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 so far - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bob - December 23 - 6:50 am

  Just picked the FJ up and had a good amount of winter weather blow in. The FJ handled the snow and ice with no problems. Time will tell on the over all reliability. I have almost 500 miles on it and have nothing bad to say so far.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Henry Smith - December 11 - 5:33 pm

  I love this Fj. It can go anywhere off road, it blows all the other members car of the 4x4 club im in out the water. Other members have gotten recovery hooks ready because they where for sure i was stuck when i wasnt. way better then a jeep.

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  If you read this you will buy it - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By chrisl - November 27 - 5:23 pm

  Trust me, this is a very capable vehicle in all aspects. I usually dont write reviews, but in the case of the FJ I am making an exception. Like most of you, I did a lot of extensive research before I made my final vehicle decision. My advice would be not to get hung up on the negative reviews, and focus on the positive ones, itll save you a lot of wasted time. The blind spots are not as bad as some people say they are. The rear seats do fold all the way down. Road noise is not noticeable and the interior is quiet. This vehicle is extremely reliable, and capable of some astounding things. This vehicle has been tested to its limits and still scores big!

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  FJAMMER - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jennifer - November 27 - 4:46 am

  I LOVE my new Sun Fusion yellow FJ Cruiser, better known as my FJAMMER, even as a 40 year old mother! It is comfortable, handles well and is a ton of fun to drive around town. The visibilty took some getting used to with the rear mounted tire and vertical outside mirrors, lack of viewing out the side windows, but nothing that I couldnt adjust to. The rear gear sonar is a big help when backing up. And how could I ever have another car without roof mounted speakers to spoil me.

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  NeeCees Cruiser - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By NeeCee - November 22 - 8:16 pm

  I work out of my automobiles and had driven a Honda CRV for the past 5 years. It was time for a new vehicle and I had decided to buy another Honda. The night before I went to buy it I was on the computer researching cars and read the reports on the FJ Cruiser. I decided to go and give it a test drive that next morning. Thank goodness I did. I knew the minute I drove it this was the SUV for me. I love it! I have only had it for a short time but it feels safe and I love the way it handles. Oh, did I tell you how great I think it looks?

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  So Far, So Good - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Drew - November 19 - 8:03 am

  The wife and I bought one of the original 07 FJs back in March, and we love it. So far its running perfectly. Up to 40,000 miles, and still not one problem (knock on wood), just as I expect from Toyota. Great truck. Incredibly fun to drive. Handles remarkably well for an SUV.

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  Loving my yellow FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jimmyn75 - October 21 - 7:53 pm

  After having an Element and liking the functionality but wanting something that could tow more and have a V6, Toyota came out with my ideal vehicle. I love just about everything about it. It looks like nothing else on the road, rides great, has ample power, and is one of the few vehicles I can stretch out my legs in and still drive comfortably. With the V6 it has more than enough highway power, and an tow as much as I need. The HVAC controls are HUGE, perfect if you are wearing gloves. I am really impressed by the build quality and overall tight feeling of it. Also the glove box on top of the dash is something I have not seen before, but is nice.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ-Ollie - September 29 - 6:40 pm

  The FJ Cruiser is the best built and most reliable vehicle on the market today. The designing, testing, and engineering that went into the FJC is unsurpassed by none. It has taken vehicle design to a new level by reaching out to the customer and finding out what they want in an offroad vehicle. In doing so, Toyota has developed a vehicle that can, right off the factory floor, conquer virtually any obstacle put in front of it on the trails and then drive home in on the highway at over 80 mph in comfort. I have no doubt that it will be with me for better than 300,000 miles. With the development of the FJ Cruiser, I think Toyota has some other companies scared in their tracks.

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  King Of The Road - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DARIUS - September 25 - 1:26 am

  This is my very first SUV. I think I could not have made a better choice. This SUV is a perfect balance between a off & on road SUV. I still belong to the old school of thought,I will take my FJ on the highway once I have completed 1,600 KM. on the inner roads @ 60 to 70 KM Per hour. Therefore I cannot say how it will peform on the highway. However the ride is unbelievable, Iam quite sure it will perform exceptionally well on the highway too. Iam dying to take it off road...Soon as Iam off 1,600km....All systems go...I find the automatic transmission exceptionally smooth..Plus there is lot of pep in the acceleration too.. Long & short you just cannot go wrong with this SUV...PERIOD...

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  FJ Legacy reborn - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gwagg - September 19 - 9:10 am

  As an owner of a FJ-40 and previous driver of an Explorer, Bronco II, Grand Cherokee, the FJ has been the most reliable and fun to drive. The retro styling causes heads to turn and I have never talked to more strangers as they gawk and peer inside. This is an offroad vehicle. While very capable driving around town it shines lifting its wheels off the ground while climbing over obstacles. Unlike other 4x4 this system delivers.