The Toyota FJ Cruiser was derived from the body-on-frame Toyota Prado TZ platform but with a shorter wheelbase and length, was developed as a no-compromises off-road vehicle that evoked Toyota’s original FJ40 from the 1960s. After an eight-year run, Toyota pulled the plug on the vehicle with a special edition for the 2014 model year. (pictured below is the original classic Cruiser that now can sell for as high as RM80k)
Remember, Toyota Motor is a volume car producer, so when the numbers do not add up, they will stop production. The FJ Cruiser was a hot seller at first, moving more than 56,000 units in each of its first two years. Sales then dropped off quickly, to just under 12,000 in 2009 and less than 14,000 in 2011 and 2012 combined. It never again broke 15,000 in sales before being discontinued after the 2014 model year.
The FJ Cruiser uses a 1GR-FE engine which is a 4.0-litre quad-cam V6 producing 380Nm of peak torque at 4400rpm and 276PS of power at 5600rpm.
Part-time 4WD, electrically operated rear-differential lock, active traction control and some of the best ground clearances in the Toyota range: 36-degree approach, 29-degree ramp over and 31-degree departure angle all contribute to the rough and ready Cruiser’s rough trail credibility.
Independent front suspension and a well-located solid rear axle offered plenty of articulation for trail driving. An electronic locking rear differential, nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and standard skid plates could be augmented by off-road options, including the TRD and Trail Teams Special Edition packages.
Inside, the FJ Cruiser mixed function and comfort, giving you water-resistant cloth seats and rubberized floor mats on the one hand, and a slew of modern tech and safety on the other. Side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, and a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity were standard. An available rear-view camera was a big help for the visibility-challenged FJ Cruiser.
Produced in Japan by Toyota’s truck subsidiary Hino Motors since 2006, the FJ Cruiser was not officially sold in Malaysia at all, however some examples have been privately imported over the years and with many Malaysians loving it. The construction, oil and gas, farming industry tycoons loved it as an alternative to their large and common to see everywhere Toyota Land Cruiser.
Today, used car values have made the FJ a good value buy f you can afford its road tax and fuel gulping. Yes, this ‘rugged’ Toyota can be yours from just RM105,000 for the 2011 model to a high RM140,000 for the last model in 2014 with some goodies attached to it.
Try and not buy a unit for East Malaysia as it would have been used off-road. Also, check under the carpets in the cabin and also in the boot to look for flood water damage. Original paint is a bonus as it promises an accident free FJ and low mileage with service records to confirm would mean it was the 3rd or 4th vehicle in the home.
Most of the FJ Cruisers in the East Malaysia are not used for offroads but rather in the city. It is quite a fancy car compared to heavy duty workhorse like Hilux.