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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Great Vehicle - Beware Toyota Warranty - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Slingerdoo - April 20 - 4:00 amCity driving is easy, but rear visibility is limited so definitely get the rear park assist. Off-road capability is top notch. Rocks, mud, water crossing - the FJ has pulled through for most. Personal experience has proven that if you take the vehicle off-road, or add after market wheels and/or bumpers, the warranty is voided. So, either buy it for city driving or buy a different vehicle for off-road use if you need a warranty.
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Why not? - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Andrew - April 7 - 6:10 pmI admit it, I bought the FJ Cruiser not because of the offroad capability , but because I thought it was cool. After owning it for more than a year and 24,000 miles, it has proven to be an incredible vehicle that will do just about everything and go anywhere. Its not a race car and you cant fly around corners, but its a solid vehicle that doesnt rattle, shake or shimmy like my past 6 GM SUVS have done starting at 30,000 miles. It has a blind spot, get ready to look around it. Thats my only complaint. It gets 22 on the highway which is respectable for a 4x4 SUV. If you are looking for a solid SUV that wont break down all of the time and wont depreciate then look no further.
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Big Blue - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By BC - March 22 - 3:26 amI have owned Big Blue (clearly I got a Voodoo Blue version) for 3 weeks heres what Ive found: when you walk outside in a blizzard and see B.B. (Big Blue will be referred to as B.B from now on) you will not be afraid to fire her up and go where ever you want to. B.B.s huge tires, large ground clearance and generally toughish appearance lend an air of I can drive in bad-weather that is - well, nice. She growls just a little when idling. Again, this is cool, impresses kids. Although it looks like a truck (I traded in a 2000 Ford Ranger for her), I say she drives more like a car. Maybe the wide wheel base - could be new shocks, not sure, the ride is smooth.
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Unstopable. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Bigtarget - October 28 - 11:16 amPurchased the Auto trans. "C" package Canadian version (6-disc, side airbags, roof-rack, 120v outlet, dashtop gage cluster, diff lock etc) about 5 weeks ago. This vehical is a blast to drive off-road, climbs like crazy, lots of ground clearence (except for running boards) and is very roomy and confortable on long trips. The towing power is excellent. I removed the running boards last week, as they are badly bent from off-roading, if you intend on doing any off-roading get rid of these useless things and get factory or aftermarket rock-rails. Other then srcatched paint from branches this truck is SOLID! This is a to-hell-and- back SUV. The FJ is no poser, take it off-road where it belongs.
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FJ Bruiser - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By korben97 - October 14 - 10:44 amI have the Trail Team Edition and love it. I get looks and comments on it all the time. I have around 5,000 miles on it and so far it has done what I expected. It rides great, has one of the best stereos I have ever heard, and feels like it could go over anything. The engine has great power and good low end grunt.
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Finally, a Japanese car built IN Japan - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Charles Encharge - October 11 - 7:46 amSo far I am loving this vehicle. The FJ seems to be put together better and feels sturdier. Power is decent for the size, it will go when you need it to. Inside is decently comfortable. I didnt waste time on some options such as the power inverter, it barely powers a coffeemaker!
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Great handling vehicle/Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By mark - March 4 - 10:56 pmI brought my present car into the dealer to have some work done on it and set my eyes upon this great looking 4x4. I was immediately intrigued by the look and had to test drive. What a great SUV, handles great, good acceleration, good braking. When I got back to the dealer I had to have it. The active suspension is fantastic. I get about 14-17 MPG city. The stereo is awesome.
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Styling - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By bhwells - January 14 - 11:30 pmLove to drive the cruiser as it is cool, performs outstanding and attracts lots of attention. Wife also loves to drive it. Lots of people inquire about it as they dont know what it is or who makes it.
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Fun Fun Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By tazzel - October 13 - 1:00 amGreat vehicle. Would buy it all over again. A few things you should know before you buy this vehicle. Getting in the vehicle is tight on the knees for the diver, but once you are in there is plenty of room. No locking gas cap. Many of these vehicles lean to the left, supposedly because to many heavy items are on the left side of the vehicle. Thin paint, expect a lot of touching up painting. Of course there is the visibility problem when changing lanes or backing up. I just installed a spot mirror on my right side mirror and its 90% better. I also purchased a backup camera for the vehicle. I dont think I really needed to but I thought it would be fun to use!
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2014 FJ Cruiser - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By 32hooptie - September 23 - 7:34 amI bought the FJ Cruiser because its cool! So far i have been very happy with the vehicle. Its fun to drive, has plenty of power, and is solid and well built . Also it has all kinds of safety features through out. As for some of the reviews I read online.....Go to your toyota dealer and drive one, if you can still find one, toyota cut the FJ line and wont be making them anymore.
