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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  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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  Too much fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Joe - June 6 - 4:56 am

  Saw this online as a concept quite awhile ago. Got mine at the beg. of May, 06. I traded my 04 Scion xB which was like a toy in comparison (no pun intended). The FJ is fun, turns heads, holds quite a bit of stuff and then some. I already have 6,000 miles on it and its great. I have been getting about .5-1.0 MPG better than the window sticker. I have the 6sp and the shiftng is not as smooth as I thought. I can also feel too many vibrations through the steering wheel. This takes away from the tank like feel. I live in Seattle and this thing is horrible for visibility. The triple wipers do nothing to move the water off the windshield in time, even at the highest setting.

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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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  Tougher than it looks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rick Rock - May 25 - 4:50 pm

  Like many of you, I researched this one pretty well. I knew its shortcomings (odd visibility, lack of luxury etc) going in and accepted the FJ on its merits. Mainly: its just so much fun. I cruise out to the mountains nearly every weekend to work on my cabin restoration and to 4wd a bit. This puppy is TOUGH. I have run it up fairly steep talus and soft powdery roads and it doesnt lose grip or fade me off the trail at all. Ive run it through deep-ish water where it crosses trails and again it rolls tough. Ive also loaded it down with construction materials. Easy to load and manage for the most part. Strong, good mileage for its class, eye grabby looks, good center of gravity, & sturdy.

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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.

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  FJs fantastic - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Crabblegs - April 20 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased the first FJ on this dealers lot and I could not be happier. I sold my 2000 Tacoma to get the FJ. The ride off road is absolutely awesome as expected but the normal driving conditions handling and driving is great too. Off roading in the Sierras was great, it is as rugged and unstoppable as all the reports say it is. Would definately recommend one!

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  Simply Amazing - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mx1o0o - April 19 - 6:38 pm

  Now with almost 30000 miles on the clock, my FJ is perfect. Bought it from new, and it cost next to nothing to maintain. The only issue here in a hot country, is that the tires seem to let go easily. Already changed them 3 times, and now this is the 4th time, although i did not run it for long. going for the huge BFGoodriches this time, for better on/off road experience. I advise anyone who is looking for a real off-roader + comfy cruiser to buy it.

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  Not very practical - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jp - April 11 - 12:13 pm

  It is an off road vehicle and better than a jeep. However, it has no visibility, like sitting in a bath tub. The cargo room and back seat is a joke. It is made well but a little outdated and the retro design at times is ugly. The engine is underpowered compared to an xterra and it is really a 2 seater vehicle. It is slow on the highway and the 4wheel drive system is horrible for the highway. I have my regrets.