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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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jmatz - October 14 - 12:16 am

  Takes a bit getting used to the blind spots. Love the car to the max! Fun to drive, 4X4 is really nice. Have a friend with a Jeep Wrangler and goes toe to toe off road with it and is much more practical. A few things I would improve would be the seats do not have a forward track for the people getting into the back seat. You have to manually move it forward from the front. The rear windows do not go down. Does not seem like a big deal, but the wind whips through the truck like crazy. Last thing would be the back window would be nice if it would go down like with the 4 runner. But all in all I would highly recommend this vehicle!! BUY IT!

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  My Silver FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By D.Edwards - September 27 - 9:33 pm

  This vehicle rides very comfortably considering its short wheelbase. Great seats, outstanding build quality. Unique design, has all of the items needed to take it off-road right from the dealership or it works just as good cruising the streets. Strong running V-6, smooth shifting automatic tranny. The side mirrors are your best friend. It is definitely an attention getter.

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  Iceberg 2012 - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John Whitten - September 25 - 4:12 am

  While the blind spots are real and the gas mileage is not why you buy this ...I am loving every minute of owning it so far.

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  Love the FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gretchen - September 23 - 6:33 pm

  The FJ is a very roomy vehicle and is good for hauling around all kinds of things. The seats fold down very easy. I am part of a car pool and drive close to 100 miles a day and the FJ is very comfortable car for the three adults.

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  07 FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By stu - September 21 - 9:10 am

  This truck is just fun to drive. It would be nice to have a compartment to stash drive thru cash, like an ashtray, or something similar. But, if that is my only complaint, this has to be a well thought out vehicle otherwise. Cant wait to go camping with it.

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  Highly Recommend Buying The FJ40 Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kimo from Hawaii - September 10 - 9:30 am

  I bought a new Landcruiser in the 70s. That vehicle was a brute. It was built like a tank, heavy and real solid thick metal. It could crawl and go where only goats could roam. I was very happy with it. So I thought of buying the new version. Whoa, is this a refined 4X4 compared to the 70s model. It is so cool in looks and in performance. After purchasing it, I found out that there was a tire recall. I just brought it to the local dealer and they will replace them (5) for free. I am surprised that the previous two owners did not know about this recall. I also owned 4X4 Jeeps. They are okay for kids and adult kids who like the "old school" looks, ride, engineering, and performance. Switch.

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  Love my FJ in so many ways! - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ladylonglegs - September 3 - 2:59 pm

  I have had my FJ for ten months now and still enjoy driving it very much. I owned cars for most of my driving years and wanted a SUV since we were moving into the mountains of WV. and thought a 4x4 would serve my needs better. This vehicle does just that and more...the seats are comfortable and the turning radius is great. Inside the cabin is quiet while driving and gives me a feeling that I am riding in a safe vehicle. I purchased the soild white color and couldnt be any happier with my decision on this SUV!

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  Teen Offroader - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jacob - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall this vehicle is great. When I first test drove one I expected it to have a bouncy ride and be bad in the corners. Prior to this vehicle I had a 1999 Land Rover Discovery and it took corners horribly. Now the Fj takes the corners like its a car. The back-up sensors are great due to poor visibility in the back. I bought the car with 80,000 miles on it and it still feels like its a brand new car. The only thing it doesnt have that my Land Rover had was luxury, but if you want luxury thats what the Land Cruiser is for. Ive had no problems at all and probably wont ever. Pulling loads is a breeze with the powerful V6. It easily pulls my two wave runners. Perfect affordable offroader.

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  Outstanding Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Donaldo - August 27 - 2:50 pm

  I traded in my 1996 F250 Powerstroke for the new FJ Cruiser - what a change. Very little road noise, excellent handling, reasonable acceleration, a stereo I can actually hear, and a smooth ride. I had a 90 4Runner, so I expect Toyota quality, and it hasnt disappointed. Surprisingly, my gas mileage has been better than expected - I recently got an average of 23 MPG on a road trip to southern Colorado, and averaged over 18 MPG pulling my Coleman tent trailer over Rabbit Ears pass up to Steamboat Lake. Ive only done a little 4-wheeling so far, and the shift into 4 high was a little harder than Id like, but I think Ill have this one for a long, long time.

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  Just Got Mine! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By anl - August 26 - 7:20 pm

  Have it for a few days now. Love it! Fun to drive and comfortable.