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2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

While assembling this comprehensive review that covers the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, the auto experts at TheCarConnection.com turned to some of the best review resources on the Web. And to help compare it to the performance of its rivals, TheCarConnection.com’s editors brought their own firsthand experience with the vehicle.

Likes:

  • Retro-stylish inside and out
  • Appealingly simple interior design
  • Very impressive off-road ability
  • Smooth on-road ride (for an off-roader)

Dislikes:

  • Road and wind noise on the highway
  • Passing power is just adequate
  • Tight backseat with difficult access
  • Obscured rearward visibility
  • Thirsty for premium fuel

Buying Tips:


The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers most of the same mechanical underpinnings as the 4Runner at a much-reduced price. So if you’re looking at both of these vehicles and don’t need backseat space, the FJ is an attractive deal.

Toyota unveiled the FJ Cruiser for the 2007 model year, cashing in on the retro theme played out on other crossovers and SUVs—in this case, with design cues reaching back to Toyota’s 1960s-era FJ40—but underpinning it with real truck toughness.

Built on the 4Runner architecture, with a shortened floorpan, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes with the same 4.0-liter aluminum-block V-6 with variable valve timing offered in the 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma. Here it makes 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission exclusive to the FJ.

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser has the goods for serious off-roading. Approach and departure angles are among the best of any vehicle, and the FJ can ford water up to 27.5 inches deep. Skid plates help protect the underside, and components are tucked within the frame rails. Wheel articulation is also impressive, to help soak up jarring holes and boulders without being thrown from side to side. The four-wheel-drive system uses a mix of traditional mechanical and more modern electronic means of gaining and maintaining traction; a system called A-TRAC helps reduce wheel spin and redistribute torque, and it's helpful on the road.

On the road, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser drives quite well, considering its off-road ability. It shows its truck roots in not offering especially responsive steering, but the ride is quite compliant. Only around tight corners does the 4,300-pound curb weight reveal itself. The V-6 doesn’t provide acceleration that’s particularly quick for passing, but it’s adequate and very torquey from a standing start. At highway speeds, there’s noticeable wind noise and some road noise.

As the exterior styling of the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser nods to the past, so does the interior. The instrument panel follows a very basic style, with hard surfaces that are the same color as the exterior and traditional-looking round gauges; it’s very businesslike and not as gimmicky as the gauges in other retro-styled cars.

Front seats are comfortable, and the driving position is nice and upright. Backseat space is quite limited in the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser and especially difficult to get to, as a step up is required before wedging behind the front seat.

For 2007, Toyota bumped up the off-road credentials of the FJ with a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package. The package includes Bilstein off-road shocks designed to reduce brake dive and squat, as well as enhance straight-line stability; TRD-specific 16-inch rims with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires; an all-black exterior paint scheme; and TRD performance exhaust and rock rails.

Alternately, the more luxurious 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser models with the optional Special Edition package are equipped with seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; and a multi-informational display that includes compass, inclinometer, and temperature gauge. The Special Edition package also includes a two-in-one AM/FM audio and six-disc CD changer, quick shifter (manual transmission models only), and all-weather front and rear cargo floor mats with a TRD logo.

For 2008, the FJ Cruiser adds a handful of new standard gear, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, curtain airbags for both rows of seats, and sun visors with vanity mirrors.

Side and curtain airbags are newly available on the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser; other standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. The Toyota FJ Cruiser does quite well in crash tests, with four stars in the federal frontal test and a commendable five stars for side impact. The typically tougher insurance-affiliated IIHS tests find top "good" results in both frontal and side impact, though the FJ Cruiser gets "poor" results in the IIHS rear-impact test.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Xterra and Wrangler are both vehicles that, like the FJ Cruiser, draw people based on their styling and off-road prowess, and it’s mostly a matter of which styling suits you best. All three are very capable off-road, but the Xterra is arguably the best for those who plan to tow or haul gear on the road; its V-6 feels especially perky on the road compared to the nearly equally sized engines in the other two vehicles, and it handles a bit better on the road. The Wrangler now has a full array of safety features, along with much better handling than the old version, but its interior is slightly inferior to the others, and it still has more wind noise than the others due to its boxy shape. The Xterra’s interior is much roomier and more versatile than the FJ’s, which has an especially cramped backseat. Although it’s not much more expensive, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser feels like a more expensive vehicle inside and out, which may give it an advantage over the Xterra.

