Test Drive: Toyota FJ Cruiser (for Under $24,000!)

Now there's an affordable way to ferry your kids and their stuff around in arguably the coolest car in the neighborhood.

The jazzy, two-toned Toyota FJ Cruiser priced at an affordable MSRP of $23,320 has the large cabin and rugged body to handle everything from pavement to gravel to rocks and beyond. Plus its 17-inch black steel wheels, black overfenders and other stylish touches make it one of the sharpest rides on the road.

Yes, it's labeled a sports utility vehicle and was designed for active guys. The drive is powerful and steady with none of the "tippy" feel of some SUVs. But just because it was designed for guys, there's plenty in it for moms to love. Just consider the two traditional front doors and then two access doors that are ideal for moms who want to tuck kids snuggly in the back.

Just one look at the interior that seats five underscores this is the ideal car for the busy mom with active kids. The water-resistant-cloth covered seats, rubberized floor and cargo mats and the industrial-strength looking dashboard are made for parents whose kids spill soda, drop chips and drip ice cream. Clean it up quick and go.

The controls and switches are no-nonsense plain but in a trendy, sporty way. And yes, their size and placement ensure they are easy to clean. Plus storage areas abound with an extra large glove box and a host of pockets, additional boxes, and cup holders. For those who want to spoil themselves, the audio system includes the AM/FM CD player plus MP3 capabilities and six speakers that can be upgraded significantly for audiophiles.

The car test driven for this review didn't have a backup camera/monitor, but the visibility from the FJ Cruiser was superb.

For those that need more room to haul bikes, boxes and whatever else comes their way, the rear seats can be moved to a 60/40 configuration that will handle just about the longest load you want. Not surprisingly, the gas mileage isn't great. Depending on the model, the FJ Cruiser gets 17-mpg city, 21 highway but that doesn't seem bad when you consider the size of the car.

What really should sell moms on this car, though, are the safety features that include The Star Safety System (Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and more), driver and front passenger dual stage airbags, front and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags, plus a Child Restraint System (CRS) with top tether anchors and other features.

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