FJ Cruiser a delightful off-road machine

0 Comments | USA TODAY, September, 2006 | by James R. Healey

Toyota's FJ Cruiser SUV has so many blind spots it ought to come with a white cane. Too bad, because that undeniable safety hazard seriously undercuts the appeal of an otherwise fun, fresh, pleasant machine. Oh, cut it out, Toyota says. It's a hard-core off-roader and should be evaluated on its grit.

FJ's looks -- and therefore the baked-in blind spots -- match the concept vehicle that ignited a stir at the 2003 Detroit auto show, said concept vehicle itself resembling Toyota Land Cruisers of the 1960s, '70s and early '80s. You want to tote kids, get groceries or wheel through the Starbucks lot, buy a Highlander or a RAV4, Toyota says, not an FJ. Off-road credentials granted. But unless you live in the outback, you'll have to drive to and from. That means dealing with...