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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FJ Cruiser Review - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Jerry G. (Colorado) - December 28 - 6:26 pmWhat a joy it is to drive again. I took this off-road with only 350 miles on it. Nothing radical, just steep and rutty stuff, and it handled great. When changing directions after a stop, you seem to get time to go from brake to throttle before you start to free roll much. I loved going back down Jones Pass Rd, jamming into 1st gear at 20 mph and doing a 180 down to the next switchback. The FJ felt real stable, and handled the bumps like a pro. On the pavement, the ride is nice and not "trucky". 20 mpg highway/city/mtn is great. My 2.9L Ranger was no better than that.
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Just Picked it Up - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Mike D. - December 22 - 6:30 pmJust got it on the 5-24-06 and I cant find anything wrong with it at this point. Great Ride, Good Looks, Power is OK. I will be reporting back every- so-often so, please stay tuned. I live in south Louisiana so I dont think Ill be rock climbing, but I will try the 4X4 in the mud. It is my full time ride to work and any wear else I go. Having to run High Octane gas is not a big deal. I spend maybe $3.00 more a tank. The improved gas mileage offsets the extra cost.
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FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By JHONNY - December 1 - 8:20 amThis is my first car that I have owned. Just knowing that it was a replica of the first Land Cruiser ever build makes me feel good. The SUV feels like you are flying a plane. I just love it.
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Big Blue - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 amOwned over a year. Bought it used with just over 9,000 miles. No problems whatsoever. Truck came with an aftermarket DVD, amp and subwoofer. Many compliments from friends. Easy to shift into 4X4 when needed. Rides perfect for a truck and love the height. Adjustable height on the drivers seat. The interior is awesome. Recommend buying one!
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Solid - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By - November 19 - 2:00 amOwned the FJ for 2 years and 62,000 km without a single mechanical issue to date. Have had the near-vertical windshield replaced after 6 months of ownership as a rock cracked the soft stock windshield. Handles like a champ in the snow. 4.0L engine is smooth and powerful. Has some straight-line tracking issues at highway speeds when there are winds > 30km/h due to the non- aerodynamic design.
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Titanium bullet - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Ti.bullet - November 16 - 10:50 pmMT6, BFG A/T KO: Off-roading on 5" new snow, no slippage. Muddy trails and shallow bogs, no prob. Treads 10" rocks with ease. Locking rear differential made climbing a staggered, stair-stepped incline (rated black diamond trail) possible. 34 degree approach angle allows driver to overcome large immediate obstacles. Taking all these capabilities into consideration, the MPG is acceptable. Our MPG has been between 10-15 (wheeling) and up to 19 highway.
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Titanium FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Brian - November 3 - 2:20 pmI have owned my FJ for 6 months. Its ugly in a good way. The blind spot is absolutely a problem. By far the best built vehicle IÂ’ve ever owned, the engine is smooth and flawless. I took the entire dash apart and I was entirely impressed with the fit and quality compared to other vehicles IÂ’ve owned and worked (Jeep, GMC, Ford, SAAB and Volvo); none were as well thought out. The FJ rides like a car, cruises easily at highway speeds, has good torque and HP at low RPMs, and is a mule off-road. This is not a family car; the rear seat does not have easy access. The windshield is set far forward you have to lean forward to see the light change. Quality and finish are far beyond the competition.
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Just what I have always wanted - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Gouthum - November 1 - 11:50 pmI wanted a 4WD Bronco when I was a kid. This FJ fulfills all those childhood dreams better than the real thing could have. It can climb anything and drives at crazy angles with no problems. It is also stylish inside and out.
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My FJ - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Edward Sanders - October 18 - 2:03 pm -
Timeless - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Pug - October 12 - 10:36 pmThis SUV has a great look, but even better performance.It rides quiet and smooth. Gets around 21 MPG with the 4X2 auto. Hands down one of the best driving SUVs on the road. Strong award winning 4.0L V6 engine with top notch Toyota history. First thousand miles were fantastic.
