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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  Brilliant, Brilliant - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By scott McCready - July 17 - 8:13 pm

  This is the most value and individuality you will ever find in an automobile. Performance and comfort far exceeded my expectations. Visibility is also better than one would think and the styling lights up every child you will ever meet. This is a flawless execution of the cutest car money can buy all for an incredibly cheap price.

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  We love this car - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rpinsb - July 12 - 3:23 am

  We bought this car in July and immediately headed to Arizona, Northern California and Washington. Drove it on highways and up steep dirt roads. This car loves to climb but its great on the highway too. Put 8k miles in 6 weeks and we loved every moment of the trip.

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  My FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bob - June 25 - 8:06 pm

  Have 6k miles and love this truck. No problems. Get between 25-27 mpg hwy 21 city. Added K&N filter to truck. Rides smooth.

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  Great Job Toyota, Thanks for making it! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rick - June 20 - 11:06 pm

  Great ride, performance, style, and engineering design. Job well done on Toyotas part. I can appreciate Toyotas bold move to make this vehicle happen for the consumer. This means a lot to auto enthusiasts.

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  FJ Fun Jalopee - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Punkin - June 15 - 7:26 am

  Unbelievably fun to drive. Its roomy and quiet. I especially like the backup warning system. The stereo is unreal, hard to tell where the music is coming from. The back door is huge and opens in the "correct" direction. The air conditioner? You could hang meat in here. Oil filter is very easy to change with a drain built into the engine compartment to make changing oil a clean job. My friends comment on how solid it sounds when a door is shut. Warning: Do not press the brake pedal with any force if you dont want to stop, right now. The build quality is awesome. I can see two of these in our driveway. Absolutely no regrets about buying this vehicle. Thank you Toyota.

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  I never want to own another veichle - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DK8594 - June 12 - 10:43 pm

  What I had read was true. The gas mileage isnt great, there are blind spots, and the suicide doors are sometimes inconvenient. Still, I am absolutely in love with my FJ. It sits tall, handles extremely well on the highways, and is the most comfortable car Ive ever driven. I live in Ohio, and we have gotten an unusual amount of snow this year. Im never worried about getting stuck and feel extremely safe driving it.

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  2010 FJ, love it... - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dr.d - May 29 - 1:59 pm

  if you want a dual purpose vehicle this may be the one, if you like cushy comfort buy a caddy. this vehicle is super durable and comfortable. I installed a Warrior bumper / winch / HID spots / LED spots on a roof air dam and a K&N, it is now perfect for my needs. not one failure in 114K miles. works Toyota perfect.

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  A blast to drive! But has its quirks. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Murph - May 6 - 12:16 pm

  I went to a Used Car Dealership that sold mainly Dodges. I saw this cool looking truck and learned it was called the FJ Cruiser. I test drove it and fell in love with it immediately for its looks and above average handling for an SUV ! However, the clutch "chirps" when at idle but stops when the clutch is depressed. I had the dealership replace the clutch disc, pressure plate and throwout bearing. All was well until 2 months and 1400 miles later and the same problem arose again. I learned through Toyota forums that this is an issue with manual tranny FJs but they still operate normally as they should. Despite this somewhat major annoyance, I love my FJ and dont regret buying it!

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  Great handling vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By 338win - April 20 - 10:40 am

  The looks, acceleration, handles much better that the H2 and H3, great SUV.

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  YOULL EITHER LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM!! - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By hunting45 - April 11 - 5:35 pm

  I have wanted one since "07" and finally have a 2012 4x4 automatic. If youre one that likes to look out the side of your auto to see whats beside you forget it in this ride, Ive always used my mirrors so it doesnt bother me. If you have hair on your head and like to ride with your window down you better carry a cap for when you get out cause your hair well be parted right above your ear. There will be no equalizing the wind blow by trying to equalize with the other window nor with side window visors. When stopping at some stop lights youll need to get use to looking up from the steering wheel. I do truely love mine, the gas mpg is great even pulling my 21 bass boat. Lovem or hatem.