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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Too much fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Joe - June 6 - 4:56 amSaw this online as a concept quite awhile ago. Got mine at the beg. of May, 06. I traded my 04 Scion xB which was like a toy in comparison (no pun intended). The FJ is fun, turns heads, holds quite a bit of stuff and then some. I already have 6,000 miles on it and its great. I have been getting about .5-1.0 MPG better than the window sticker. I have the 6sp and the shiftng is not as smooth as I thought. I can also feel too many vibrations through the steering wheel. This takes away from the tank like feel. I live in Seattle and this thing is horrible for visibility. The triple wipers do nothing to move the water off the windshield in time, even at the highest setting.
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Tougher than it looks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Rick Rock - May 25 - 4:50 pmLike many of you, I researched this one pretty well. I knew its shortcomings (odd visibility, lack of luxury etc) going in and accepted the FJ on its merits. Mainly: its just so much fun. I cruise out to the mountains nearly every weekend to work on my cabin restoration and to 4wd a bit. This puppy is TOUGH. I have run it up fairly steep talus and soft powdery roads and it doesnt lose grip or fade me off the trail at all. Ive run it through deep-ish water where it crosses trails and again it rolls tough. Ive also loaded it down with construction materials. Easy to load and manage for the most part. Strong, good mileage for its class, eye grabby looks, good center of gravity, & sturdy.
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Unique, great looks, fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Jason - March 25 - 11:50 pmI love this truck ! Has great looks, turns heads everywhere I go. Does well on dirt roads and soaks up the bumps well for a truck its size. Awesome traction on wet roads with stock Bridgestone tires. Never once did I get nervous about getting into an accident. Clutch pedal is firm yet easy to depress, shifter is smooth as silk! I average 16 mpg in stop and go driving and get 21 mpg on long highway trips. Doesnt accelerate like a Mustang GT BUT its predictable and good enough for highway merging during rush hour. If you like a cool looking truck that gets compliments everywhere you go and wont go out of style tomorrow, get the FJ Cruiser.
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Irritating flaws - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By fred thomas - January 11 - 8:30 pmAbout 17mpg of premium. Ridiculous tall narrow door mirrors. Very poor rear visibility. Thin plastic front bumper ends. Large turning circle. But performs very well, great suspension, sophisticated traction control, solidly built, great sound system.
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Sun Fusion Rules! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Pete D. - December 15 - 11:30 pmI bought the FJ as a replacement for my 2000 Celica GTS that was totaled by a drunk driver. My priorities focused on safety/survivability but something as fun as my Celica; the FJ was a perfect fit. More room all around, my 4 and 7 year old kids love the rear- theater seating and now I can just hose off all the junk they usually leave in my car. If youre looking for luxury refinements, get a 4Runner or higher. Living in the OC, one dealership asked me if I wanted to install custom leather seats? Huh? The beauty of the FJ is its utilitarian personality and natural "good looks". The FJ may not "dress up" like soccer- mom SUVs, but its better lookin and kicks!
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Worth the wait - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Gerry in So Cal - October 12 - 1:30 pmI have been looking at the re-built FJs for sometime and thinking about getting one - but no modern safety equipment was a drawback. So when the new FJ came out I was nearly 1st in line and got mine. Burgundy Red 4WD. Very functional yet a fully capable off-roader. The sensing device that beeps when backing up too close seemed silly and I was not going to buy it. However I had to take what was available and mine does have this. It is the best thing for backing up - otherwise very limited rear view. With the spare tire on the back it would be very hard to judge the distances without it. Love it so far. Get one now.
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Toy Hauler Special - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Mike - September 14 - 9:20 pmTraded in my Tundra for the FJ in May 2006 in Raleigh, NC. FJ is loaded, from super sound system to trailer hitch. I pull my 18 Toy Hauler, loaded with a Triumph Rocket Mcyl and luggage, with no problem. Trailer dealership installed trailer brakes for $300.00. On the road at 65MPH I get 9.3 MPG. Normal mileage is 17/23, depending on road travelled. Lack of lumbar support was solved with a $10.00 back support from AAA. Installed Toyota window guards for looks, but for those who drive with windows open its worth the money. The FJ is an attention getter, I have the Voodoo Blue. With the iPod outlet, the music never stops. I love my Toyota FJ Cruiser.
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I Love This Truck - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Mutine Bullfrog - September 2 - 2:03 pmBest truck I ever owned hands down. On and off road is great. Get one fast.
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Great Vehicle/ Questioable Price. - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By G .A .H. - July 18 - 10:00 amLoved it but,If I new That just driving a new one off the lot automatically dropped the value of the vehicle to 25,000 or less.I would have searched and found one a year old and would not have spent more than 23,000.Shame on Toyota for ruining yet another lifetime customer. P.S. Im still going to keep my old toy trucks though. Must have had real engineers (or not Harvard,or Yale). You get the point.
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2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2WD - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By jason hearn - April 21 - 11:30 amI did a lot of research before buying my FJ. I knew I loved the way it looked. The ride is comfortable and quiet and i feel safe inside its seemingly large cabin. Brakes are a little sensitive making the front end dive slightly. After a while you get used to them though. If you know how to use your mirrors when driving then you wont have an issue with the blind spots people keep talking about. Just put down your phone and youll be okay.
