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 cool - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Grandma Patty - June 2 - 7:26 pm

  Its been a lotta years since I have driven such a fun comfy cool vehicle. It reminds me of my old jeep scrambler but so much better. The looks, the questions about the FJ from so many people is amazing. Its like having a custom build vehicle. Then again it is. It was fun designing R FJ with all the extras we wanted.

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  Flappy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Loftonfan - May 24 - 5:50 am

  I have had my "Flappy" for close to 9 months now, and it is by far my favorite vehicle. It has been off road quit a few times. The Little Grand Canyon with a foot of snow was the hardest trail that it was on, and it made it out after some coaxing. Wish I had a locker in the front, a winch, or more aggresive tires. Just got done with a weekend of wheeling in Silverton and it proved to be a stellar machine. Pulled the popup camper there, and never would have known that you were pulling a load. Really a fun vehicle to drive, had enough get up and go for me, yet is so smooth over the highway that you can enjoy the drive to the next off road trail. Gas gets a little pricey with the premium.

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  Old Faithful - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jdsiv - May 16 - 10:00 pm

  My need for a good solid truck rules out many of the vehicles made today. I spend as much time as I can at a remote family cabin and exploring the outdoors and often am very far from any type of assistance. My vehicle needs to get me in and out, and this one always comes through. I put Goodyear MTRs on it and they are top notch. I have had this vehicle in rain, mud, sand, and lots of snow. It plows through everything without trouble. There may be more luxurious 4x4s out there, but I see lots of those stuck in snow banks while the Cruiser keeps on trucking. If you go off road at all, the front skid plate is not an option. While comfortable on the road, it can be tricky to drive at times.

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  Just got my 2nd one - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fjbob - April 27 - 1:32 am

  I had a 2007 Silver manual FJ and absolutely loved it! 2 weeks ago we were in an accident on I95 where we were hit from behind and then swerved and smashed head-on into the concrete barrier (ever see the insurance industry/govt crash tests with the crash test dummies? - that was us) at around 60 mph. I came out w/o a scratch; my wife & kid had some buising and a couple broken ribs, but overall very well off.The truck was totalled, but we walked away from the accident - very impressive!I just got a brand new 2011 model to repalce it (Brick Red).If you want a fun, tough, and safe vehicle, this is definately it. I truly believe that my 1st FJ saved us very serious injury or even our lives!

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  My Tinker-Toy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bec - April 4 - 12:53 pm

  I love it! Gets great gas mileage, fun to drive and comfortable. Passenger backdoors are a little bit of a bother but worth it! We get all kinds of looks everywhere we go. People are always asking if they can look at it and "What is it??" I no longer have to search the parking lot - since there are so few here where I live, it really stands out. I put over 2000 miles on it the first month I had since everyone wanted a test ride. It has such a smooth ride when I took my oldest daughter for a test ride she asked me why we were going so slow? We were doing 65, she thought we were doing about 40! Roomy, comfortable, good gas mileage. I LOVE IT!!!

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  Whoa! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By paterick - April 1 - 2:23 pm

  I have about 1500 miles and this engine is more powerful than I realized. I never have to break 2000 rpms generally in town, it hums at 1200 rpms to 1400 rpms and that is accelerating from stop to the local speed. Gas mileage is very poor but that must be from the high compression engine. This car seems like it could use another gear which could improve mileage. Getting about 19 mpg. Cant imagine what it would be if I had a heavy foot. Women told me I looked handsome driving this car. Made my day.

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  Tis Better To Wait - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By If you Can Wait !!! - March 26 - 4:33 pm

  I bought one of these beautys when they first came out. Its a good ride and very fun to drive.

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  130,000 Reliable Miles and Counting !!! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By stutz1 - March 23 - 7:59 am

  After driving 130,000 miles on my 2008 FJ Cruiser, I have found this SUV to be very dependable. I love the plastic floors which I just spray down and wipe down. Dont miss carpeting . I enjoy the easy to clean durable interior fabric, however I would like to have as an option a leather interior. A fellow FJ owner told me there is a shop in Buffalo NY that sells leather skins that simply stretch over existing seats. Most people that ask me how I like FJ follow up with gas mileage question. I get around 18mpg which is fine for a vehicle that can tow up to 5000lbs.Im not risking life for mileage!This vehicle gets top marks (5 star rating) for rear and side impact crash testing.

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  Recent purchase - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Eric - March 19 - 12:56 am

  Just purchased my FJ after my Jeep Wrangler 4 dr was totaled after hit head on. Was going to buy another Jeep until I test drove the FJ and read consumer feedback on this sight. Although I havent put many miles on, the FJ has lived up to my expectations. Plenty of room for me and my 2 boys, age 9 and 13. The suicide doors arent an issue much to my wifes reluctance. As far as the blind spot people complain about, if you know how to drive, use your mirrors, and have driven an SUV, there is no discussion! My only wish is that Toyota comes out with a rag top in this model. Plenty of power, more comfortable than the Jeep.

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  My favourite toy EVER! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By siobhan33040 - March 14 - 7:36 pm

  A veritable pleasure machine! This suv beats them all hands down. Great fun to drive around town. Cant wait to go off-road with her. Comfortable & spacious. Handles beautifully. Its stylish good looks make it a head-turner wherever I go. Have had it three days & cannot believe peoples reaction to it..... kids take photos of it with their cell- phones. Guys practically get run over while ogling it & women just LOVE it. Its a winner.