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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  My Big Mistake - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FjLoser - August 5 - 5:40 pm

  This 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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  Got a lemon - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Reno Desert Rat - July 11 - 1:56 am

  Horrible 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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  Cheap interior - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By PenneyPearl - April 20 - 11:50 pm

  Cute, cute vehicle, which is why I bought it. I use it for business, paid cash, and can write if off. I will probably be trading soon. The plastic dash is so very cheap, as is the upholstery. For what sure be a rugged little truck, the interior quality is for little old people, who dont move much, or drive much.

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  Not Impressed - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By James - December 13 - 10:00 am

  A salesman talked me into this heap. I like to offroad and he told me all sorts of crap about other makes and models, so I bought it. It"s like a coffin inside. Very dark. No sunroof. Bad interior lighting. Hummer H3 and Jeep Wrangler are both more capable off-road. Plus, you can barely see out of it. And now the windshield is cracked cause of poor flat design.

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  Not for passengers - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - April 24 - 10:50 am

  I think I need to buy extra medical coverage for my vehicle insurance. Everyone hits their heads when entering/exiting the back seat. The interior panels are below Chevy in build quality and fit. The front windshield wipers chatter, and do not lay flat in cold weather. The exterior paint has scratched very easily.

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  Not very practical - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jp - April 11 - 12:13 pm

  It is an off road vehicle and better than a jeep. However, it has no visibility, like sitting in a bath tub. The cargo room and back seat is a joke. It is made well but a little outdated and the retro design at times is ugly. The engine is underpowered compared to an xterra and it is really a 2 seater vehicle. It is slow on the highway and the 4wheel drive system is horrible for the highway. I have my regrets.

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  Cant wait to get another Tahoe - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gary - September 15 - 2:10 pm

  Ive had the car 6 months and I still cant get comfortable driving. The seat has no lumbar support. Changing lanes is always an adventure. The blind spots to the side and rear are enormous. I put some blind spot mirrors on and they help a bit, but even after driving for 30 years I still find it a challenge to change lanes. The mileage is mediocre, and considering it requires premium fuel, its no cheaper to run than a much larger and more comfortable Tahoe which uses regular, even though the Tahoe mileage is less. I had a leased Tahoe which is turned in to purchase, rather than lease, the FJ. It was a BAD decision. The Tahoe is the best vehicle I ever had and I hope to purchase another ASAP

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  Some flaws - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By LandRover - September 30 - 9:20 pm

  I have been very disappointed with the FJ! Current Land Rover owner... dont think for a second that youre getting one of those for $30K. First impression driving, very WEAK on power. The wifes Accord has way more get up and go. Rear visibility is tolerable for GREAT drivers, for average ones look out. Cannot believe those tiny windows in the back dont even open, the back seat is like a crypt. Cant see anything outside, so much for an "off-road" vehicle. Storage space is also very limited. If ALL you will use this for is off- roading, fine, but its no commuter.

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  In Need of Redesign - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Bjelic - September 4 - 8:40 am

  This is my 5th Suv. After having owned Nissans and Jeeps I purchased the FJ for my wife to haul around kids, dogs and ski gear. It is a disaster of design. The interior is dark and visibility is terrible. I can get by these issues however, Its the worst SUV Ive ever driven when it comes to performance in snow. We hit the slopes whenever it snows and this vehicle is brutal. Regardless of tires, its not safe to drive. Coupled with its nervous anti-lock brakes its a dangerous vehicle to control in a blizzard. Our Xterra performed much better, with the Jeep being the best. The stain proof seats get dog hair caught in the open fibres and I have to use duct tape to clean it.

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  Nice car but got a lemon - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Nelson - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car inside and out, rides like a sedan, but I got a lemon, 2 weeks after purchase the transfer case had to be replaced, the past 4 months the transmission slips in gears 1 through 3, and the engine stalls while driving less than 5 mph, note its an automatic transmission. Its been in the shop 3 times for the stalling and the transmission, Toyota claims they cant find the problem, looks like I have to consult the lemon law.