2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser

I love the look of it

By olivia888 (FL) on Thursday, July 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 34,052

Pros: "It runs great and has never let me down"

Cons: "Side vision is terrible.."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this FJ..it holds the road...I pass everyone on the side of the road during torrencial down pours..I always feel very safe while driving it...I keep it clean and waxed and it looks brand new."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

My favorite Vehicle in 40 years of driving!

By Mike (CT) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

Pros: "Easy to make Tight Turns and Park"

Cons: "Only 20 miles to the Gallon"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned "Sonic" yes I named my FJ, for 4 years. I know everything about this vehicle! I've never experienced the "Blind Spots", The rear view mirrors are huge and allow great visibility. There is a back up warning "Beeping" alert that works GREAT! Mine is a 2008 and still looks BRAND NEW with Limited work by me! No mechanical work ever needed. ( I'm only driving 10K a year. I still get compliments and interested people at Gas Stations and Store Parking lits! TIGHT TURNING RADIUS, easy to park! Anti-Lock brakes work GREAT on slick surfaces! The Rubber Floor mats are EASY to Clean! My three Black Labs love to go Joy Riding in it. The rear windows do not open. The Air conditioning is Artic Cold and never had an issue! Mine is a 2008, IMPORTANT: Look for the "Fender Buckling" flaw that many FJ Cruisers have. Google it and know what to look for. Mine never had it, but the front fenders on many 2008 and older literally start creasing and buckling like the car has body damage. Toyota re-designed and fixed the problem in mid 2008 and Toyota will recall fix the problem. I don't have the luggage rack! DO NOT GET IT UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY intend to use it in Northern Climates! Impossible to brush the snow off if you have it. I avoided it and am thankful with every New England Blizzard. Back seats fold almost flat for a huge cargo/dog area in the back. The HUGE back door opens the correct way for parking on the side of the road and "Loading/Unloading" hinges on Drivers side. Comfy to sit in the back with the door open. Rear window is confusing to open ( Needs to use the key in the door turned the wrong way twice ) and It's SOOOOO tiny, I've only need to open it once to carry some boards. The dash is very flat to put drive through food on or little "Hula Dancers" etc. GREAT SECRET GLOVE BOX just over the steering wheel on the flat surface. Pops up to reveal a huge storage space. I LOVE this feature for Parking Garge Tickets, Reciepts, etc. Nice Cup Holders in the Front and inside the Back Doors. White Top helps keep the car interior COOL in the summer in a parking lot. Difficult to see traffic lights if you are first in line because the top of the windsheild is so low. I'm used to it, but it took a while. In 50,000 miles, ever needed to change a bulb, Change Brakes, No exhaust work, original tires look new, handles like a car on bumpy roars, comfy front seats on a long drive. Easy to spot in a mall parking lot! It's tall and stands out. The Alarm NEVER goes of by mistake in high winds or storms. REALLY DRIVES THROUGH DEEP SNOW EFFORTLESSLY! It's been through huge Connecticut Blizzards And I'm a chicken driving thru snow! It was very happy in two foot unplowed snow! 4 Wheel Drive works like a charm."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Proven Toughest, best built vehicle on the planet

By lecture1 (Canada) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

Pros: "Overall design and performance, and cost to own."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"As an oil camp manager in some of the most difficult terrain on the planet, this vehicle is contanly compared to 400 trucks and suvs. Absolutely nothing comes close to its design, reliability or toughness - our 5 2007s still have not been in the shop. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A TOYOTA. it is built by Hino which has a reputation of the being the most reliable commercial truck on the planet..."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

She became my badge of identity

By Sultan Azteca (TX) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

Pros: "Distinctive style, powerful engine, Toyota quality"

Cons: "Faulty headlights, SUV operation cost, NOTICEABLE!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my yellow FJ for nearly 6 years now. I bought her as I needed room to haul around a family of 5, including my then new-born. Life changes, and now I don't need such a large passenger and cargo capacity. My daily commute is 40 miles round-trip, with a 700 mile trip around once a month, and my FJ gas milage is average for an SUV (16-20 mpg), so I am looking for a smaller car with better gas mileage. In the meantime, my SUV's distinctive styling became an ID badge of sorts. I've lived in three different cities, and my neighbors, family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances would immediately acknowledge me (or my wife) as soon as they saw the big yellow brick showing up at the distance. It is a great feeling everytime, except when you want to go unnoticed! After 6 years, nearly all its equipment and gadgets are fully functional. Power locks, windows, mirrors, thermometer, parking assist, analogical inclinometer and compass (those are a kicker, still today, for novel passengers). Steering wheel controls work perfectly as well (cruise, stereo, front and rear wipers, rear defogger, etc.). The Premium stereo it came with is still plenty for my audio needs, including the absorbing set of tweet-speakers embedded inside the roof. Its radio interface is toy-like with huge knobs and buttons, which makes it even easier to operate while driving. The radio still functions perfectly, including its 6-CD box, and audio-plug (no USB connection). Engine, brakes, transmission, everything mechanical has worked impeccably, with no service needed beyond its regular oil changes and tune-ups as scheduled. The engine feels far more powerful than the specs would lead you to think, and I have never had any troubles trying to pass vehicles at 70+ mph in two lane back roads. The only issue it has ever had: for road safety reasons, I have always run my car with the lights on, day and night. In the past 18 months or so, on occasion, the lights stay on even after I lock the doors (regularly, the lights would turn off after hitting the lock button on the remote). This has led several times to my returning from shopping or watching a movie show to find my truck with the lights still on, running the risk of having a dead battery at my return. Interestingly, this only happens when the weather is either too hot or too cold. Now I am used to double-checking that the lights turn off, and if they don't I flick them off manually. I have taken my SUV to two different dealers, and they have not been able to find the cause. Still, as I mentioned, this might be caused by my constant use (and abuse) of the headlight system. All in all, I am utterly in love with my FJ. I only hope I will be able to find a loving home for her after we part ways."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

