“I admit my initial negative feelings have softened, but not much,” said one detractor. “My biggest initial complaint, the lack of visibility, didn’t bother me as much this last time, but I still don’t feel entirely comfortable behind the wheel.”

The FJ has proven its value on a couple of 1000-mile trips, swallowing all the gear we could throw at it. One staffer praised the optional roof rack after he easily and single-handedly secured his kayak for a long trip.

Most still find back-seat space and access limited. True rear doors would help, but the less noticeable “suicide” doors keep the modern FJ true to its inspiration, Toyota’s original, two-door Land Cruiser.

The 4.0-liter V6 has kept most everyone satisfied, its 239 hp and 278 lb-ft providing good off-the-line acceleration for quick merges and strong passing maneuvers on the highway.

Our test truck covered 5000 miles and received its first scheduled maintenance within two months of its arrival. The oil change, tire rotation and 12-point inspection cost just less than $50.

Over the course of those miles, everyone noticed that the FJ Cruiser turns a lot of heads. One particularly eager parking lot attendant liked it so much that she promised to “watch it all night.”

It remains to be seen how the FJ performs off-road. Some drivers feel its suspension is a tad soft and rolls more than we like in paved corners, a compromise apparently intended to readily handle sand, mud and snow. We’ll find out.