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2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Features Review

October 30, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

New options include an Off-Road Package
ConsumerGuide

approach and departure angles of 34 and 30 degrees
Kelley Blue Book

comes in one trim level
Car and Driver

One trim level, three drive systems, and a host of options make the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser easy to personalize.

Coming in just one trim level, the FJ Cruiser, Car and Driver notes, starts at $23,230 for a rear-wheel-drive example with an automatic transmission (the only one available), $24,410 for a manual 4WD version, and $24,820 for an automatic, which utilizes a part-time 4WD system. Of the drive systems in this off-road-capable beast, Car and Driver deems it an “odd arrangement” that “FJ Cruisers with a manual transmission get full-time four-wheel drive, and automatic-equipped models get a simpler part-time four-wheel-drive system or rear-wheel drive.”

Calling the Toyota “decidedly purpose built,” Kelley Blue Book points out that every FJ is equipped with water-resistant seat fabric and rubber flooring. In the cargo area, “convenient hooks and tie-downs add functionality,” they add.

Standard in every FJ Cruiser are the aforementioned host of safety items, including side curtain airbags that inflate not only in a side collision, but also if the vehicle’s sensors sense an impending rollover. A six-speaker CD MP3 audio system with auxiliary jack, electronic stability, and traction control are also standard.

The FJ Cruiser’s options are broken out into several packages specific to 4WD and 2WD models. Items include larger wheels and tires, a Convenience Package (remote keyless entry, cruise control, power mirrors and other luxuries), rear sonar parking assist, an eight-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, an attractively built-in subwoofer, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and a 115V/400W power outlet.

For dedicated off-roaders, there is a rear differential lock, A-TRAC active traction control, and a multi-information display (inclinometer, compass, temperature) available. The All Terrain package includes all of the above plus BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires, 16-inch aluminum wheels (steel wheels are standard on the FJ), Bilstein shock absorbers, a Cyclone air precleaner, and a trip computer.

Kelley Blue Book describes the operation of its favorite features on the FJ Cruiser. The Subwoofer Switch is a “subwoofer on/off button” that “makes it easy to optimize the listening experience when switching from talk to rock, for instance.” And A-TRAC, a step above the standard stability control, automatically applies the brakes to a spinning wheel, forcing “torque to the opposing wheel” and boosting the “FJ Cruiser’s off-road capability.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser can be ideally outfitted for off-road driving, but more traditional features take a backseat.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:New options include an Off-Road PackageConsumerGuideapproach and departure angles of 34 and 30 degreesKelley Blue Bookcomes in one trim levelCar and Driver One trim level, three drive systems, and a host of options make the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser easy to personalize. Coming in just one trim level, the FJ Cruiser, Car and Driver notes, starts at $23,230 for a rear-wheel-drive example with an automatic transmission (the only one available), $24,410 for a manual 4WD version, and $24,820 for an automatic, which utilizes a part-time 4WD system. Of the drive systems in this off-road-capable beast, Car and Driver deems it an “odd arrangement” that “FJ Cruisers with a manual transmission get full-time four-wheel drive, and automatic-equipped models get a simpler part-time four-wheel-drive system or rear-wheel drive.” Calling the Toyota “decidedly purpose built,” Kelley Blue Book points out that every FJ is equipped with water-resistant seat fabric and rubber flooring. In the cargo area, “convenient hooks and tie-downs add functionality,” they add. Standard in every FJ Cruiser are the aforementioned host of safety items, including side curtain airbags that inflate not only in a side collision, but also if the vehicle’s sensors sense an impending rollover. A six-speaker CD MP3 audio system with auxiliary jack, electronic stability, and traction control are also standard. The FJ Cruiser’s options are broken out into several packages specific to 4WD and 2WD models. Items include larger wheels and tires, a Convenience Package (remote keyless entry, cruise control, power mirrors and other luxuries), rear sonar parking assist, an eight-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, an attractively built-in subwoofer, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and a 115V/400W power outlet. For dedicated off-roaders, there is a rear differential lock, A-TRAC active traction control, and a multi-information display (inclinometer, compass, temperature) available. The All Terrain package includes all of the above plus BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires, 16-inch aluminum wheels (steel wheels are standard on the FJ), Bilstein shock absorbers, a Cyclone air precleaner, and a trip computer. Kelley Blue Book describes the operation of its favorite features on the FJ Cruiser. The Subwoofer Switch is a “subwoofer on/off button” that “makes it easy to optimize the listening experience when switching from talk to rock, for instance.” And A-TRAC, a step above the standard stability control, automatically applies the brakes to a spinning wheel, forcing “torque to the opposing wheel” and boosting the “FJ Cruiser’s off-road capability.” ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser can be ideally outfitted for off-road driving, but more traditional features take a backseat. 2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER STYLING | [9 out of 10] Edmunds: “distinctive style” Road & Track: “fresh interpretation of the original FJ40” Car and Driver: “retro-themed design” Motor Trend: “somewhat cartoonish” The exterior of the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a show-car standout in a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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:

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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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