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 has Won Me Over - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By canman1971 - August 12 - 1:36 amWell, its been about 6 weeks since I bought my FJ and I must say I love it. I had doubts about the blind spots at first, but moving the mirrors have helped out a lot. For the size of the car, it has good pickup and the fuel economy has been around 20 mpg to and from work.
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My Big Mistake - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By FjLoser - August 5 - 5:40 pmThis vehicle is a Big disappointment. In wind over 25 MPH it is all over the road like a hound dogs breakfast, too many blind spots due to oversized pillars, paint is chipping off faster than you can touch it up. At 3000 mile rear diff replaced. Weather stripping on windows deformed roof leaking form roof rack mounts and the list goes on and on. And the dealer I go to would not do anything about the problems other than the diff. This was the first Toyota I have ever bought and the LAST!
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Love this Vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By face60 - August 3 - 9:43 pmThe FJ Cruiser is one phenomenal vehicle. The interior space is excellent and exterior just looks down right cool. Plenty of Horsepower, smooth transistion in the gear changes, ride quality better then expected in a SUV. The oversize control buttons make it great to operate in the winter when you are wearing gloves. Easier access to rear seating then expected while providing plenty of leg room. Gas mileage is not bad for a vehicles of this size and engine size. I am currently getting around 23 mpg if I run on 93 octane and 22 on 87 octane. (Manufacturer recommends 93 octane gas.) I did go with the 17" tires but the ride quality was better then the 16" tires.
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My TRD.. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Rick Respicio - August 2 - 8:00 pmMaybe youre wondering why such an odd- looking SUV became my next toy after driving a 2006 Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Rather than choosing another luxury SUV, I went for something different the total opposite! A bare bones waterproofed scuba suit-covered seating, Rubbermaid flooring w/ all-weather cargo mats & an interior w/ a harmonious blend of nylon, plastic, rubber & metal. Only 3,200 TRD units were made & I was fortunate enough to have #100. I was always fond of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) team since childhood & this was one way of driving one of their latest creations, just wished I could do it at the Baja but nevertheless, it is fun to drive anywhere.
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King of the Hill - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Cruiser - July 23 - 5:33 pmStyling and optional equipment make the FJ Cruiser a best buy. Its about time that an SUV appears free of the gingerbread but equipped with the bells and whistles. This is not your Moms take the kids to soccer practice SUV. The FJ is the real deal.
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Its cool, but - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Tombola - July 21 - 9:03 amI have had the FJ for 6 months. Unlike my usual research, I bought this on a whim. I knew the quality would be there, so no problem. Well the seats are the problem. While the front is roomy enough, there is a distinct difference between the driver and passenger seat. The passenger seat makes my leg numb in about 30 minutes?? The back seat is really tight, not much room at all, my family is TALL. If youre 510 or under, no problem. The rest of the FJ is great. Easily the best looking truck in my opinion. It will go anywhere. Its got plenty of power, is fairly quiet, has an unexpectedly smooth ride. I really like this thing, but the back seat will probably make me get rid of it.
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Amazing ride. - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Dennis S. - July 18 - 11:25 amBe sure it fits your lifestyle.
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Looks Cool, Fun to Drive and Durable. - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Moto Moto - July 14 - 5:00 pmI have considered buying a FJ since 2006. However the radical design gave me mixed feelings. I was so use to buying boring but practical cars like Accords and Camrys. Buying a FJ would be a drastic departure from my norm. I finally realized that I wanted a vehicle that invoked passion. I wanted a personality (not just a truck). So I purchased the 2010 TT. I am glad I waited. The 2010 version addressed a lot of the short comings of the FJ including - Back-up Camera, reduced turn radius, improved gas mileage and standard unleaded gas. I plan to keep it for at least 10 Years.
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Got a lemon - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Reno Desert Rat - July 11 - 1:56 amHorrible experience. I really want to like the FJ however, have had the following. Electrical problems (no wipers or head lights). Automatic tranny surges. Best mileage at 65 MPH is 18, around town 9-12 with a light foot. Had lift kit problems and dealer told me Id have to take it to an outside shop. Second week I had it, took it to a car wash. Windshield leaked like a sieve. I have 3800 miles on it and now pursuing legal recourse through Lemon Law. Dealer does not back vehicle. I have had in the dealership 8 times to no avail.
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I LOVE MY FJ CRUISER - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Vickie Wilson - June 30 - 2:16 pmI first saw the FJ Cruiser on the computer last year, I loved the look of it and when it came out in April of 2006 I found a dealer and took it for a test drive. Thats all it took, Im hooked. I have the Voodoo Blue loaded with all the extra. I love the drive it gives you, not truck like but smoother and turning, you feel nice and safe. Hey its a Toyota how can you go wrong... you cant. I just know this is going to be a long lasting vehicle. Im driving in style. I love my FJ Cruiser. Vickie
