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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  What a Great Choice! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Andy P - June 14 - 6:23 pm

  Comfortable. Great performance. Good mileage. Love the way it looks. Fun to drive. If you need an SUV, here it is. If you need a vehicle that pretends to be one, look elsewhere. This SUV is not for everyone.

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  Happyman - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Denny - June 12 - 4:16 pm

  The things I like best is that it does not have a lot of features that are difficult to use or make decisions for you. If you want to lock your doors, do it, radio knobs, manual seats - everything easy to use. It is a modern antique - it is fun to drive. I find visibility not a problem. Dealer filled with regular fuel, no pings using regular & mileage is 20 in mixed driving. Still use regular fuel. Radio is great, subwoofer is fun. Not a luxury car, a fun car. I am 60, this is a car that is fun for almost anyone. Great quality.

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  Greatest Car Ever Driven - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tim - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Off 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.

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  New owner - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ41 - April 24 - 4:36 pm

  This 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.

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  Not for passengers - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - April 24 - 10:50 am

  I think I need to buy extra medical coverage for my vehicle insurance. Everyone hits their heads when entering/exiting the back seat. The interior panels are below Chevy in build quality and fit. The front windshield wipers chatter, and do not lay flat in cold weather. The exterior paint has scratched very easily.

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  Unstoppable in the snow! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Earl - April 19 - 9:40 am

  Got 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, what’s your point?"

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  What I Was Looking For - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Canadian - April 4 - 6:53 pm

  I 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.

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  Fun Car but Horrible Gas Mileage - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By carlosarturo1 - February 21 - 4:27 am

  After owning this Cool SUV for 3 years I finally traded it in yesterday. Love the look and how fun it is to drive. We put mud tires and all the whistles and it turned all heads around. However, the gas milage is Horrible! I got about 14 to top 17 in the freeway. Not mechanical problems at all in 3 years.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By CalgaryMan - February 20 - 10:36 pm

  I 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.

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  07 FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DAsper - February 11 - 1:10 pm

  This thing feels like a big truck. It feels very solid and well built. There are more traction options than you can shake a stick at on our 6 spd stick 4x4. The seats are waterproof, which is nice because of the floor mat, you can actually hose the truck out. The add on gauge pods in the center are cool too. Its a real pleasure to drive like I said, and plenty of leg room and cargo room if you need it. It has 3 wipers for the front windshield, and a rear wiper, plus household current outlets in the front and back. Also a real parking assist system that beeps when you get close to something. A great CDROM came with it too, way better than reading the owners manual, tons of videos.