The FJ is a big, stout pig. I’d attribute this to the tires. BFGs are a terrible choice for snow tires, in my opinion. I’ve owned numerous sets of them over the years. My FJ came with a nearly brand-new set of BFGs when I purchased it used. After the first snowfall (and after sledding down our driveway), I took those off and replaced them with nicer ones. a significant difference.
In This Article...
Do FJ Cruisers frequently experience issues?
FJ Cruisers: Are They Reliable? The FJ Cruiser receives a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal, placing it 12th out of 26 midsize SUVs. The model typically has an annual repair and maintenance expense of roughly $506. This is less than the $573 average for medium SUVs.
Which FJ Cruiser year is the best?
Even though this Toyota is very dependable, there are a few factors to take into account while purchasing a used FJ Cruiser. The finest resale value and many advantageous features are found in the 2013 FJ Cruiser.
Toyota FJ has all-wheel drive, right?
There are two-wheel and all-wheel drive options for the FJ Cruiser. Either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission is available for the 4WD. Models with two-wheel drive only come with a 5-speed automatic.
Is it worthwhile to buy a secondhand FJ Cruiser?
The FJ Cruiser developed a cult following thanks to its distinctive vintage look, capability, and reliabilitydespite never exceeding sales targets. A used FJ Cruiser merits serious attention and won’t let you down if you’re seeking for a flexible mid-size SUV but don’t have the money for a new one.
Jeep or the FJ Cruiser, which is superior?
These two cars perform similarly to one another off-road. The Wrangler does have a slight advantage over the FJ Cruiser in terms of raw data, but the gap isn’t particularly wide. Even when compared to its current Wrangler competitors, the Jeep Wrangler comes out on top thanks to the combination of its several small victories over the FJ Cruiser.
The FJ has an unmistakable appeal. With the FJ Cruiser, Toyota so blatantly set their sights on the Jeep Wrangler that it ultimately killed it. They were attempting to ride an already broken wave. The FJ is still a very capable off-road vehicle, although it somewhat underreaches the target off-roading market. The FJ Cruiser is more useful as a vehicle for camping trips and as a means of transporting a raft or a kayak to the riverbed. The Wrangler is capable of doing this as well, but it is also free to go off-roading for enjoyment only. The Wrangler actually shines in this regard; it’s an incredibly entertaining car that still manages to be useful. On the other hand, the FJ primarily consists of the latter.
Ultimately, this isn’t too fair of a debate now, given that the FJ is no longer in production. The Jeep Wrangler is not only a superb vehicle but a dynamic platform that can morph practically fully with the help of mods.
How far can a FJ Cruiser travel?
So you want to purchase a high mileage secondhand FJ? Few 4WD vehicles can possibly compare to the dependability and toughness of the Cruiser series. These SUVs are constructed strong by Toyota, and if you read the comments left by the many satisfied FJ cruiser owners in the hundreds of forum threads, you’ll be persuaded that it’s one of the safest used SUV 4WD purchases available. There are a few problems, though, and I’ll go into more detail about those a little later.
If the scheduled maintenance and services have been performed, FJ Cruisers can travel well over 250K miles without experiencing any mechanical issues. With only routine maintenance and a few minor cosmetic faults, many owners have driven their vehicles well past 300K miles.
Therefore, it is crucial to confirm that a used FJ Cruiser has a comprehensive service history, either at the Toyota agents or with a reliable private workshop, before making the purchase. For these FJs, mileage is less of an issue than how well they were maintained.
Many owners are really pleased with their purchases and speak highly of the build quality, dependability, and durability of them. The FJ is an extremely capable off-road vehicle, suited for long drives or whatever 44-track you’re willing to subject it to. It will chew up the terrain with aplomb and take you home in complete comfort and style.
The eccentric, retro styling is obviously not to everyone’s taste when it comes to design, proving that beauty is subjective. I adore it, for sure!
See what one owner had to say about it:
I recently purchased a 2011 FJ. 123,000 kilometers on the clock I gave it my 3.6 Rubicon in exchange. I loved the Jeep and couldn’t be happier.
Therefore, these cars’ dependability and longevity are really what make them beautiful. Clearly, mileage is not a concern. You should be fine to go if you look hard and long for the one you prefer, test drive it, and make sure it has a complete service history. These 4WDs don’t have any shady plans in place to take advantage of you after you’ve spent your hard-earned money. They have a sturdy construction. It’s a rather secure purchase.
The fuel consumption of these JF Cruisers is, in my opinion, their main drawback. Definitely thirsty!
The 2010 models have seen minor fuel economy improvements since their 2007 debut. For variants with two or four wheels, the FJ will achieve city fuel economy ratings of 14 to 17 mpg and highway fuel economy ratings of 19 to 21 mpg.
Expect those numbers to fall considerably lower if you want to customize the FJ with larger tires, lifts, and roof racks. You’ve now been forewarned.
However, those who purchase these automobiles don’t necessarily do it in order to consume less fuel.
FJ stands for what?
How was the name FJ derived? We frequently get this inquiry! The early FJs were originally known as BJsthey having a Type B engine, not an F, which is why the “J clearly refers for “Jeep and the “F signifies the engine type.
