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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  Poor Winter Performance - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kidsysco - June 11 - 3:30 am

  I would not suggest an FJ cruiser for anyone who intends on driving it in weather that is less than 30 degrees F. Which is not very cold at all, many places in the world get much colder. My FJ has a serious problem with ice. At a mere 27 degrees F the entire tank holding all of the windshield wiper fluid has turned to slush. I have anti- freeze in there rated up to -50 degrees F. It does not matter, the way that the tank is positioned inside the motor is poorly engineered so that the wind blows up against it causing things to freeze up more easily than any other car I have ever owned.

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  Loved it at the dealership - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Robert88 - October 26 - 7:10 pm

  Ive always wanted an off-roader. One of my buddies has a Jeep Wrangler, and I always loved riding with him off road, and decided I wanted to get one of my own. So, following the Toyota hype, I went with the FJ, and regret it completely. Its gotten 3 check engine lights, transmission replaced, front suspension makes weird noises and the dealership said its normal. The plastic scratches if you look at it. The off road performance is nothing exciting, really embarrassing having to be pulled out by my buddy with him laughing at me.

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  Waste of Money - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sakil - July 11 - 8:52 am

  #1 - Engine lake power . #2- You can not see the radio display during the day time .Have no idea what station you listening to. #3- The back camera poorly build , and to little.hardly can see an object. #4- One power supply for the whole car? #5 -Toyota customer experience fail to offer a solution to the problem. regret buy an FJ Cursor , after less than 1200 miles. #6- The wind shield poorly design , it catches every flying object.

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  Cheap ! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Crusier - February 27 - 10:00 am

  The paint on the outside of the FJ scratches way to easily. The plastic interior scratches even easier. For an off road vehicle, in which mine is not, just cheap and poorly designed. The premium gas @2.98 a gal. What ! 15 miles in the city and 20 on hwy. Rides nice and has good pick-up when you need it, just shouldnt have to run premium gas and give a second thought to the paint! Now the windshield, cracks WAY too easily. Bad up-right design as the hummer, rocks dont skip off, again an off road vehicle . What ! Had 5, count em, 5 small dings (dime size cracks/spots) fixed b4 the last one gave way to a 16" crack! Shop around, maybe buy American, I know. I know., but its true