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 remake of the old Landcruisers - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By DPRusk - April 3 - 5:53 amThe FJ is a great remake of the original Landcruisers - the ones we all remember seeing on TV as kids on National Geographic trudging through an African reserve or remote mountain trail. The new remake of the orignal mid-50s design (internally designated FJ by Toyota) has enough comfort for every day around town use, but didnt lose its functionality like the current luxury monster using the Landcrusier name. Having worked in the Australian bush country where the older landcruisers rule, Ive always held this reliable, simple yet functional design in high regard. The new FJ has plently of storage space, good elbow & shoulder room and ample power. It feels solid and functional.
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Traded in H2 for FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By pencilmarks - January 16 - 5:46 pmHaving driven an H2 for four years previous to this vehicle, it took some getting used to size and "bells & whistles" wise. But off road capabilities are good. Driving pretty darned smooth. Room inside surprising, even in back. Love the look, little worried about all the plastic, but will just wait and see how wear and tear affects it. Definitely not missing the H2s 10 mpg gas guzzling in the city. FJ is fun to drive & very satisfying. Not luxurious, but definitely comfortable. Price was also a real deal in my mind. Never had a Toyota before, so this is a new experience. Well see how it goes with time.
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Love my new FJ - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By fj cruiser owner - September 20 - 10:43 amI love my new FJ cruiser. It looks great and is fun to drive. Comfortable for long trips. Major blind spots, but nothing you cant get used to, no worse than in a pick up truck. Engine really scoots. Gas mileage isnt great, but acceptable for suv. Not a vehicle for everyone. I find there is more that I like about it, then there is that I do not like about it. Lots of great after market accessories available, but have to wait until warranty is up. Windshield collects bugs, but a layer or rain-ex helps keep them from sticking. I have no regrets purchasing this vehicle and look forward to driving it every day!!
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Good, but not great - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Duffy - July 12 - 4:30 pmBeen driving mine for last 2 yrs and it is fun, but on the practical side pretty bad blind spots (everyone agrees on that), exterior paint chips easily, front windshield already cracked ($309 replacement... not sure where the person lives who paid $1200). The clamshell doors are terrible for getting in and out of. The front seat back wont even fold forward enough to help with rear entry. Noisy ride. When visor down, cant see a thing. Sorry to bring everyone down, but this a long list to consider when deciding to buy. Still the most original SUV around.
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H3 Killer - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By DangerisFJ - July 12 - 7:30 amWell, I needed a vehicle that could tow my trailer of two sport bikes but didnt want a truck. When I saw the FJ, I loved it! When I drove it, I had to have it. The motor has sufficient power to do what you need to do. The suspension is great and was pleasantly surprised on how well it handled. The interior is roomy. However, at close to $30k, it lacks a few amenities that I wish it had, i.e., heated seats, heated side mirrors, sunroof, etc. Mileage is horrible but all in all, its a great vehicle and fun to drive!
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Love It - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Ben - May 20 - 3:46 amJust got my FJ two weeks ago. Definitely not a vehicle to log a lot of miles on. But man, is this thing cool. I cant count the number of gawkers and strangers coming up asking questions. I take her off roading tomorrow. Im sure it will tear it up.
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Could be better - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Bill from Orlando - July 12 - 12:16 pmI bought my FJ because it was different than all the other SUVs out there. First the bad: cant open front & rear door if you are parked too close to another car to get access to rear. When using a fast gas pump, wont handle the volume and keeps shutting off pump, must pump slowly. Front passenger mirror too small and no light. Dumb design to have to take headrests off rear seats to fold them down. Rear "portholes" too small for rear passengers. No console with cover. Premium gas required. Now the good: It attracts attention for unusual design. White roof keeps interior much cooler (I live in Florida). Great sound system. Comfortable front seats. Easy to read and operate controls.
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Short comings - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By ozzyj - June 12 - 1:07 pmI have a 2007 FJ 4x4 with all the bells-and whistles; although I have had no mechanical difficulties, I have to say that it is not without its problems. Its paint chips if the wind blows, its all over the road with wind over 25 mph, has dangerous blind spots, too wide for most off road situations, weak tie rods, front windows break easily due to shape/angel e, frames on some are weak and buckle, some have weak rear differential, terrible transmission, poorly designed for water usage for a 4x4, (short rods in motor so if you make a mistake in the water you will have to replace the motor), poor gas mileage, engine wines over 40 mph, even with change of tires its squarely on slick surfaces (
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Big blue suv for countryside driving - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Jim could - May 15 - 8:36 pmExcellent for my driving needs
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No purchase yet - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By lynn dixon - April 12 - 9:55 pmHusband decided he wants a blue FJ Cruiser and they are hard to find with lower miles, in great shape, in our price range.
