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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Gotta love it! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Adrian - April 3 - 9:30 pmThere are two things I will not sacrifice to save a few dollars on gas. #1 is Safety #2 is Fun. That to me sums up my recent experience with my new FJ. It just feels solid, well made, and Its just a blast to cruise around in.
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07 Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD Edition - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Black Beauty truck - March 27 - 1:03 pmWe test drove other SUVs in the market and finally purchased this car fully loaded. Spouse loves the commanding view when she drives and it has power to push the car for a quick merge into traffic.
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What do you expect, its a Toyota!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By jaystone22 - March 26 - 6:41 amI bought my Fj one year ago with 60000 miles, trading in my 4 runner. Have no regrets about it. I have close to 80000 miles on it now and have had no problems at all. Absolutely love this vehicle. If you are thinking about getting one, do not hesitate. You will regeret not owning this fine piece of work.
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Unique, great looks, fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Jason - March 25 - 11:50 pmI love this truck ! Has great looks, turns heads everywhere I go. Does well on dirt roads and soaks up the bumps well for a truck its size. Awesome traction on wet roads with stock Bridgestone tires. Never once did I get nervous about getting into an accident. Clutch pedal is firm yet easy to depress, shifter is smooth as silk! I average 16 mpg in stop and go driving and get 21 mpg on long highway trips. Doesnt accelerate like a Mustang GT BUT its predictable and good enough for highway merging during rush hour. If you like a cool looking truck that gets compliments everywhere you go and wont go out of style tomorrow, get the FJ Cruiser.
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Great vehicle...Love it - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Nick - March 14 - 9:20 pmWell, so far I am impressed with my purchase. I purchased the FJ about 2 1/2 weeks ago and it is running great. The fuel economy isnt the best, but it isnt the worst. Ive been getting about 20.5 on the highway and 18 in the city. Which to me isnt too bad, in my 99 S10 truck I received 20/16. I dont have the 4WD, didnt need it. I like the FJ because of its look and comfort. Yes, it is hard to get in the back, but Im not driving other people around all of the time. So far, great experience and I love the FJ!
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Best of 2007 - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Legends - March 11 - 9:03 pmThe FJ lives up to all the press. One top tester said it was the best of 2007. The FJ drives like a $35,000 sedan on the highway and performs off road like a $30,000 jeep. And it looks like a $40,000 SUV. The 4x2 gets good (21-24) MPG.
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Our Second FJ - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By jomeenen - March 8 - 2:06 amWe bought our first FJ in May 2009. Four months later, towing our 24 foot travel trailer along Rt 84 in PA the trailer was caught by a gust of wind and we started to fishtail. My husband gently applied the trailer breaks in an effort to get it to stop swinging but it was too far gone. The trailer flipped, and with it went my brand new FJ containing my husband, our two dogs and me. I remember being upside down, then on our side, skidding along the highway, then somehow, back on all 4 tires and stopped. Only one window broke, the passenger side view mirror folded in and broke the passenger side window. Aside from scrapes and bruises, were all shook up and perfectly ok.
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50,000 Miles Later, Still Great - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By bayareaFJ - February 15 - 2:00 amThis is my 50,000 update to my prior review. No mechanical or cosmetic problems. Everything works like it should. Pulled my trailer last weekend like its not even there. Interior still looks new. No light bulbs have had to be replaced. I love the cavernous interior and doors that close like a vault. I still expect my kids to drive it in 10 years.
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Great SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Riad Abi Chahla - February 7 - 2:36 pmWhen i saw the FJ i immediately wanted to buy... I did some research and i found that it has everything i need. 1st the rugged stylish looks the durability the power and off road capabilities... after 3months of ownership I still find it more amazing everyday...
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Irritating flaws - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By fred thomas - January 11 - 8:30 pmAbout 17mpg of premium. Ridiculous tall narrow door mirrors. Very poor rear visibility. Thin plastic front bumper ends. Large turning circle. But performs very well, great suspension, sophisticated traction control, solidly built, great sound system.
