The two letters prominently featured in the Toyota FJ Cruiser’s name represent a tribute to a lineage of vehicles. They are an acronym that directly acknowledges the vehicle’s heritage. Specifically, the ‘F’ denotes the Toyota ‘F’ engine, a series of inline-six cylinder gasoline engines that were a mainstay in Toyota’s trucks and SUVs for many years. The ‘J’ signifies ‘Jeep,’ as in, a vehicle of that type, an allusion to the original Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40’s design inspiration and intended function as a rugged, off-road capable machine.
This nomenclature is significant because it connects the FJ Cruiser to Toyota’s long history of producing durable and reliable off-road vehicles. This historical link provided a strong sense of brand identity and resonated with consumers who appreciated the heritage of the Land Cruiser series. The naming convention emphasized the vehicle’s design goals and targeted capabilities to the off-road community.