She became my badge of identity

By Sultan Azteca (TX) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

Pros: "Distinctive style, powerful engine, Toyota quality"

Cons: "Faulty headlights, SUV operation cost, NOTICEABLE!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my yellow FJ for nearly 6 years now. I bought her as I needed room to haul around a family of 5, including my then new-born. Life changes, and now I don't need such a large passenger and cargo capacity. My daily commute is 40 miles round-trip, with a 700 mile trip around once a month, and my FJ gas milage is average for an SUV (16-20 mpg), so I am looking for a smaller car with better gas mileage. In the meantime, my SUV's distinctive styling became an ID badge of sorts. I've lived in three different cities, and my neighbors, family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances would immediately acknowledge me (or my wife) as soon as they saw the big yellow brick showing up at the distance. It is a great feeling everytime, except when you want to go unnoticed! After 6 years, nearly all its equipment and gadgets are fully functional. Power locks, windows, mirrors, thermometer, parking assist, analogical inclinometer and compass (those are a kicker, still today, for novel passengers). Steering wheel controls work perfectly as well (cruise, stereo, front and rear wipers, rear defogger, etc.). The Premium stereo it came with is still plenty for my audio needs, including the absorbing set of tweet-speakers embedded inside the roof. Its radio interface is toy-like with huge knobs and buttons, which makes it even easier to operate while driving. The radio still functions perfectly, including its 6-CD box, and audio-plug (no USB connection). Engine, brakes, transmission, everything mechanical has worked impeccably, with no service needed beyond its regular oil changes and tune-ups as scheduled. The engine feels far more powerful than the specs would lead you to think, and I have never had any troubles trying to pass vehicles at 70+ mph in two lane back roads. The only issue it has ever had: for road safety reasons, I have always run my car with the lights on, day and night. In the past 18 months or so, on occasion, the lights stay on even after I lock the doors (regularly, the lights would turn off after hitting the lock button on the remote). This has led several times to my returning from shopping or watching a movie show to find my truck with the lights still on, running the risk of having a dead battery at my return. Interestingly, this only happens when the weather is either too hot or too cold. Now I am used to double-checking that the lights turn off, and if they don't I flick them off manually. I have taken my SUV to two different dealers, and they have not been able to find the cause. Still, as I mentioned, this might be caused by my constant use (and abuse) of the headlight system. All in all, I am utterly in love with my FJ. I only hope I will be able to find a loving home for her after we part ways."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

She became my badge of identity

By Sultan Azteca (TX) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

Pros: "Distinctive style, powerful engine, Toyota quality"

Cons: "Faulty headlights, SUV operation cost, NOTICEABLE!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my yellow FJ for nearly 6 years now. I bought her as I needed room to haul around a family of 5, including my then new-born. Life changes, and now I don't need such a large passenger and cargo capacity. My daily commute is 40 miles round-trip, with a 700 mile trip around once a month, and my FJ gas milage is average for an SUV (16-20 mpg), so I am looking for a smaller car with better gas mileage. In the meantime, my SUV's distinctive styling became an ID badge of sorts. I've lived in three different cities, and my neighbors, family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances would immediately acknowledge me (or my wife) as soon as they saw the big yellow brick showing up at the distance. It is a great feeling everytime, except when you want to go unnoticed! After 6 years, nearly all its equipment and gadgets are fully functional. Power locks, windows, mirrors, thermometer, parking assist, analogical inclinometer and compass (those are a kicker, still today, for novel passengers). Steering wheel controls work perfectly as well (cruise, stereo, front and rear wipers, rear defogger, etc.). The Premium stereo it came with is still plenty for my audio needs, including the absorbing set of tweet-speakers embedded inside the roof. Its radio interface is toy-like with huge knobs and buttons, which makes it even easier to operate while driving. The radio still functions perfectly, including its 6-CD box, and audio-plug (no USB connection). Engine, brakes, transmission, everything mechanical has worked impeccably, with no service needed beyond its regular oil changes and tune-ups as scheduled. The engine feels far more powerful than the specs would lead you to think, and I have never had any troubles trying to pass vehicles at 70+ mph in two lane back roads. The only issue it has ever had: for road safety reasons, I have always run my car with the lights on, day and night. In the past 18 months or so, on occasion, the lights stay on even after I lock the doors (regularly, the lights would turn off after hitting the lock button on the remote). This has led several times to my returning from shopping or watching a movie show to find my truck with the lights still on, running the risk of having a dead battery at my return. Interestingly, this only happens when the weather is either too hot or too cold. Now I am used to double-checking that the lights turn off, and if they don't I flick them off manually. I have taken my SUV to two different dealers, and they have not been able to find the cause. Still, as I mentioned, this might be caused by my constant use (and abuse) of the headlight system. All in all, I am utterly in love with my FJ. I only hope I will be able to find a loving home for her after we part ways."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse