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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  Is what it is - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By geoffsmith76 - September 20 - 6:23 pm

  After researching this model for about a year, I finally decided to trade in my beloved beamer since we had our first child. I wanted something that was ultra safe and reliable. I wanted something that could get me through whatever mother nature threw at us. I have been through creeks. I have been through deep mudholes. My FJ has performed flawlessly. This thing cuts through snow like a hot knife through butter, it really, really does. I have done nothing but given it oil changes and put gas into it. It has been on several 500+ mile road trips, and two 1200+ road trips.

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  This is offroad vehicle - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By boris rabinovich - July 21 - 1:13 am

  This vehicle is built strictly for off-road application. Dont buy it for the city use or for home-office commute. To park this car in the city is impossible task and this is not because of physical dimensions. It has too many blind spots, you always concern you might hit somebody. The backseat is not adjustable and people on the back have very little space. Besides the backseat passengers might got trapped in case of accident with no way out. You will not be able to open door if the people in the front got disable.

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  Old Faithful - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jdsiv - May 16 - 10:00 pm

  My need for a good solid truck rules out many of the vehicles made today. I spend as much time as I can at a remote family cabin and exploring the outdoors and often am very far from any type of assistance. My vehicle needs to get me in and out, and this one always comes through. I put Goodyear MTRs on it and they are top notch. I have had this vehicle in rain, mud, sand, and lots of snow. It plows through everything without trouble. There may be more luxurious 4x4s out there, but I see lots of those stuck in snow banks while the Cruiser keeps on trucking. If you go off road at all, the front skid plate is not an option. While comfortable on the road, it can be tricky to drive at times.

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  Whoa! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By paterick - April 1 - 2:23 pm

  I have about 1500 miles and this engine is more powerful than I realized. I never have to break 2000 rpms generally in town, it hums at 1200 rpms to 1400 rpms and that is accelerating from stop to the local speed. Gas mileage is very poor but that must be from the high compression engine. This car seems like it could use another gear which could improve mileage. Getting about 19 mpg. Cant imagine what it would be if I had a heavy foot. Women told me I looked handsome driving this car. Made my day.

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  FJ - Great Truck - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Italia317 - December 15 - 11:16 pm

  Purchased my Silver FJ Cruiser on 02/04/07. I did a lot of research on Edmunds as well as other sites before buying. The truck is def. a head turner, big, powerful, different. The interior has a lot of room, big knobs, stereo isnt too bad, a lot of compartments. Sideview mirrors are a little tough to get used to, but not too bad. As for the outside, I love it. Older drivers might have a tough time getting in w/o running boards, but its def a younger persons car. Gas mileage is ok, but its a truck so you cant expect much. Overall, I think its a great buy... powerful, fast, durable, and an attention getter. I would recommend it to anyone in the 25-35 year range.

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  Not your [soccer] mothers SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Beeker - October 11 - 2:56 pm

  If you want comforts (e.g. leather, carpet, DVD), the FJ is not for you. Great recreational vehicle for camping, able to load up quite a bit of equipment with the seats folded down Note: one aspect I dont like is when folded down, the rear seats remain higher than the rear cargo area. That is, they are not flush. This makes it awkward to load/pack/carry some items. Fuel consumption roughly 17-18 for highway driving. Not as bad as Id expected. The FJ sits high on the road, making it great for the rare occasions you may need to go through water or snow. Biggest complaint, despite the great exterior design, the windshield is nearly vertical. I had numerous ding from stones, etc

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  CC FJ Review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Curry - August 20 - 10:26 am

  The FJ drives and feels very solid. The fit of doors and bonnet are tight and square. With conservative driving habits in real world driving environment it is possible to average 18.5 mpg in town and 20.2 mpg on the highway. The comfort level of this vehicle is far superior to what the F-40 was in the 70s and early 80s. The ride is much like a full size domestic SUV.

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  Rigmobile - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rock Doctor - July 17 - 8:13 pm

  This is my 5th Toyota truck over 26 years, which like the previous 4Runners (2) and Tacomas (2), is used to get me back and forth from drilling rigs. It is used to get through deep mud, heavy snow and generally drive down rig access roads that other drivers would call off-roading.

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  Fun Car but Horrible Gas Mileage - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By carlosarturo1 - February 21 - 4:27 am

  After owning this Cool SUV for 3 years I finally traded it in yesterday. Love the look and how fun it is to drive. We put mud tires and all the whistles and it turned all heads around. However, the gas milage is Horrible! I got about 14 to top 17 in the freeway. Not mechanical problems at all in 3 years.

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  07 FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DAsper - February 11 - 1:10 pm

  This thing feels like a big truck. It feels very solid and well built. There are more traction options than you can shake a stick at on our 6 spd stick 4x4. The seats are waterproof, which is nice because of the floor mat, you can actually hose the truck out. The add on gauge pods in the center are cool too. Its a real pleasure to drive like I said, and plenty of leg room and cargo room if you need it. It has 3 wipers for the front windshield, and a rear wiper, plus household current outlets in the front and back. Also a real parking assist system that beeps when you get close to something. A great CDROM came with it too, way better than reading the owners manual, tons of videos.