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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  I like my FJ Cruiser a real SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ron - October 3 - 6:43 pm

  Ive only had two cars in my 21 years and this is the best so far, Thanks Mom. This is the new innovative SUV that says welcome to the era of creativity. Functional, comfortable, fun, big, rough, tough and right for me. A young up and coming adult with an active life, no kids, no wife just life and trying to reach a few goals along the way by graduating in 2007. This is an SUV that fits my present expectations of an innovative SUV and not a luxury type Range Rover SUV prototype.

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  Nice Wheels - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By quino - September 22 - 10:16 am

  Great SUV,Beyond Great 4 wheel drive... Nice nice nice...

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  Awesome Ride! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By maxac - September 9 - 3:56 pm

  Just Love it! The color stands out and the 4wd has gotten me out of plenty of sticky situations. Great for the money.

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  Very Special - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Doc P - September 4 - 4:06 am

  This is one great SUV. Great off road and on. Excellent style and performance. The supercharger and TRD Edition are very special and well worth the money. Excellent driving. Love the front window and washable floor.

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  Like it, like it - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By gefader - August 31 - 11:10 pm

  Good solid, smooth riding car. Impressed with the ride quality for a 4x4. Feels like a much longer wheel base. Good power, great braking. Gas mileage between 20-22 mpg, driving 50 miles round trip to work, at 75-80 mph with 87 octane. I purchased with the side curtain airbags for two kids in car seats. Plenty of room to manuever kids in and out.

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  Great niche truck - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ed - August 26 - 3:46 am

  I absolutely love this truck. Styling is a matter of taste. The retro theme is appealing to me however, and I like having a truck that doesnt blend in. The engine is very powerful with a lot of low end torque, great exhaust note too. The suspension is made with off roading in mind and is a bit floaty with some body roll in the turns. Regardless though it is surprisingly fun to drive. Also very smooth/comfortable on the road/hwy. Was worried about wind noise w roof rack but no more than my Explorer had. Gas mileage avg 19 mpg mixed. Not bad considering: 4200 lbs, powerful engine, big tires, and styling sacrifices some aerodynamics. Back seat tight getting in/out but dont really ever use.

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  Love it!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By adventure - August 23 - 5:16 pm

  Have been looking at different sport utility for many years, since 2004 hurricane season. After seeing and reading about the FJ for one day and test drove it the next day. The decision was made!! Have had the vehicle for 3 months now, love driving it and never have to worry about driving in the areas that are prone to flooding. Love the smooth ride, it doesnt feel like Im driving a truck. It feels more like Im driving my sienna, but taller.

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  Favorite vehicle ever! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Big G - August 13 - 2:06 pm

  The looks were the first thing that drew me to the vehicle, then I read about the performance, then I drove it and compared it to a Wrangler unlimited. Even though the roof came off the Wrangler and the appeal of a convertible was high, I drive at least 20K a year and have family trips of 2,000+ miles...the Wrangler was like a stagecoach. I just got new tires after 45K and I feel like I can go ANYWHERE. The confidence I have in the FJ will someday get me buried, but it hasnt happened yet. I actually pulled an Esacalade out of the ditch the other day and the owner was simply flabbergasted at the capability. Lots of comments, some snide, mostly in admiration. So what on the blind spots...

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  Love my FJ Cruiser! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Susan Signorelli - July 20 - 11:08 am

  I have owned my 2008 FJ Cruiser since 2009 when I bought it new! I absolutely love it. I am so disappointed that they have chosen not to continue manufacturing them. That is a real mistake, as the FJ is a fabulous as well as unique SUV! I am currently looking to possibly trade mine in for a new one, only because I want to be able to own one longer! Toyota rules, and it is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The milarky about the blind spot being a problem, as far as I am concerned, is a problem ONLY for "inadequate" drivers. I have no problem navigating this vehicle! Love it! Toyota, please reconsider and bring them back!!!!!!

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  Having Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Sue - July 17 - 12:23 am

  I love the car and it turns heads. I use it for daily driving to work and so forth and find it very easy to handle and comfortable to drive. Everyone Ive shown it to loves the look, inside and out. I feel safe on the road. I cant wait for it to snow so I can play some more!! Cant say enough good things about this vehicle.