We shopped for FJs when my wife was looking for a car as she wanted a manual SUV and it is one of three still offered in the US. We never really got around to driving one as neither of us liked the interior or visibility. I also remember an issue with the inner fender panels cracking but they may have fixed that.
We ended up with a 6 speed Xterra Off Road and I doubt it gives up much to the FJ off pavement. The only downside is we had to fly from Atlanta to Rhode Island to pick it up because they are rare as hell and we bought a used one.
Light Mist by
willtel, on Flickr
Fluid Descent by
willtel, on Flickr
Xterra Snow Trip by
willtel, on Flickr
944 Turbo S Rescue by
willtel, on Flickr