Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007 - 2011 review

Overview

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Click for larger image
Check more photos on the second page.

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Click for larger image

Toyota FJ Cruiser interior. Click for larger image

Rear seat up. Click for larger image

Rear seat folded down. Click for larger image

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Click for larger image

Introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, rugged Toyota FJ Cruiser echoed the legendary Land Cruiser FJ40 from the 60s and 70s.
The FJ Cruiser is a truck-based SUV with relatively short wheelbase, wide track and clamshell door setup that looks like nothing else on the road. With good off-road capability, simple, easy to clean interior and fair amount of cargo space, the FJ Cruiser is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Toyota FJ Cruiser is based on the Land Cruiser Prado body-on-frame platform with rigid frame, independent front suspension and solid axle with coil springs in the rear. The FJ Cruiser is available as 2WD or 4WD (4WD only in Canada). The 2WD model was available only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD models were available with five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
The FJ Cruiser has disk brakes on all 4 wheels.
The only engine choice is the 4.0L DOHC V6 with 239 hp (upgraded to 259 hp for 2010). Available safety features include Antilock Brake System (ABS) Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Side airbags and side curtain airbags were optional on early models; standard from 2008.

The FJ Cruiser is a capable off-roader with good ground clearance, short wheelbase and two-speed transfer case. In manual-transmission models, the transfer case uses a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential with a locking feature and distributes the engine's power 40:60 under most driving conditions. The TORSEN differential varies power distribution between front and rear axles as needed for better traction.
The 4x4 FJ Cruiser with the automatic-transmission employs a part-time four-wheel drive system. Locking rear differential is available.

Inside the FJ Cruiser offers rugged design, washable floor and easy to clean waterproof seats. The driver's seat is comfortable, even on a long drive. The instruments are simple and easy to read. The tall driving position gives you good visibility in front, however, side and rear visibility is obstructed by wide pillars and the spare tire. Because of the blind spots, changing lines and backing up takes time to get used to. The optional backup camera built within the rearview mirror was very helpful during our test-drive.

On the road, the FJ Cruiser drives better than you'd expect from a tall truck-based SUV. The ride is pretty soft. It felt a bit bouncy at first, but after a couple days, I was very comfortable driving the FJ Cruiser in a city and on long highway trips. The ABS and Vehicle Stability Control were very helpful on icy roads and the truck glided easily through deep snow. The FJ Cruiser suspension absorbs bumps very well and it's fairly quiet inside the cabin except for the nice exhaust tone of the strong V6 engine.

The 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser received five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash tests. In the side-impact crash tests, the 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser received five stars for the front seat and five stars for the rear seat passenger protection. For more details, visit Safercar.gov.

• Overview
• Engine
• Pros and Cons
• Overall
• What to look for when buying a used Toyota FJ Cruiser
• Few maintenance tips
• Specifications
• Toyota FJ Cruiser photos

Engine

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4.0L V6 engine.

The 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser comes with only one engine choice: the 239-hp 4.0-liter DOHC V6 with VVT-i. For 2010, the FJ Cruiser engine got 20 horsepower more thanks to dual Variable Valve Timing and new roller rockers.
Toyota FJ Cruiser engine has a timing chain instead of a belt. A timing chain doesn't need to be replaced in regular intervals.
Overall, this is a good strong engine.

Pros

- Off-road capability
- Original design and colors
- Easy to clean interior
- Strong resale value
- Available sturdy roof rack
- Optional 115V power outlet
- Rear glass hatch opens separately

Cons

- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility and blind spots
- Rear seat access and comfort
- Rear seats don't fold completely flat
- Early models require premium gasoline

Overall

With strong engine, capable 4WD system, washable interior, optional sturdy roof rack and 5000 lb. of towing capacity, Toyota FJ Cruiser is definitely one of the top SUVs for outdoor activities. Of course, as with any vehicle, there are trade-offs, such as fuel consumption, blind spots and rear seat access.
Before buying the FJ Cruiser, test drive it for as long as you can, it's a very unique vehicle, unlike any other SUV. For early models, aftermarket back-up camera can help. I'd recommend to look for 2009 and later models.

What to look for buying a used Toyota FJ Cruiser

As a first step, check the used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover some of the problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, etc.
Follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- For models with manual transmission, check the clutch operation.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a Toyota dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- Watch for signs that the truck has been heavily abused off the road.
Check more tips on what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic familiar with FJ Cruiser - there is a lot of specifics what to look for.
Shop wisely, check few trucks to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash and wax your vehicle regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- There is a number of components that also need regular fluid changes or service: front and rear differential, transfer case, transmission, drive shafts, etc. Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Check your tire pressure regularly, unequal tire pressure causes increased wear of the 4WD system components.
- Stick with original Toyota parts and fluids.
- Have your vehicle inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more car maintenance tips

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser short specifications (Canadian model)

Dimensions:
Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase: Track: Turning circle: Ground Clearance: Approach Angle: Departure Angle:	4670 mm (183.9 in) 1905 mm (75 in) 1830 mm (72 in) /without roof rack/ 2007 mm (79 in) /with roof rack/ 2690 mm (105.9 in) 1605 mm (63.2 in)/front/ 1605 mm (63.2 in)/rear/ 12.7 m (41.7 ft) 245 mm (9.6 in) /4WD model/ 34 degrees 31 degrees
Seating Capacity:	5
Towing Capacity:	2268 kg (5000 lb)
Cargo Capacity:	1.89 m³ (66.8 cu. ft) /Behind Front Seats/ 0.79 m³ (27.9 cu. ft) /Behind Rear Seats/
Engine:	4.0 L, V6, DOHC, 24-Valve, Dual VVT-i 259 hp @ 5600 rpm, 270 lb.ft. @ 4400 rpm
EPA Est. Fuel Economy:
4WD with manual transmission: 4WD with automatic transmission:	city: 15.7 L/100km (15 US MPG) hwy: 12.4 L/100km (19 US MPG) city: 13.8 L/100km (17 US MPG) hwy: 11.2 L/100km (21 US MPG)
Recommended Fuel:	Regular unleaded
Fuel Tank Capacity:	72 liter (19 US gal)
Engine oil capacity:
Engine Oil with Filter Change (Drain & Refill)	6.4 US qt (6.1L)