The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes in just one model. However, there is a choice of three drivetrains: abasic rear-wheel-drive version equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, a part-time four-wheel-drive version with the same automatic transmission,or a full-time four-wheel-drive version with a six-speed manual transmission.
Powering the FJ Cruisers is Toyota’s refined workhorse 4.0-liter V6. In this application, it makes 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. FJ Cruiser buyers can choose between a five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. Most automatic-equipped FJs will come with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, though Toyota also has a two-wheel-drive version available. Vehicles equipped with the manual have a full-time 4WD system. In our testing, a 4WD automatic FJ Cruiser went from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Towing capacity, at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, is about average, as is fuel economy. An FJ Cruiser automatic has an EPA estimated 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway rating.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, tilt steering, power windows and door locks, eight-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio, an engine immobilizer, and P265/70R17 tires on 17-inch steel wheels (with a full-size spare mounted on the back door). Upholstery is water-resistant fabric and flooring is a rubber-like mat.
An available Convenience Package adds keyless entry, cruise control, power side-view mirrors with image lights, daytime running lights, privacy glass, rear window wiper; and rear parking sonar.
Upgrade Package One includes A-TRAC electronic traction control, a rear locking differential, a multi-information display (compass, inclinometer and temperature gauge); eight-speaker, 400-watt premium audio with in-dash six-CD changer; leather-covered steering wheel with audio and cruise controls: metal-colored shift lever; interior trim panels keyed to exterior color; and 17-inch alloy wheels. Upgrade Package Two delivers all of the above, plus a subwoofer.
An Off-Road package includes P265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires on unique 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels; trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers; a Cyclone air pre-cleaner; a rear locking differential; A-TRAC; and the multi-information display.
The Trail Team Special Edition Package combines the tires from the Off-Road Package with the stereo and some trim items from Upgrade Package Two, and adds bumper-mounted driving lights, front and rear skid plates, rock rails, all weather cargo mats, and a TRD exhaust. It is available on either 4WD model but not with 2WD.
Options include 17-inch alloy wheels, the rear differential lock, and running boards. Customers can also choose from a catalog of dealer-installed accessories, including: auxiliary driving lights, rock rails, roof rack, brush guard, taillight guards, sport exhaust system, receiver hitch and harness, wind deflector with off-road lights, a cargo mat. and all-weather or carpeted floor mats.
Stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard safety features. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the Toyota FJ Cruiser earned a top five-star rating for driver safety in head-on collisions. Front passenger protection rated four stars. For the side-impact test, front and rear passenger protection received five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the FJ a top score of “Good” for its protection of occupants in frontal-offset and side-impact collisions.
Now in its second season, the FJ Cruiser is still Toyota’s newest sport utility vehicle and its most capable when it comes to getting where you want to go when there’s no pavement beneath your tires. For those whose lifestyles include exploring, whether it be sandy beaches, mountain trails, secluded lakes, busy ski hills or even the urban jungle, the FJ Cruiser provides Toyota quality at a competitive price and wrapped in a unique design, inside and out.
Awards
2008 An Excellent Value
2008 Five-star rating in driver’s frontal crash test
2008 Lowest Ownership Costs in Its Class
2008 Highest Retained Value in Its Class
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