The 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a great off-road vehicle rather than an on-road automobile. People whose lifestyles include constant off-road traveling should have this SUV. It is not ideal however for on-road operation due to its altered ride characteristics. But in terms of a unique look, the Toyota FJ definitely has a distinct appearance. The FJ Cruiser performs very well in off road conditions. Its 4.0-liter V6 engine gives it an unbalanced motion; thus, the reason why it works better as an off-road transportation. Its V6 engine is good for 260 horsepower; thus, it can run well especially at low and midrange pace.
“Cruisin for a Bruisin”
In terms of the exterior, it has been rated to be excellent with its bold design that has caught the attention of many. Its “suicide” doors also make people take notice but they are not easy to use because to open the doors at the back, you first need to unlock those at the front.
The FJ Cruiser has a unique interior however its back seat is not big and its rear doors and elevated step-in height hinders exit and entry. It only has two doors at the front unlike other SUVs by other companies that have four doors making off-door driving more comfortable.
Its dashboard matches its exterior color. Its controls can be easily found and reached by the hands. One flaw of this vehicle is its inferior backward visibility due to its small rear windows, its extra tire attached at the tailgate, and extensive roof pillars. Thus parking can be hard as well as checking out obstacles at the back.
Its seats, rubber-type floors as well as deck mat are waterproof and even if any liquid drops on them, it does not pose any problem because their fabric and materials are water-resistant. The front seats provide comfort but those at the back are not as relaxing.
More Features
There are inexpensive plastic found at the cabin that cramps the interior’s style. However, it has cool features such as a 17-inch steering wheel, power windows and locks, 6 speakers, a CD player with MP3 playback capability and an AM/FM satellite radio, Bluetooth, IPod integration, an outer paint with two tones, and a strong air conditioning. It does have limited cargo space, which may cause difficulty for some. Its storage container is not spacious but it does have cup and bottle holders that can hold your drinks to keep you hydrated during a long ride.
According to tests performed by the federal government on the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser, which is almost the same as its 2011 counterpart, the safety of this vehicle is excellent. Both drivers and passengers were safe during frontal and side crash tests. In case of accidents, there is only ¼ chance of it experiencing a rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said that the strength of this SUV’s roof is acceptable as based on performed tests. It has front seat side airbags and rollover-sensing side curtain airbags to keep people safe during a car accident. For further protection, it has anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, traction control and vehicle steadiness control.
To ensure customer satisfaction, the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser has a warranty covering 3 years or 36000 miles. It also has a Powertrain warranty covering 5 years or 60,000 miles. Note that this vehicle is at its best when you drive it off-road.
The SuperCars Overall Rating = 54/100
What others Say:
“The FJ has clumsy handling and can be disconcerting at its limits, although the standard stability control keeps it secure enough.”Consumer Reports
“The 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser stands above most SUVs—even off-road-capable ones—in both style and trail toughness; but city slickers should look elsewhere.”The Car Connection
“This SUV has styling inspired by Toyota’s 1960s-era Land Cruisers. FJ seats 5 and has 2 main doors, 2 rear-hinged rear access doors, and no pillar between.”Consumer Guide
“Impressive off-road ability; distinctive interior and exterior styling; comfortable front seats.”Edmunds
“Rugged and versatile, a bear off-road, even tolerably compliant on-road – all of this describes the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser.”Car Gurus
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $ 25,790.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 17 city / 22 hwy |
| Length: 183.9 in. (467cm) | Width: 75 in. (190cm) |
| Height: 71.3in. (181cm) | Weight: 4079 lbs (1850kg) |
| Wheel Base: 105.9 in. (269cm) | Ground Clearance: 9.6 in. (24cm) (unladen) |
| Luggage Capacity: Cargo Vol. 66.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 |
| Engine: 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent (VVT-i) | Displacement: N/A |
| Horsepower: 260 hp | Torque: 271 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Max RPM: 5600 rpm | Transmission: 5-speed ECT automatic Transmission |
| 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 15.6 seconds |
| Option:FJ Cruiser 4×4;6-speed Manual | MSRP: $26,970; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:FJ Cruiser 4×4;5-speed Auto | MSRP: $27,380; MPG: 17 city / 21 hwy |
