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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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rey - February 8 - 3:10 am

  Because 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!!

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  Its a Truck, not a Passenger Sedan - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Matt Rowe - February 2 - 8:11 am

  Great 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.

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  Great teen fun to drive truck - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Great Teen Car - January 23 - 1:00 am

  When 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.

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  Back to Toyota - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Papa G - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Just 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.

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  The Fj - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By wakefan01 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This 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.

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  Fj - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Cliff Wheeler - January 5 - 4:32 pm

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  My Short Bus - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tegeras - January 4 - 2:26 am

  Handles a lot better than I expected. Acceleration is super nice for a SUV. Love the head room and the look of the interior. Gas mileage is nice and should not be an issue with anyone. You want good gas mileage then go buy a subcompact! I mean seriously, this is a 4300lb suv.

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  FJ, best all around family vehicle - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jami S - December 9 - 1:13 am

  Since 2007 I had been looking at the FJ but was not willing to pay the price. I read reviews and did my research for nearly a year. I love this vehicle. It drives great, handles great for the vehicle type, and it has very good power to get up & go. It is a very capable off-road vehicle. I have had it off-road on some rough trails and the FJ performed like a champ. Visibility is not that bad and it is something you can get adjusted to. The suspension is nice a tight and provides plenty of confidence on the road. Also, regular unleaded fuel is acceptable to use. My dealership stated this and so does Toyota. Gas mileage is not bad considering. Plenty of room for a family of 5 on any occasion.

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  What a cool ride! - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By wartowne - November 7 - 10:39 pm

  I have a loaded 2011 Iceberg white 4x4. My whole family loves the FJ. My kids say that it would make a great Transformer! I agree...We came up with the name Brutus. There really isnt anything to not love about the FJ. Its super rugged, capable of tackling the street or offroad, and doing it with finesse. The interior is rugged and simple. I dont have any visibilty complaints, though without the back up camera, it would be tricky. Power seems to be about right, and fuel economy is excellent. Higher RPMs do sound a little harsh. Build quality is fantastic and I love the crash test results. Its like youre driving a tank.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dave - October 18 - 10:20 am

  The FJ is a fun and relatively comfortable car. The only complaints are rear window visibility and height. With the optional roof rack, the car stands approximately 63" tall, which doesnt fit into some garages.