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2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Performance Review

October 30, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

superior off-road ability
Edmunds

The FJ is a serious four-wheeler
Motor Trend

little drama even in the most severe conditions
Road & Track

slightly noisy and rough-riding
Car and Driver

the rack-and-pinion steering is a pleasure
Automobile

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser proves adept enough on road, but it’s clearly designed for rugged driving.

Using the same dual-VVTi, aluminum block 4.0-liter V-6 found in the Tacoma and 4Runner, the FJ Cruiser enjoys immediate, torquey response from a standstill but left some wanting more passing power. The V-6 produces 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Road & Track crows the “free-revving V-6 is up to the task of moving the FJ down the road (or trail) with ease,” Edmunds raves it is “able to get the FJ up to speed in quick fashion,” but Consumer Reports counters that it can feel “overmatched by vehicle weight in passing maneuvers and on long upgrades.”

Transferring power to wheels is a five-speed automatic, available with part-time 4WD or 2WD, and a six-speed manual that comes only with full-time 4WD. Edmunds states “the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and accurately,” and ConsumerGuide reports “the manual has long throws but light clutch action.” Interestingly, the manual achieves lower EPA mileage figures, perhaps due to powering all four wheels at all times, at 15/18 mpg versus the automatic (in 2WD or 4WD guise) at 16/20 mpg. Road & Track notes that “all 4wd models come equipped with a 2-speed transfer case that proves invaluable” in serious off-roading.

Handling is generally praised, especially considering the truck’s live rear axle and remarkable ability off-road. Road & Track notes it actually feels “slightly better than a similarly outfitted 4Runner, where the FJ Cruiser enjoys a marginally more planted and stable cornering attitude.” Edmunds praises it as “one of the best off-roading rigs you can drive off the showroom floor,” claiming that it is also “surprisingly maneuverable around town.” Motor Trend is slightly critical of the FJ Cruiser’s on-road performance, stating that while the vehicle “isn't averse to being hustled…it doesn't exactly accept the invitation with a smile. Drive at 6/10ths,” they continue, “and the FJ is a peach, its communicative steering and beefy brakes feeling perfectly suited for the job. Take it to 7/10ths, however, and the stability-control nanny incessantly blinks and beeps her disapproval.” Car and Driver considers it “slightly noisy and rough-riding.”

Despite the concerns, “the FJ's faults are pretty easy to overlook given how enjoyable it is to drive and own,” commends Edmunds. And let’s not forget how comfortable and livable the FJ Cruiser is apart from its dual mission of on-road grocery getter and off-road dominator. A “firm but compliant suspension combines with tall-sidewall mud and snow tires to flatten most road bumps with little jolt or body quiver,” says ConsumerGuide. Motor Trend praises the FJ’s suspension compliance when compared to rivals: “Rough roads will gently bounce passengers around, never aggressively toss them like in an Xterra or H3, which feel decidedly firmer.”

Conclusion

With the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, on-road performance takes a backseat to off-road performance, but it’s a closer race than you’d think.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:superior off-road abilityEdmundsThe FJ is a serious four-wheelerMotor Trendlittle drama even in the most severe conditionsRoad & Trackslightly noisy and rough-ridingCar and Driverthe rack-and-pinion steering is a pleasureAutomobile The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser proves adept enough on road, but it’s clearly designed for rugged driving. Using the same dual-VVTi, aluminum block 4.0-liter V-6 found in the Tacoma and 4Runner, the FJ Cruiser enjoys immediate, torquey response from a standstill but left some wanting more passing power. The V-6 produces 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Road & Track crows the “free-revving V-6 is up to the task of moving the FJ down the road (or trail) with ease,” Edmunds raves it is “able to get the FJ up to speed in quick fashion,” but Consumer Reports counters that it can feel “overmatched by vehicle weight in passing maneuvers and on long upgrades.” Transferring power to wheels is a five-speed automatic, available with part-time 4WD or 2WD, and a six-speed manual that comes only with full-time 4WD. Edmunds states “the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and accurately,” and ConsumerGuide reports “the manual has long throws but light clutch action.” Interestingly, the manual achieves lower EPA mileage figures, perhaps due to powering all four wheels at all times, at 15/18 mpg versus the automatic (in 2WD or 4WD guise) at 16/20 mpg. Road & Track notes that “all 4wd models come equipped with a 2-speed transfer case that proves invaluable” in serious off-roading. Handling is generally praised, especially considering the truck’s live rear axle and remarkable ability off-road. Road & Track notes it actually feels “slightly better than a similarly outfitted 4Runner, where the FJ Cruiser enjoys a marginally more planted and stable cornering attitude.” Edmunds praises it as “one of the best off-roading rigs you can drive off the showroom floor,” claiming that it is also “surprisingly maneuverable around town.” Motor Trend is slightly critical of the FJ Cruiser’s on-road performance, stating that while the vehicle “isn't averse to being hustled…it doesn't exactly accept the invitation with a smile. Drive at 6/10ths,” they continue, “and the FJ is a peach, its communicative steering and beefy brakes feeling perfectly suited for the job. Take it to 7/10ths, however, and the stability-control nanny incessantly blinks and beeps her disapproval.” Car and Driver considers it “slightly noisy and rough-riding.” Despite the concerns, “the FJ's faults are pretty easy to overlook given how enjoyable it is to drive and own,” commends Edmunds. And let’s not forget how comfortable and livable the FJ Cruiser is apart from its dual mission of on-road grocery getter and off-road dominator. A “firm but compliant suspension combines with tall-sidewall mud and snow tires to flatten most road bumps with little jolt or body quiver,” says ConsumerGuide. Motor Trend praises the FJ’s suspension compliance when compared to rivals: “Rough roads will gently bounce passengers around, never aggressively toss them like in an Xterra or H3, which feel decidedly firmer.” ConclusionWith the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, on-road performance takes a backseat to off-road performance, but it’s a closer race than you’d think. 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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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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