How trustworthy is a FJ Cruiser?
The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it 12th out of 26 midsize SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $506 average annual repair cost.
Is FJ Cruiser full time 4wd?
Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. In an uncommon configuration, FJ Cruisers equipped with automatic transmissions receive rear-wheel drive or a more basic part-time four-wheel-drive technology, while manual-transmission vehicles receive full-time four-wheel drive.
FJ Cruiser has AWD or 4WD.
There is only one trim level available for the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, and buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. Only a 5-speed automatic transmission is available for rear-wheel-drive models, however 4-wheel-drive models can be ordered with either that automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.
The 4.0L V6 engine in the FJ is the only one offered, and it produces 271 pound-feet of torque and 260 horsepower thanks to dual independent variable valve timing. With 4-wheel drive and manual transmission, the system defaults to distributing 60 percent of power to the rear wheels, but it can be set at a 50/50 split. When commuting or traveling on the highway in clear weather, the automatic transmission’s separate part-time 4-wheel drive system allows for higher gas consumption. Both models come with a distinct low range for low-speed rock crawling, and manual FJ Cruisers come standard with a locking rear differential whereas automatic FJs don’t. For the best possible grip, rear-wheel-drive variants have a limited-slip rear differential together with electronic stability and traction control.
With its sturdy body-on-frame design and boxed steel ladder-braced frame, the FJ Cruiser is a genuine truck. Four-wheel disc brakes, a double-wishbone front suspension, a 4-link coil-spring rear suspension with solid axle, and hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering all work together to give the SUV good maneuverability and reasonably responsive handling on the road, as well as some of the best off-road capability in a stock SUV.
The FJ has 9.6 inches of overall ground clearance along with approach (34 degrees) and departure (31 degrees) angles when using its stock tires. The maximum towing capacity is 4,700 pounds.
The FJ Cruiser does not entirely sacrifice comfort. Most people will be able to get comfy up front and have a nice view out thanks to an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat. A rear seatback that splits 60/40 and has detachable bottom cushions may be folded to create an almost level cargo floor. There are several bag hooks, cargo-net hooks, and cargo tie-down points throughout the cargo space.
Air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a rear defogger, and a 6-speaker audio system with a USB connector, iPod interface, and Bluetooth streaming audio are all included as standard equipment on the FJ Cruiser.
On 4-wheel drive FJs, the special Trail Teams Edition adds a variety of equipment that is useful to off-roaders, including Bilstein off-road shocks, TRD alloy wheels, a rear differential lock combined with the A-TRAC traction system, additional skid plates, rock rails, illuminated side-marker lamps, an AC outlet, a backup camera monitor, TRD aluminum doorsill scuff plates, and an aluminum shift knob. The vehicle stands out from the crowd on the outside because to its new “Heritage Blue” paint scheme, which also features black bumpers, a blacked-out grille, and blacked-out door handles.
Are FJ Cruisers still worth anything?
The Toyota FJ Cruiser takes the top spot on this list by a significant margin for the second year in a row since it is an off-road expert and a rarity in terms of resale value.
What caused Toyota to stop producing the FJ Cruiser?
The first stone in the FJ Cruiser’s coffin was the recession of 2008, which signaled the beginning of declining sales and the end of profit. To honor Toyota FJ Land Cruisers, the Toyota FJ Cruiser had its concept premiere in 2003. As 2006 year models, the first production models hit the market. They were designed as a vintage off-road vehicle and were first highly well-liked.
Unfortunately, Toyota was severely impacted by the 2008 recession, which had a negative impact on FJ Cruiser sales. Although it was performing well prior to then, it was ultimately canceled by 2014. That was partly due to the FJ Cruiser’s likeness to the original Jeep.
Toyota wanted to build an off-road vehicle that stood out from the rest of what they were producing at the time, and the FJ Cruiser was their attempt to do that. The FJ Cruiser was discontinued in 2014 as a result of Toyota’s decision that the sales were too poor to justify the manufacturing costs associated with developing a second generation after the recession officially began.
Does a FJ Cruiser require premium fuel?
Later, Toyota sent a statement indicating that although the FJ’s fuel-door placard reads “Premium Unleaded Fuel Only,” the owner’s handbook states that the vehicle can operate just fine on normal unleaded and only requires premium for optimal performance and all 239 rated horses (87 octane).
Will the FJ Cruiser make a comeback?
2014 was the final model year for FJ Cruiser before it was discontinued. But with adventure-ready Toyota vehicles like the 4Runner and the off-road capable TRD Pro Series, excitement and capability continue to exist. There is a tough Toyota 4×4 ready to take you exploring, no matter who you are. You will continue to receive excellent servicing from your local Toyota Service Center if you currently possess a FJ Cruiser. Search for a Toyota Certified Used FJ Cruiser below or Keep It Wild with 4Runner.
FJ Cruisers are they comfortable?
The FJ Cruiser lacks features like heated seats and leather upholstery, in contrast to many SUVs in its class. Reviewers agree that the front seats are pleasant, but they also point out that the 2014 FJ Cruiser has poor vision in the rear and insufficient legroom in the back seat.