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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  No problems at 50k miles - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mikkeb - April 30 - 6:51 am

  This is my first Toyota, and I bought it new, a 2010 Trail Teams Edition. After 50K miles, I have not had to repair anything. In fact, there isnt even a rattle or squeak. I have taken it off road and it has performed well. There are negatives about the vehicle, but you should know them before you buy. The vehicle has blind spots, not because there arent enough windows to see the vehicles, it is because the vehicle is so tall, that most passenger cars are below the view of the window. Remember, this vehicle was designed for off-road, and ground clearance is important. A couple cheap convex mirrors cures this problem. The gas mileage is average for an SUV, but this is obvious too.

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  Love - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Sbw - April 24 - 10:26 pm

  I just got it and Im in love! The very first thing I noticed was the blind spots but I will deal since I have the rear sensors. Mine is loaded and its perfect! I was surprised at how smooth and comfortable it is. I cant wait to get it off the road!

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  It doesnt get much bettter for money - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By pullygoalie - April 4 - 4:30 pm

  This truck has got some interesting comments in the week Ive had it. One guy asked, `Whats the room like in the back seat? My response, `Not much, but my buddies will put up with it. The key here is that I have no kids to stick back there like it seems some who rip this truck. My friends and wife said its not bad back there, but they arent 40 year olds with trick knees. ... This truck feels solid. Its not punchless like the Wrangler. It also doesnt have the comforts of a LR3, but this is a SUV in the mid-$20ks. What do you expect? ... The blind spots havent been a big deal. (Im young enough to be able to turn my head.) For a guy coming from a domestic pickup, Ive been impressed.

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  Great Ride - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By markm109 - March 28 - 11:55 am

  Purchased my 2011 FJ Cruiser early spring and have put almost 9,000 miles on it to date. Coming from a 2002 4Runner, the FJ is a lot more roomy and comfortable. I live on a dirt road and the FJ glides over the rough sections giving a very smooth, quiet and comfortable ride - better than my wifes 2011 Subaru Outback. My FJ has the upgraded sound system with sub in back - great sound and way too loud if I turn it up. The FJ has handled everything Ive asked of it without issue. MPG running around 19 city, 21 highway at 75-80 mph. I have had no issues with it and dont expect to if it is like all the other Toyotas Ive owned. My one improvement would be a power roll down rear window.

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  Love this vehicle!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Pat Thomas - March 19 - 11:20 pm

  We have been waiting for this vehicle for about 2 years and we were not disappointed. We traded in our 2 year old 4Runner with not regrets. Love the 4Runner but Love this one more. Fun to drive. Handles very well. Power is great. Cant wait to take it up in the mountains to go camping.

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  Toyota quality - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John - March 6 - 9:56 am

  Short and sweet. Love it! Go buy now, you will not regret it. I am not an off roader, but i wanted something stylish with 4 wheel drive for the weather and I took some advice and checked out the FJC and fell in love. Superb fit and finish, quality abounds in and out. How many Toyotas are on the road with over 150k on the dial with their owners still smiling? FJC - you will not be sorry. All the best!

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  My Skunk Rocks! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By TJ - February 27 - 4:23 am

  Because of the Black and White color, we affectionatly call my new FJ "The Skunk". Cant wait for the new "LE PEW" license plate to arrive. We strapped five bicycles to the outside and drove from Florida to North Carolina for a bike race. Comfortable and handled like a charm. Drove 80 on the highway and got 19-20 mph, even with the bikes! Once there, we went off road and did all sorts of climbing on back roads with no trouble at all. Actually, the ride is so smooth on the road I got stopped by the police doing 60 in a 45 without realizing it. (Luckily got off with a warning)

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  Typically Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Larry Mc - January 26 - 11:16 pm

  Of the many vehicles I have owned in my life this FJ Crusier is the most delightful yet. Im 52 years old and enjoy this truck every time I drive it. After 13500 miles it still has given me no problems. Once again, way to go Toyota!

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  Clam shell doors, Bah! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By SlyK9 - January 21 - 10:06 pm

  FJ Rox! Having owned a couple of international scouts, an fj40, various jeeps and a 4runner, I believe the FJ comes as close to perfect as we can get without a custom design. I purchased my 2007 FJ in Dec of 2006. I have taken the family across country and off road. This vehicle is comfortable and affordable. One minor complaint is the clam shell doors. I have spent many awkward moments attempting to get the kids from the back seat. First opening the front stepping out opening the back closing the front then letting the kids out squeezing by and the opening the front, closing the back then closing the front. Tight parking is tuff with these doors. Worth it? Oh yes. Thumbs up!

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  FJ ROCKS! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By David - December 26 - 2:50 am

  I fell in love with this vehicle the first time I saw it. This represents the 3rd new Toyota product I have purchased for the family since 1994 and it does not disappoint. Not totally practical, but doggone fun to drive. You will turn heads as you go down the road!