Toyota will tell you that they expect 90 percent of the 2007 FJ Cruisers sold to be of the four-wheel-drive variety. And while they’re surely correct, that still leaves at least 10 percent of future FJ owners in it for nothing more than the funky white roof, bold color and broad stance.

Heck – if you can’t drive off-road, you may as well look good anyway, or at least be colorful and different. As one of the few vehicles that has made it to production with its concept design intact, that about sums up the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, which sports a dome as white as Mt. Whitney and a color palate that will make Camry designers run and hide, with broad shoulder and a face that thousands of young adults – you attach the age - will absolutely love. There’s no mistaking one of these creatures, no sir, not up front or in back.

In truth, the design – inside and out – is what’s most notable about the FJ, as the mechanicals are, well, borrowed from the 4Runner platform, even though the FJ is about 11 inches shorter and has a four-inch shorter wheelbase. The platform is known as Toyota’s HiLux truck platform, on which the Tacoma is also built. You’d never guess it by looking at it, or sitting in it, as the FJ Cruiser is unlike anything Toyota currently sells in North America. It’s not just different for the sake of it, however, as there is an actual historical tint to the vehicle’s design. According to Toyota, the point of the FJ is to bring back the rugged “spirit” of its famed Land Cruiser FJ40 utility vehicle. They do a good job of it, too, with such historical design cues as the round headlights, vertical windshield and the TOYOTA badge on the front grille. Other interesting design elements are the wrap-around rear corner windows. It’s a decidedly retro-futuristic look.

Is it okay if we say that, Mr. Mays?
Given that the FJ is Toyota’s first real retro car debut, woe be the domestic automaker who thought that the imports didn’t have any of these up their sleeves. And woe be the local Hummer H3 dealer in town, for now he has a direct competitor on style that wears a Toyota badge, one that has more power and matches up among the rocks and stream beds.

The historical funk-a-delic theme continues on the inside, with white-faced gauges, large control knobs, charcoal-colored water-proof seats, and access doors that add to the character of the FJ – but prove to be, ultimately, a bit of a hassle to use on a regular basis. Though the back seat is large and comfortable, with plenty of legroom, this is really not a Mommy and Me kind of SUV – though plenty of Moms out there may well try to make it one. Like the exterior, the interior is unlike anything currently sold by Toyota. Think of the FJ as a cross between the Nissan Xterra and the Hummer H3: big, bold and full of utilitarian design that will A.) come in useful should you find yourself off-road and B.) make you feel really cool and neat should you stay on pavement.