Overview & Reviews

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV that harks back to the company's iconic FJ40 Series of Land Cruisers. Like the old FJ40, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has superior off-road capabilities. It's built on a truck-based, ladder-frame chassis and features a stout suspension and drivetrain, sharing its underlying hardware with Toyota's 4Runner SUV. Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser to be a bit more specialized, however. Compared to the 4Runner, it's smaller, less expensive and more capable in off-road situations, and it's meant to appeal to younger and more active consumers.

Most Recent Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was produced from 2007 through 2014, with only relatively minor changes made throughout that eight-year run. A midsize SUV, the FJ Cruiser focused on off-road performance and thus in personality and in some cases styling (such as the grille and headlights), paid homage to the original FJ40 of the 1960s. The FJ Cruiser featured two standard front doors supplemented with a pair of smaller, reverse-opening rear doors to provide easier access to the rear seat.

The sole engine used was a 4.0-liter V6. Output depended on the year, as the first three years it was rated at 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque while for 2010 and later the specs stood at 260 hp and 270 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive was standard and two different 4WD systems were available. One was a part-time system, while the other was a full-time system. All FJ Cruisers except those with the full-time 4WD came with a five-speed automatic; those with the full-time 4WD had a six-speed manual along with a locking rear differential.

There was just one trim level with the FJ Cruiser. Standard feature highlights included 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, water-resistant cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio, a CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary/iPod/USB inputs. Options (which sometimes depended on region and model year) included alloy wheels, a rear wiper, a rearview camera, an electronic locking rear differential, rear parking sensors and extra gauges. Several off-road-oriented features (such as heavy-duty suspension components, tires, roof racks, driving lights, rock rails and cargo covers) were also available, as were similarly themed packages that usually included specific styling details.

Changes throughout the years were essentially limited to features availability. First year FJs offered optional side and side curtain airbags, but they were made standard for 2008, while the following year saw the debut of the rearview camera option, which we highly recommend. For 2011, the FJ Cruiser received an upgraded audio system and better access to the rear seat (which also gained folding headrests). Three years later, Toyota celebrated the FJ's last year with the limited-production (only 2,500 built) Trail Teams Ultimate Edition package.

With such serious four-wheel-drive systems available, a major draw for shoppers will be the vehicle's off-road abilities. The Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed to have considerable wheel travel, high ground clearance and a tough, fully boxed frame. The front suspension is independent with a double-wishbone design, while the rear features a solid rear axle with a four-link coil-spring suspension.

In reviews, the Toyota FJ Cruiser earned positive commentary for its impressive off-road ability, surprisingly fun on-road driving experience, comfortable front seats and distinctive exterior styling. FJ Cruiser drawbacks included limited outward visibility and a rear seat area that wasn't particularly comfortable or easy to access even with the reverse-opening rear doors.

User Reviews:

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  Toyota Doesnt honor FJ Cruiser Warranty - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kevin - September 24 - 4:36 pm

  We purchased a 2007 FJ Cruiser for our family, it is our fourth and, unfortunatley, final Toyota (we have two and Cruisers and a Highlander). After only 8000 miles the transmission failed on the FJ Cruiser and Toyota todate has refused to honor the warranty. The reason for the failure is moisture got into the transmission case. Toyotas reason for not honoring the warranty is because the vehicle was used off road. Keep in mind this is an off road vehicle; in fact Toyota advertises the FJ on their website as purely an off road vehicle - there are no pictures of the vehicle used on a road. We used the FJ in ways that are less demanding and safer than how the vehicle is marketed.

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  FJ is Fantastic - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By wittman88 - September 7 - 1:33 am

  Only had for a couple weeks but love this vehicle. Have had a 4runner for 9 years and love it but the FJ is so much cooler. The sound system is sweet and it rides very nice for a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Although it does have street tires on it, not off road ones. My teenage sons love it so now they will ride with me again.

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  2008 FJ Cruiser - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Lucero - September 6 - 1:53 am

  Drives well, good acceleration and braking. Nice turning radius. Solid ride on the interstates

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  Upgrade the speakers - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mmosso - August 20 - 5:26 am

  Great truck! Im very happy with the look. Everyone looks and points. I would strongly recommend getting the upgraded radio w/sub woofer package if you get the roof racks. The wind noise is deafening.

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  Best looking - fun to drive - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By drummz54 - August 17 - 6:30 pm

  Bought the 2008 FJ Trails Team edition. Love the color and black wheels. A real head turner. Good performance and very comfortable ride for an off-road SUV. Fuel economy around 19 - 20 mpg. Not bad!

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  Best all around - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By norman - August 10 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased my FJ in January not really knowing what I was getting into. I had read all the reviews and looked at all the videos. My friends were trying to discourage me but I went ahead and got it anyway. I have to say with all my years in vehicle ownership this by far is the most well built, most reliable, and the best priced out of the box car I have ever owned. It drives like a car, its a beast off roading, and is priced so anyone can afford it. Gas mileage could be better but the power and torque it produces outweighs it. Interior is surprisingly spacious with lots of leg room front and back. It feels like a solidly built SUV. Test drive!

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  Great Vehicule - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Marco - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable truck. Great off road. Fun to drive and unique design. Awesome truck in winter. Good power.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Chuckm - July 22 - 12:03 pm

  Owned for two weeks now. Fast, tight, excellent off road in first off road excursion. In town mileage first two tanks avg 19 mpg. Handles well in town and on the highway. You will get looks and kudos where ever you go.

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  A Fun and Fantastic Ride! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Psykew - July 20 - 8:06 am

  Bought this car for both fun and family. All in all it has worked out perfectly. I thought it might be a little difficult getting an infant seat out of the back doors but I can do it even without adjusting the front seats. It gets up and goes with the slightest pressure on the gas pedal which makes it great if you have to zoom past someone to exit the freeway. Interior is really wide and you have a ton of headroom. Suspension rides like a dream. I take this crawling every other weekend and it takes every bump with ease.

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  FJ Crusier - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sandy pelkey - July 19 - 5:53 pm

  I love the way it drives. I couldnt be happier with the vehicle. It is very comfortable and very well liked by everybody who sees it.