Used Toyota FJ Cruiser review: 2011-2013

In an era dominated by boxy, lookalike wagons the Toyota Cruiser FJ stood out. For the first time a carmaker attempted to inject some fun into the SUV. 

NEW

The Cruiser FJ began a styling exercise aimed at winning over younger buyers with a fun sense of style and classic appeal. Styled after the legendary FJ40 Land Cruiser of the 1960s and '70s the chunky FJ featured round headlights, it had Toyota spelled out across a mesh grille, an upright windscreen, white roof, wrap-around rear windows, and two-door style.

While it might have looked like a two-door it wasn't. It had cleverly disguised, rear-hinged 'suicide' rear doors that allowed access to the rear seats. The FJ Cruiser was based on the Land Cruiser Prado with a short wheelbase and wide track.

The retro look was carried through to the cabin where the old style dash housed a speedo painted like the original, and the dash knobs and door handles were big and chunky and easy to use. Front seat passengers were well catered for with big, comfortable seats and decent room, but those in the rear would have found themselves a little squeezed for space.

There was just the one engine available in the FJ; it was the familiar 4.0-litre V6 that could be found in other Toyota models. With 200kW and 380Nm on tap the FJ had plenty of punch and with a relatively flat torque curve from low in the rev range it also drove smoothly.

The V6 was backed up by a five-speed automatic transmission, and a two-speed transfer case delivered the drive to all four wheels. With its low-range gearing, short overhangs front and rear, decent ground clearance, lockable rear diff and Active Traction Control to control wheel slip the FJ was a capable offroader. On the road the retro Cruiser rode comfortably and handled with commendable assurance.

NOW

FJ Cruiser owners are generally a contented lot; most have few, if any gripes about their cars. The mechanicals are mostly the same as the Prado, so they're pretty much bulletproof.

The V6 engine has a cam timing chain instead of a belt, which means there's little or no risk of it breaking, and no service requirement to change it. Regular oil changes are the most critical need from a service point of view. To check for evidence that these have been done ask to see the service book and hope to find your chosen vehicle has been worked on by a creditable service mechanic, either a dealer or one experienced in working on Toyotas.

Before you seal the deal go for a decent test drive and check it out to see if it suits you. In particular make sure you are happy with the visibility from the driver's seat. There have been reported problems with the rear view camera, so take particular note of that to make sure it is working. The FJ has been subject to three recalls.

The first was in 2011 and related to the side airbag and curtain airbag sensor that could have affected the deployment of the bags in a crash. Another, in 2013, related to the fuel tank breather tube, which was subject to heat damage, which could cause a fuel leak and result in a fire.

A third, also in 2013, concerned cracks in the lower inner panel of the rear doors where the seat belt retractor is attached. If the panel cracked the seat belt retractor could become adrift in a crash. It's a wise move to check that these recalls have been carried out and all is well with your car.

SMITHY SAYS

Looks are important, but it also drives well on road and off. No diesel holds it back.

Toyota FJ Cruiser 2011-2013
Price new: $44,990
Engine: 4.0-litre V6, 200kW/380Nm
Transmission: 5-speed auto, part-time 4WD
Economy: 11.4L/100km
Body: 5-door wagon
Variants: Cruiser
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, stability control, traction control.