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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  FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By w1z - September 27 - 9:50 am

  Bull bar w/lights, Roof rack with airdam + lights, Black steel wheels, BFG t/a tires, Birnstein shocks, rock rails, spare wheel cover, subwoofer, heavy mats,trailer hitch, TRD stainless exhaust, traction, water resistant seats, premium gas or regular, tinted glass roll-pitch-compass-temp cluster, added a TomTom 920T GPS & bluetooth, a full-time rear view camera, & with my iPhone I feel almost human, well maybe like IronMan! smooth ride, add small spots to the side mirrors & angle them out further, add flat rubber cargo straps. I have no complaints. Get the 100k mi extd warranty & the expenses paid service. Highly recommend this version if you can find one. Breathlessly awesome. 3200 made.

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  A book by its cover - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - September 23 - 5:00 am

  The FJ is exactly what it looks like - great fun in a hard-nosed package without extras. Its not a mall crawler, and thats ok with me. Great in bad weather, great off road. designed to be durable, should run forever. If you are an outdoor enthusiast - you owe it to yourself to look at one of these. I camp, hunt and fish, this is perfect for my needs. More HP and torque than an H3 and still gets better mileage. Visibility is no problem if youve driven trucks before.

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  I LOVE MY FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mike0525 - September 14 - 7:17 am

  I bought my FJ in 2011 and have not regretted it one bit. I dont have the top of the line model but, I do have the locking axles as well as an after market exhaust/intake and shocks and they just add to the level of enjoyment of this vehicle. Yes it has its draw backs but as long as you accept them youll love the FJ. Its quiet, boxy, retro and FUN.! It handles quite well in snow and ice and my gas mileage has been consistently 15/18 using premium fuel. Its a 4x4 and is meant to be an off road vehicle so anyone who buys one xpecting it to be anything else will be disappointed but, if you want a solid, reliable, sturdy 4X4 you will be happy with this one.

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  Fabulous FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Shawn McCormack - September 12 - 4:53 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle, it is solid to drive with plenty of pickup. It gives you a solid feeling on or off the road, you feel like the vehicle will do anything you ask it to. Also, the styling stands out and Im constantly asked about it. I can imagine keeping this vehicle forever, and if not this is the type of vehicle you rebuy as a classic later in life. My only issue thus far is the fact that the FJ takes premium fuel and has only been averaging about 17 miles/gallon for me.

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  Loooooove the FJ!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Suomex - September 3 - 5:33 pm

  This is bound to become a cult vehicle! What a successful redesign of a legend! Not an easy feat. I am female, so I didnt get the masculine looking roof rack, and in the blue color it is just amazing.Dont call it a Hummer! Some people do that, and I tell them its an ADVENTURE vhicle, no a military vehicle. It feels very stable in turns, hs decent torque for its sie and weight.I love the inclinometer!

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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.