The Bottom Line:

Retro-coolness, off-roading, and practicality don’t come together as well in any other vehicle as they do in the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser.

While assembling this comprehensive review that covers the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, the auto experts at TheCarConnection.com turned to some of the best review resources on the Web. And to help compare it to the performance of its rivals, TheCarConnection.com’s editors brought their own firsthand experience with the vehicle. Likes:Retro-stylish inside and outAppealingly simple interior designVery impressive off-road abilitySmooth on-road ride (for an off-roader)Dislikes:Road and wind noise on the highwayPassing power is just adequateTight backseat with difficult accessObscured rearward visibilityThirsty for premium fuelBuying Tips: The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers most of the same mechanical underpinnings as the 4Runner at a much-reduced price. So if you’re looking at both of these vehicles and don’t need backseat space, the FJ is an attractive deal. Toyota unveiled the FJ Cruiser for the 2007 model year, cashing in on the retro theme played out on other crossovers and SUVs—in this case, with design cues reaching back to Toyota’s 1960s-era FJ40—but underpinning it with real truck toughness. Built on the 4Runner architecture, with a shortened floorpan, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes with the same 4.0-liter aluminum-block V-6 with variable valve timing offered in the 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma. Here it makes 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission exclusive to the FJ. The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser has the goods for serious off-roading. Approach and departure angles are among the best of any vehicle, and the FJ can ford water up to 27.5 inches deep. Skid plates help protect the underside, and components are tucked within the frame rails. Wheel articulation is also impressive, to help soak up jarring holes and boulders without being thrown from side to side. The four-wheel-drive system uses a mix of traditional mechanical and more modern electronic means of gaining and maintaining traction; a system called A-TRAC helps reduce wheel spin and redistribute torque, and it's helpful on the road. On the road, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser drives quite well, considering its off-road ability. It shows its truck roots in not offering especially responsive steering, but the ride is quite compliant. Only around tight corners does the 4,300-pound curb weight reveal itself. The V-6 doesn’t provide acceleration that’s particularly quick for passing, but it’s adequate and very torquey from a standing start. At highway speeds, there’s noticeable wind noise and some road noise. As the exterior styling of the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser nods to the past, so does the interior. The instrument panel follows a very basic style, with hard surfaces that are the same color as the exterior and traditional-looking round gauges; it’s very businesslike and not as gimmicky as the gauges in other retro-styled cars. Front seats are comfortable, and the driving position is nice and upright. Backseat space is quite limited in the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser and especially difficult to get to, as a step up is required before wedging behind the front seat. For 2007, Toyota bumped up the off-road credentials of the FJ with a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package. The package includes Bilstein off-road shocks designed to reduce brake dive and squat, as well as enhance straight-line stability; TRD-specific 16-inch rims with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires; an all-black exterior paint scheme; and TRD performance exhaust and rock rails. Alternately, the more luxurious 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser models with the optional Special Edition package are equipped with seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; and a multi-informational display that includes compass, inclinometer, and temperature gauge. The Special Edition package also includes a two-in-one AM/FM audio and six-disc CD changer, quick shifter (manual transmission models only), and all-weather front and rear cargo floor mats with a TRD logo. For 2008, the FJ Cruiser adds a handful of new standard gear, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, curtain airbags for both rows of seats, and sun visors with vanity mirrors. Side and curtain airbags are newly available on the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser; other standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. The Toyota FJ Cruiser does quite well in crash tests, with four stars in the federal frontal test and a commendable five stars for side impact. The typically tougher insurance-affiliated IIHS tests find top "good" results in both frontal and side impact, though the FJ Cruiser gets "poor" results in the IIHS rear-impact test. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, also consider:Nissan XterraJeep WranglerReason Why:The Xterra and Wrangler are both vehicles that, like the FJ Cruiser, draw people based on their styling and off-road prowess, and it’s mostly a matter of which styling suits you best. All three are very capable off-road, but the Xterra is arguably the best for those who plan to tow or haul gear on the road; its V-6 feels especially perky on the road compared to the nearly equally sized engines in the other two vehicles, and it handles a bit better on the road. The Wrangler now has a full array of safety features, along with much better handling than the old version, but its interior is slightly inferior to the others, and it still has more wind noise than the others due to its boxy shape. The Xterra’s interior is much roomier and more versatile than the FJ’s, which has an especially cramped backseat. Although it’s not much more expensive, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser feels like a more expensive vehicle inside and out, which may give it an advantage over the Xterra. The Bottom Line:Retro-coolness, off-roading, and practicality don’t come together as well in any other vehicle as they do in the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser. While assembling this comprehensive review that covers the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, the auto experts at TheCarConnection.com turned to some of the best review resources on the Web. And to help compare it to the performance of its rivals, TheCarConnection.com’s editors brought their own ...

