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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  The most reliable serious offroader made. - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jimmybuffett - October 11 - 1:20 pm

  I had a 99 Wrangler that was a piece of junk. The new Jeeps arent that much better. I moved to Colorado for offroading and bought an FJ. Lifted, rock armor, winch, roof rack, the works. This truck is a tank. It goes everywhere I want with no reliability or performance issues. On-road performance is nice too because of the independent front suspension (the Jeep is still a solid front axle). I can beat this truck up for 7 hours on Chinaman Gulch near Buena Vista then set the cruise to 70 MPH while driving home on US 285 and do so in comfort. This is why the FJ is the #1 resale value vehicle in the country, I have no idea why they can only sell 13K of them a year.

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  Best ever - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By arkfj - October 9 - 10:26 pm

  I have had all manner of trucks and cars. This is the best ever. I started my driving with a 1972 fj40. This is like being 16 again and never wanting to get out. I find a reason to drive it whenever I can. I pull a 4300# boat and camp with it every weekend.

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  Good as it gets - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fjuman - October 9 - 1:10 pm

  Ive had my FJ for two days now and I can say Im totally in love. Thus far I havent found anything I dont like about it. But the blindspots do bother me, will have to look into purchasing more mirrors. Other than that I am very satisfied.

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  All this, plus the envy of your peers! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DocLandis - September 23 - 4:40 am

  After 2+ months of ownership, and nearly 5,000 miles under us, the FJ had performed without so much as a single issue to complain to the dealershp about. Ive added the front Brush-Guard, and the optional front skid plate, because you just never know what you will need here in the North Georgia Mountains. I just returned from a 2,000+ mile trip up North, and found that while staying at or near the speed limit of 65-70, I got right at 22 mpg, taking it up to the 10 mph over the speed limit window, my mileage dropped to 19.5. The FJ is in a word, SOLID. Its a head turner for sure, but the comfort and security while driving it makes it a must have for anyone looking in this class.

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  I luv my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mom04084 - September 21 - 8:50 pm

  I luv my FJ! I traded a fully loaded 03 yukon for this vehicle and cannot say I have any regrets so far. I love that this truck really can do all it advertises and still get me to work. I get looks for all around. I am hoping to get this paid off and rack up 300,000 miles!!

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  Awesome - love it. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By cheryl - September 17 - 7:43 am

  There isnt one thing negative I can say about this vehicle. It looks rugged and cool, but drives like a dream. Its solid, handles great, is comfortable, great stereo. I love it.

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  Lovn It! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By CaptJohn - September 8 - 12:16 am

  I have nothing short of a great time with this vehicle! It feels like a toy, but with incredible strength!

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  Only vehicle I will keep - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By TL - August 30 - 1:53 am

  I have bought a new car every year since 93 and now its over, I found a vehicle I want to keep. No other company makes an off road vehicle that is also stable on the road.

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  FAV - Family Assault Vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By CSE - August 29 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had the FJ for two days. In short, so far so good. The wife was chattering in my ear about getting a new car with space. We both like the looks and she said it was a tonka truck come to life. It drives VERY nice for a SUV, absorbs bumps quite well. The water resistent interior will come in handy with our 20 month old son who thinks throwing things that tend to leak is an olympic sport that he is determined to master. We went with the silver for a more neutral color to go with the tough looks of the car. Crawl around under this rig and you find serious off-road hardware. It inspires one to seek the roads less traveled, or just make your own roads.

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  Best truck Ive ever had - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By GreatforDogs - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  This is by far the best UV out there for the price. I have driven full size pickups and other SUVs that cant compare for the fun of it. I have 3 dogs and the interior is superior for carting them around and clean up is fast. Put the back seats down and the cargo room is equal to my last short bed pick up. My Dad is a Cadillac man and he is even impressed with the FJ. Getting used to the lack of visibility took some time, but I wouldnt trade my Toyota for anything. It far surpasses the overpriced Tahoe I had. I love it.