Yahoo Autos What to Buy: 2007–2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
From the July/August issue of Car and Driver.
Toyota summoned the spirit of the 1960–83 FJ40-series Land Cruiser and channeled it into the 2007–14 FJ Cruiser. The SUV is underpinned by an altered version of the contemporary 4Runner’s frame and sits on a wheelbase 3.9 inches shorter than its mid-size sibling’s. Approach and departure angles of up to 34.0 and 31.0 degrees better those of the 4Runner and Land Cruiser of the era. A stubby 183.9-inch-long body and up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance make the FJ a nimble and sure-footed companion on unbeaten paths.
The upright windshield, massive C-pillars, elephant-ear side mirrors, and small rear window work against outward vision on- and off-road. Even so, there’s a charm to the design and decor of the FJ, which has three windshield wipers and a pair of rear-hinged half-doors that ease access to the rear passenger compartment.
Though it lacks the open-top driving experience of a Jeep Wrangler, the FJ combines comparable off-pavement performance with chic sheetmetal and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Powertrain
A 4.0-liter V-6 motivates both rear- and four-wheel-drive FJ Cruisers, and it pushes out 239 horsepower in 2007–09 models, 258 horses in 2010 editions, and 260 in 2011–14s. The engine pairs with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, the latter of which is exclusive to four-wheel-drive versions. Going the stick-shift route nets a full-time four-wheel-drive system, as opposed to the automatic’s available part-time setup.
Value
Like most modern Toyota pickups and SUVs, the FJ Cruiser retains its resale value remarkably well. Low-mileage four-wheel-drive models from 2010 or later tend to sell for greater sums. Expect to pay a premium for an FJ Cruiser in the low- volume TRD Special Edition, Trail Teams Special Edition, or Trail Teams Ultimate Edition guise.
Problem Areas
FJ Cruisers suffer from two major weaknesses: rusting frames and bulging or cracked inner front fenders. While corrosion can affect any FJ, the fender issue is largely limited to 2007–09 models.
Recent Sales
2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser (April 2024)
Price: $43,500 Mileage: 9,000 miles
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD Special Edition (March 2024)
Price: $17,500 Mileage: 136,000 miles
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition (February 2024)
Price: $38,250 Mileage: 30,000 miles
(Sales from Bring a Trailer.)
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD
239-hp 4.0-liter V-6, 6-speed manual, 4360 lb
TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph
Top Speed: 113 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 184 ft
From C/D, April 2006. Acceleration times adhere to our old rollout rule of 3 mph.
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