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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  One of a kind - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Justin - December 30 - 4:16 pm

  Toyota outdid itsself with this vehicle - it is safe and fun to drive. It is more capable, functional, and reliable than Jeep or Hummer.

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  FJ Cruiser Review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Garry Ray - December 29 - 7:06 pm

  I was skeptical about buying this vehicle at first. But Im sure glad I did. This FJ is so fun to drive both on and off road. Ive had it since June of 06 and I still have a silly grin on every time Im driving it. She gets a lot of looks. The rear visibility took about 2 days to get used to. Its not a vehicle for everyone but then Im glad it isnt.

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  FJ rocks!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By scarecrow - December 19 - 12:36 pm

  I just bought my FJ two weeks ago and it has been the best two weeks ever! I could not have asked for a better vehicle. Some people complain about blind spots, but once I drove it for a few days I got used to it.

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  Great Truck - No Surprises - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ND - November 25 - 2:03 pm

  Having more fun with this vehicle than any other Ive owned -- cant wait for ski season. Owned many cars and trucks, including 2 Outbacks and a Tacoma, and they never made me smile as the FJ does. The documented issues are there (visibility, fixed rear window, mpg, etc.) but you need to look at how they impact you and what you are comparing to. With that info/bias before I went shopping, I still ended up with the FJ. 50 extra HP than my V6 Tacoma (99) and the same mileage. Better visibility than a truck with a shell on back. Rear seat legroom comparable to most of the other in-class vehicles (Im 62" and can sit behind the drivers seat set for my legs). Did I mention fun?

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  Enjoying my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dynmo - November 22 - 11:30 pm

  I have owned Jeeps for the last 30 years so this was a big change and I was a little apprehensive at first at changing my 4X4 ride. Now that I have had the FJ for three months I can say this is the best 4X4 I have ever owned. It four wheels with the best that Jeep has to offer and is much more comfortable to ride in.

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  Why drive boring cars? - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Joe in CT - November 19 - 2:06 am

  Ive owned 20+ cars, SUVs, trucks. This has to be one of my 2 favorites (together with my 911 cabriolet). As another reviewer said - you can buy fancier, much more expensive SUVs. But you cant buy one thats more fun to own, that people ask you about, that is this reliable, that can go anywhere. I bought one of the first ones in CT - Voodoo Blue - and have not had a single issue. My wife, 3 kids, dog & I all still love it just as much as new. Sure - it has a few compromises like rear visibility. Show me any great car with real personality that doesnt. And this is very practical (easy to clean, acceptable MPG, great in bad weather...) and fun to own! Now thats value!

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  FJ Rocks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JP3 - November 11 - 8:26 pm

  This vehicle is tight, fun to drive, gets lots of thumbs up, and I expect to own it at least 10 years. It was much better at highway speeds than I expected.

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  Looks like a $40,000 SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Detective - October 15 - 3:33 am

  The FJs ride is quiet with lots of room. The 0-40 is strong for a v6 SUV - lots of passing power. The rugged good looks will appeal to all sorts of people. Kids love it. MPG is around 20 with the automatic.

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  Would Be a Perfect Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Real Cruiser - October 12 - 4:46 am

  Love the retro looks. Headlights should be bigger. Rear door should be designed like the 4runners. Interior can look like a retro but please make it look luxurious like the 4runner or atleast the design is up-to-date. Cant complain about the gas consumptions. Its better than average SUV gas consumptions but more efficent engine would be better. Dont like the Diesel as it pollutes the environment. Other than those mentioned above, love everything about the FJ cruiser.

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  Fun to drive, cool to own - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Charles - October 11 - 10:30 am

  Since getting rid of my Wrangler (with the anticipation of a second child), I didnt have a great deal of choices for a good off-road SUV that would accommodate them. Enter the FJ and the 4- door Wrangler. I love the style of the Wrangler but thats where it ends. Safety #1, Power and Fuel Economy #2, Capabilites #3, and Amenities #4 all point toward the FJ. It wins in every category. The FJ is powerful, drives great, and is styled differently enough to stand out in a sea of 4-Runners and Xterras. I have two small girls and we get around in it great. True, it has less back seat room than my wifes RX 330 but it is adequate. What is given up in some area is more than made up for in others.