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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  Its an FJ thing.... - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tbrock60 - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  Its obvious that most "professional" automotive journalists dont get the FJ and dont understnd its purpose. It isnt a AWD cross over, it is a very capable Off Road Vehicle. A properly equipped FJ is unequaled in off road capability, comfort and reliability. The often complained about "limited visibility" is easily remedied by adjusting your mirrors properly. Gas Mileage? Do you really buy an off road vehicle for gas mileage? Im getting between 23 and 24 on the highway...much better than my Dodge Ram! All in all, you either understand the purpose of the FJ and love it or you dont get it and the vehicle just confuses you.

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  WOW! What a Great SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By GregK - March 12 - 7:33 am

  This is the first SUV Ive owned in 10 yrs. Traded in my BMW 330i for it. Though Ill miss the quickness and nimbleness of the 330i, I absolutely love my FJ! Before the 330i (and Volvo 850), I owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and two Ford Explorers. These vehicles dont hold a candle to the FJ. Engine power is just right for its size, comfort is great and utility if excellent. The only drawback I can see so far is what others are saying. The rearward visibility is really bad. Use your mirrors well and dont forget to physically turn your head before changing lanes on the highway. Have yet to see if gas mileage lives up to its 24 highway / 19 city billing.

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  Fun & Functional (with a big blind spot) - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By matt - February 22 - 5:56 pm

  This truck is great looking, affordable transportation. The engine feels just right (although Id like it if it took regular unleaded). The blind spots in the rear quarter panels are substantial, but not a deal killer.

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  A true Off-Road Vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Anurakta - January 21 - 2:23 pm

  This is a truely amazing vehicle. Being an avid Land Cruiser fan and not being able to afford one, when I saw it, I was instantly sold. I have read a lot about this SUV for the last 6-7 months and now I can say I dont believe most of the complaints that I read. I simply like everything about it. The rear door is an added safety feature cause I have a 5 year old and now she cannot open the door on her own and run away. She has to stay back there and wait until daddy gets out to assist her during dropping her and picking her back from school. If you are a good driver and actually watch over your shoulders for blind spots, there is no problem with visibility.

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  Oh What a Feeling, Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jimsque - January 18 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned Broncos, Jeeps and other 4x4s and this one is the very best. Great on the highway, rides better than my wifes Volvo XC90! Great traction in 18" of snow with no slippage. Mine is the Black Cherry and I call it Razlberry, it sure has pizazz!! Toyota has hit a homerun and I am proud to own it, as others only wish they did. Everybody thinks they cost more than they do.

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  FJ love - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By debonthebeach - January 11 - 9:53 am

  We off-road it on a gulf coast beach a/o 2x/mo. Its been up to every condition weve encountered. Commute to work daily 70 miles RT. Comfortable, feels safe. Handles everything well. Due to design, limited side and rear visibility on highway. Big mirrors help. Drive with caution in freeway traffic until used to using mirrors. Just returned from 2500 mile holiday trip with family in back seat; everyone comfortable. Kids think theyre riding in "Cinderellas Coach". Inside door handles dont bother us. In fact, with grandchildren and dogs, we prefer it that way.

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  2nd New Cruiser and Feelin 20 Again - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By 73 Land Cruzzer - January 9 - 2:03 pm

  I bought a new 73 Land Cruiser in Burlington, Vermont and explored all the country around Plattsburg N.Y. and the Adriondacks. Then out to the Mojave Desert. Then back to the sand hills and mud of my home state Nebraska. I owned the LC for eleven years. In April of 2006, I purchased a fully loaded Black Cherry FJ Cruiser. I feel like Im 20 again and once again love to be a proud owner of a Toyota. The ride and handling are excellent and with 1000 pounds of four friends, the acceleration was still satisfactory. I took it out to Lake McConahy near Ogalala, NE. and with 100 miles of white sand beaches and the water level way down, we had a blast using the high 4x4. FJ Cruiser good times roll.

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  No worries , get better roof rack. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By manuel munoz - January 9 - 8:58 am

  I made a deposit prior to the fj being delivered into the US. One of the first on the west coast.No regrets.Front seat is a bit uncomfortable.Pillow fixed that.I only changed the intake,and exhaust, shocks,TRD all.The best tires for this rig are General at 2. Rotate every 3000, as with the oil.70,000 plus miles on tires. Work great in 2 foot snow and steep rock and gravel roads.Keep it at 65 mph and received 20 mpg,freeway. Will keep this forever.Not true about "all over the road,in wind".Not one problem.Do not use after market ultra bright headlight bulbs,will fry the sockets.lift kit not needed.Goes everywhere,anywhere,stock.Install blind spot mirrors A must. No regrets

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  Fun SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dave - January 5 - 10:13 am

  The FJ Cruiser has been the most enjoyable SUV to drive. Everything about the FJ has been great. The craftmanship is excellent. I dont have enough praise for it. Its no wonder that Toyota is going to dominate the auto world.

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  Still Smiling - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tain Utah - January 3 - 4:33 am

  This is the 4th 4X4 I have owned and none of them have been this much fun. I have only put 1800 miles on my FJC but they have been great miles. My wife drove it the 120 miles home from the dealer but all the rest are mine. I have traveled the far reaches of the western Utah desert and the close reaches of the Buckhorn draw desert. I have gone up hills and over terrain that I have never been in an SUV, only a honda 4 wheeler. The heater and music are a lot better than the 4 wheeler. I enjoy the music even the woofer for a 48 yr old, Never been around MP3 but Im an expert now. TRD exhaust wasnt necessary but enjoy that too. This new FJC is like the fountain of youth to me behind the wheel.