I have had my eye on the Toyota FJ Cruiser since it was first introduced as a concept. I even considered purchasing one as my

This is no soft-roader. The FJ Cruiser is purpose-built for off-roading, while maintaining reasonable civility around town. (Photo: Toyota)

personal vehicle during its initial launch in 2006. I was, however, eventually dissuaded by the opinions of others who stated the FJ was not quite all that it was cracked up to be. Consumer Reports placed the FJ on their 11 Worst Vehicles list for 2007/2008, which was not exactly a big confidence builder.
 
This is why, when the opportunity arose to review a 2009 FJ for myself, I jumped at the chance. Now I could form my own opinion of this bad boy (or girl, depending on your preference), and let me just say that the end result was a strong reminder that you shouldn't always believe everything you read.
 
Walking around the outside of the current 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser, it looks an awful like its 2007 predecessor, and that's because... it is. Toyota has not changed a heck of a lot over the past couple of years. There has been really no need to. It is a

Totally different than the original FJ40, the FJ Cruiser was nevertheless thoroughly inspired by the classic 4x4. (Photo: Toyota)

beautiful retro-rendition of the ‘60s classic, and you'll either love it or hate it for that reason. It is for this very reason that the FJ has received so much black and white criticism.
 
The FJ is a niche type of vehicle built for a very specific type of buyer. It is not a status symbol created to carry around 24-inch chrome dubs, it’s not exactly a family SUV built to scavenge the city suburbs to soccer games near and far, nor is it an all out mountain crawler formulated for the hardcore enthusiast. It is a retro cruiser built to pay homage to one of the all-time classic dirt munchers. But just because it is retro doesn't mean that it hasn't had its share of improvements.
 
The

Colour-matched interior trim adds a retro touch and much appreciated character. (Photo: Toyota)

current generation FJ has certainly been upgraded quite a bit from its 1960s original, and nowhere more apparent than its driving characteristics. Compared to a Cadillac SUV the FJ rides rather rough and unsophisticated, but it is leaps and bounds beyond the old FJ40. The 240hp 4.0-litre V6, with 280 lb-ft of torque, is not exactly the smoothest and quietest, but it is pure joy for those who like to be reminded they’re driving an off-road vehicle and not a luxury liner disguised as a truck.
 
Many SUV/crossover vehicles these days mask their off-road capabilities behind a facet of gadgeted, road-smoothing technologies that most consumers can't pronounce,

Triple ancillary gauge package comes in handy when attempting serious off-road adventure. (Photo: Toyota)

much less operate without first consulting their owners manual. Who says we all want whisper quiet communication with the road. Sometimes “feeling” the road can actually help bring back some of the one-on-one relationship drivers used to enjoy with their vehicle.
 
Many of the FJ's perceived shortcomings are simply due to Toyota's attempt to keep the retro theme as true to the original as possible. With this in mind, for the 2009 FJ, Toyota has listened to consumer complaints and made a few changes, such as a rear view camera (a highly recommended option considering those thick C-pillars are a challenge to see around), roll-sensing side airbags, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror.
 
The

Rear seat accommodation is... abbreviated. (Photo: Toyota)

retro interior with body-colour accents (optional) hasn't changed much over the years. It is still a modernized adaptation of the original FJ40, which should be a delight for those tired of the same old gray and black cookie-cutter interiors most vehicles share today. I especially like the look of the triple gauge cluster (compass, thermometer, altimeter) fitted on the upper/centre portion of the dash, a feature that comes with just about every package upgrade, excluding the convenience package.
 
The FJ’s seats are relatively comfortable. They come in a standard weather/water proof material. But perhaps the most useful all-weather feature on the FJ is its rubberized flooring. This makes it a breeze to clean despite whatever muddy, wet, and slimy animals, people, and things you choose to haul around with you.
 
Inside

Split-folding rear seatback opens up a decent-sized cargo area. (Photo: Toyota)

the cabin, the driver’s vision is somewhat obstructed by the FJ's long flat hood, aforementioned C-pillars and relatively narrow viewing area in the front, rear, and quarter panel glass. Without the optional rear camera, drivers will get a neck workout driving through inner city traffic. The rear seat becomes accessible to passengers via a partial rear “suicide” door, which offers extra convenience, while maintaining the original, sporty, two-door look.
 
On the road, the FJ is everything is looks like it should be; it is a bit eccentric, noisy, a little rough around the edges, but otherwise a fairly smooth ride all things considered. The 4.0-litre has plenty of response, power, and torque to navigate over any city road or alley, highway, or boulders you might encounter along the way.

FJ Cruiser: there's nothing quite like it anywhere. (Photo: Toyota)

Its quaint eccentricities (a.k.a. road communication, wind noise), however, might prove slightly annoying if driven over a long, daily, highway commute.
 
There is no doubt that the FJ leans towards its off-road heritage more than an urban dwelling trailer queen. All you need to do is take it off the beaten path for a few miles to see why it may, at times, feel a bit out of place on the highway. With its optional all-terrain package, the FJ is a much more capable rock crawler than just about any other off-road SUV or truck in its price range, which starts at $31,100.
 
My final conclusion of the Toyota FJ Cruiser is simple: Don't always believe what you read. Especially when you are dealing with a niche vehicle like this one. Consumer reports may have some valid points, but they are looking at the vehicle with a certain expectation that you may or may not share. The best way to review the FJ is to get as many opinions as you can, and then go test-drive one for yourself. Worst-case scenario is that you won't like it. But I'll tell you one thing. It will define your expectations of what an off-road vehicle should be. Yes, it’s that good.