woods of South Carolina, it's clear that it not only represents a good value in terms of utility and serious off-road capability, but is one of the most arresting designs around, commanding attention wherever it goes.