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:
Showing 111 through 120 of 436.00-
Greatest Car Ever Driven - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Tim - April 29 - 2:00 amOff all the reviews I have read they just dont hit the experience of owning the Toyota FJ. Every time I drive my FJ I fall in love with it more and more. Im 40 this month and driving it makes me feel 21 again. Sure the blind spot everyone talks about exist, but it is not hard to get used to. As for the gas mileage complaints, I am running regular unleaded in my FJ. It runs perfect and Im getting a combined 19 miles to a gallon right now. That is great for this type of vehicle. Really great leg room in the front. I purchased the sandstorm color, and love the color more every time I look at it.
-
New owner - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By FJ41 - April 24 - 4:36 pmThis has to be the tightest vehicle that I have ever been in, rattle free. Drove 450 miles 2nd day, very comfy for a 4x4. Mileage is around 20 highway. Well built. I love this vehicle. Tried using 93 octane, it will run stronger. Im 56 y/o - this vehicle is like a shot of youth, in the arm.
-
Unstoppable in the snow! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Earl - April 19 - 9:40 amGot my FJ about a month before a very early snow/ice storm up here which lasted several days. I was able to make it in to work every night without a problem. The first night I was driving through snow up to the front bumper. I dont mean just to get out of the driveway or a few feet but 15 miles! I cant wait for spring so I can pick up some mudders and head to the woods. This truck is everything that Toyota wanted it to be and simply that; a no frills, no heated seats or carpet (give me a break, buy a car girly man), not as smooth as your wifes SUV, Old School Truck. Go get it muddy, hose it out and then do it again. "But it might get scratched"..."Yea, whats your point?"
-
What I Was Looking For - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Canadian - April 4 - 6:53 pmI live in Alberta so the roads are black ice for 8 months of the year and it handles awesome. You have to force it to slide out in 4 wheel drive. I can drive through 2 feet of snow and not even get close to stuck. Ive driven big trucks before so believe me when I say there are no blind spots, just learn to use your mirrors and you can see the whole road, your 6 feet off the ground. Good power, I would like a v8 in it but the v6 doesnt fall far behind. Havent had trouble fitting 5 guys and hockey bags in the back driving for over an hour. Light enough not to get stuck in mud all the time unlike older Toyotas. If you can drive, you will love this SUV, beats a pick up any day.
-
Great SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By CalgaryMan - February 20 - 10:36 pmI hated it first but then fell in love. Now absolutely love. Cannot wait to drive it every day. I have done a great amount of research before purchasing this vehicle. I wanted a Japanese made SUV on a frame for a reasonable price. I did not want to drive a soccer mom SUV. I left me with only one option. It is great on both highway and city. You get used to blind spots after couple days of driving. An extra inch of leg room at the back seat would be helpful. Hey, it is not a family SUV after all. Exhaust is a bit loud. I read that is was done on purpose. FJ has a different exhaust from that of a 4Runner. I would like it more quiet. Overall, you can either love of hate FJ. And I LOVE it.
-
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By rey - February 8 - 3:10 amBecause it is made by Toyota, I can trust and depend on their products. With my FJ, I love it and cherish it because it was built with style and performance in mind. I love to drive it, it is so quiet and smooth to speed on the road. I only get 18 miles in the city but terrific mileage in the long drive of 22 miles per gallon using premium gasoline which I have no doubt adds benefit. I added a bug deflector to save my windshield in the long run and wind side windows deflector to deflect the wind during driving to lessen the wind noise when the windows are open on the open road. I will score this car a perfect 10 as to what it can do for me and what I expect on it. Its simply the best!!
-
Its a Truck, not a Passenger Sedan - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Matt Rowe - February 2 - 8:11 amGreat for small families if this is an everyday driver like mine. Averages about 16 mpg and is not the most comfortable long distance ride, but then I bought mine for camping, hauling, and trail riding. I haul firewood and construction materials on the non-standard Gobi roof rack. This vehicle is a beast! I even used it to drag thousand-plus pound tree trunks around when I cleared some woods for a home site. Awesome in the deep sand with the right tires and inflation level. If you want something better than a Jeep CJ, then this is the vehicle for you. If you are looking for a luxury status symbol truck, buy something else. This one is for sport and work.
-
Great teen fun to drive truck - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Great Teen Car - January 23 - 1:00 amWhen I turned 18 I bought the FJ. I loved it for its cool design on the outside and the inside. The 4 wheel drive system is great in the snow because every wheel senses when thye are slipping and transfers more power to it, also the tight ride is great for handling at high speeds.
-
Back to Toyota - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Papa G - January 18 - 10:00 amJust got the FJ. I had a Land Cruiser about 10 years ago and regret selling it. Havent had it in the dirt or snow yet and cant wait to do so. Its great on the road, you forget youre in a serious 4X4. The rear view camera helps with the blind spots when parking. My wife spent her teen years off roading and she is eager to get the FJ dirty. Its a challenge with the doors and our two boys. But the 12 year old isnt complaining as he will take this car over when he is 18. Safe and solid, we will sleep better knowing he will be in the FJ. Now whos got my old Land Cruiser? Can I have it back please? I miss it a little less now that I have this creature.
-
The Fj - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By wakefan01 - January 11 - 2:00 amThis car is an absolute beast. It goes wherever you want to go, and does whatever you want to do. Great off road capability and just really fun to drive. Reliability is great. Have not had one problem with it.
