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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  I love my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Laura - August 24 - 5:40 am

  Everywhere I go, people stop to ask me about my FJ Cruiser. Im the only one in my town to have one so far. I love driving it, as does my husband. Its very sturdy and comfortable.

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  silly rice burner! what? - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dakomaha - August 23 - 6:45 pm

  Im 36, I served in the military for 12 yrs. rough, tough and rugged reliable rigs at work, and jeep wranglers at home. Ive never even considered anything else. purchase a wrangler, smittybilt bumpers, black rims, and rugged mud tires for the snow, mud ect........... now, over a decade later 100% IU disabled vet with a bad back and no leg from my left knee down, I was devestated. no clutch lol.... so, i decided to open my options. in the entire car/suv/and 4x4 line up I was about to throw my hands up. then I saw a FJ extremely attractive from the outside. I dont want to say "boxy" but it wasnt all aero dynamic- It looked like a SUV built for a man. Then I saw the inside. WOW!

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  4 months and still a blast - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By cjm - August 20 - 2:56 pm

  After 4 months and 7,000 miles I am extremely happy with this vehicle. It has excellent power and is very quick off the line. Entering the freeway from the on ramp is a blast, this vehicle flat out moves for an SUV of this type. Overall mpg (city and highway combined) has been 20.5 with premium gas. I find the steering very nimble, the FJ is fun and handles well in traffic. It is also very capable off road right out of the factory. The excellent approach and departure angles helped me leave my buddies behind. Their lifted Chevy Avalanche just couldnt get in to the places I took mine. This vehicle still turns heads and gets compliments where ever I go. You cant go wrong with the FJ!

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  What a Great Car - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rich Taylor - August 4 - 11:56 pm

  Love it, havent been this excited about a car since my 79 320i. People stop by and ask to see it. Stereo good, feels safe, like the flat windshield, surprised at the comfortable ride, first road trip was 1/1/07 on Hwy 60 Phoenix to Amarillo (drove around Road Closed signs East of Albuquerque and drove past fishtailed semis and cars in ditches from snowstorm). Not bad gas mileage either.

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  Loving our FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BayAreaFJ - July 21 - 2:43 am

  My wife chose the FJ and loved driving it with our two young kids. It is easy to take them in and out of the back seat with the side-opening doors. We have the airbag package and it feels like they are in a vault. It has a hard, bumpy ride - as it should be, because this is no grocery- getter. This vehicle is absolutely no-nonsense and reliable, at 30,000 mi. with no issues, and none anticipated. Recently hauled three other guys for a mountain-climbing trip and the four of us were comfortable. One owns a new Jeep and lamented all the problems he is having already. We love this vehicle with no reservations and expect our kids to drive it when they turn 16 in about ten years.

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  Best of Jeep & Toyota in 1 package - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mary trimble - July 1 - 12:20 pm

  I love Jeeps and Toyotas. The FJ Cruiser is the best of both. Sized like a Wrangler, but with class of a 4runner. I am in my 60s, and this is just plain fun to drive. Good 4 wheel capability, very comfortable in town and on the interstate. Been told I can use mid-grade, not premium, that should help. I love off-roading, camping and blackpowder, and I never plan to "grow up". This vehicle should help that!! The only negatives: wish the gas cover locked, console box should have a cover, and wish I could have gotten the package without the sub-woofer. Storage box would have been more useful to me. Anyone who has driven a CJ or Wrangler will not have visibility issues. Buy one!!!

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  Fun but not really a family vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By agrizzaffi - May 27 - 1:40 am

  We purchased the FJ in April after husband fell in love with it. I too really like the vehicle but have found that the "suicide" type doors do not function well with a family. Getting in and out (especially in tight parking spaces) can be a real nuisance with kids. Also found that the sun visors are of little use because of the interior design. One other flaw that we have found is that the windshield is a rock magnet!! The straight up and down offers no deflection of rocks. Let me say again, we really love this vehicle, but are trading it in on a 4Runner simply because of the door issue which we thought would not be as big a problem as it was. If it came in a true 4 door wed keep it!

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  class cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By vet - May 21 - 7:30 am

  Excellent SUV. Toyota put the fun back into its line of cars with this one. Getting about 22 MPH with my 2X4 auto. Runs better than it looks. And I think it looks great. Lots of room and the mirrors are excellent. You have a nice panoramic view out of front window. Quick and quiet ride.

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  Best Decision - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By shubbs - May 1 - 7:14 pm

  I traded my Camry Hybrid in for my FJ and have no regrets. My decision was simply because I needed something that can tote hockey gear one weekend, camping the next, take the dogs and boys to the beach and than a nice trip antique shopping. Wish I had my FJ when my boys were younger and spilling their red slushes and smashing food on the floor. They are a little older now and dont care climbing in and out of the back seat. We have a 4runner, z71 and a cj5 and the FJ is the one we take for family outtings. I was learning towards a Sequoia at first, but found it to be too fancy and I wanted something that can get dirty and clean up easy.

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  What fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rnattorney - May 1 - 12:23 am

  This is an incredible vehicle. It rides smooth, excellent mpg for SUV, and such a sharp looking vehicle. I waited for 2 months for the vehicle. Well worth the wait.