Other Choices:

The Xterra and Wrangler are both vehicles that, like the FJ Cruiser, draw people based on their styling and off-road prowess, and it’s mostly a matter of which styling suits you best. All three are very capable off-road, but the Xterra is arguably the best for those who plan to tow or haul gear on the road; its V-6 feels especially perky on the road compared to the nearly equally sized engines in the other two vehicles, and it handles a bit better on the road. The Wrangler now has a full array of safety features, along with much better handling than the old version, but its interior is slightly inferior to the others, and it still has more wind noise than the others due to its boxy shape. The Xterra’s interior is much roomier and more versatile than the FJ’s, which has an especially cramped backseat. Although it’s not much more expensive, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser feels like a more expensive vehicle inside and out, which may give it an advantage over the Xterra.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser near you

See the Toyota FJ Cruiser in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (7 total)

  1. By Erwin Koti #1, Posted: 9/8/2008

    Great SUV

    I've owned mine for 9 months and the truck is great. This is the truck to buy over a Hummer all day long. Back and forth to work or off roading this truck can do anything. Comfort level is great and actually if positioned properly, the mirrors are large enough to not have any blind spots as people report. It doesn't matter if it's me driving or my wife, we both love this truck and would reccomend it to anybody looking for this type of fun and utility.

  2. By Mitch Todd #2, Posted: 9/19/2008

    Buy Back of the FJ!

    The highly under publicized issue of the engine bay inner fender aprons cracking, bulging & ripping apart needs to be brought out into the open! Most FJ enthusiasts know about this design flaw, but over time (since it's been determined to be a repetative flex issue) most FJ owners will eventually notice the aprons flapping about once they completely rip. Virtually all FJ's will be out of warranty by that time and this will bite Toyota in the tail eventually.
    FJ OWENERS TAKE NOTE AND LOOK FOR THE EARLY WARNING SIGHNS.
    ALL 2007'S AND 2008'S ARE AFFECTED. JUST GOOGLE "FJ CRUISER ENGINE BAY RIPS".
    The Austrailian sold "Prado" built on the exact same frame has these same issues.

  3. By Brandon Ferland #3, Posted: 5/12/2009

    Frame Rust!

    I bought an FJ about 7 months ago. The frame is rusting at an incredibly fast rate. Toyota says that it is perfectly normal. I have had several other mechanics look at it and they have all told me that it is a defect in the metal prep. before paint, along with the fact that Toyota DOES NOT undercoat the FJ. Are there any other FJ owners with this problem?

  4. By Brandon Ferland #4, Posted: 5/12/2009

    Frame Rust!

    I bought an FJ about 7 months ago. The frame is rusting at an incredibly fast rate. Toyota says that it is perfectly normal. I have had several other mechanics look at it and they have all told me that it is a defect in the metal prep. before paint, along with the fact that Toyota DOES NOT undercoat the FJ. Are there any other FJ owners with this problem?

  5. By Michelle #5, Posted: 5/20/2009

    Also Rust Issues

    Toyota will tell you it is perfectly normal but we have a 98 acura and a 03 ford and neither have this issue and the acura sits on the ground with no rust! This is not a normal thing and we are waiting to meet with the factory representative to see what they will do for us... If you have any new news please let us know... we have an 07 with 11K on it. Babied from the begining....

  6. By Michelle #6, Posted: 5/20/2009

    Also Rust Issues

    Toyota will tell you it is perfectly normal but we have a 98 acura and a 03 ford and neither have this issue and the acura sits on the ground with no rust! This is not a normal thing and we are waiting to meet with the factory representative to see what they will do for us... If you have any new news please let us know... we have an 07 with 11K on it. Babied from the begining....

  7. By Henry #7, Posted: 9/28/2009

    Foor the FJ Cruiser you state an MSRP of $23- $24K How come I cannot get such a deal from any Canadian dealership? It looks like I will have to go south to buy an FJ Cruiser.
    Pls advise
    Henry

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