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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  Lovin the FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Drewski - October 22 - 9:30 am

  Fun vehicle to drive. Great in the snow and mountains. Plenty of room for 4 people and full ski gear. Makes a great road trip car despite 20 mpg.

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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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  Worth the wait - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gerry in So Cal - October 12 - 1:30 pm

  I have been looking at the re-built FJs for sometime and thinking about getting one - but no modern safety equipment was a drawback. So when the new FJ came out I was nearly 1st in line and got mine. Burgundy Red 4WD. Very functional yet a fully capable off-roader. The sensing device that beeps when backing up too close seemed silly and I was not going to buy it. However I had to take what was available and mine does have this. It is the best thing for backing up - otherwise very limited rear view. With the spare tire on the back it would be very hard to judge the distances without it. Love it so far. Get one now.

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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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  Cant wait to get another Tahoe - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gary - September 15 - 2:10 pm

  Ive had the car 6 months and I still cant get comfortable driving. The seat has no lumbar support. Changing lanes is always an adventure. The blind spots to the side and rear are enormous. I put some blind spot mirrors on and they help a bit, but even after driving for 30 years I still find it a challenge to change lanes. The mileage is mediocre, and considering it requires premium fuel, its no cheaper to run than a much larger and more comfortable Tahoe which uses regular, even though the Tahoe mileage is less. I had a leased Tahoe which is turned in to purchase, rather than lease, the FJ. It was a BAD decision. The Tahoe is the best vehicle I ever had and I hope to purchase another ASAP

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  Toy Hauler Special - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - September 14 - 9:20 pm

  Traded in my Tundra for the FJ in May 2006 in Raleigh, NC. FJ is loaded, from super sound system to trailer hitch. I pull my 18 Toy Hauler, loaded with a Triumph Rocket Mcyl and luggage, with no problem. Trailer dealership installed trailer brakes for $300.00. On the road at 65MPH I get 9.3 MPG. Normal mileage is 17/23, depending on road travelled. Lack of lumbar support was solved with a $10.00 back support from AAA. Installed Toyota window guards for looks, but for those who drive with windows open its worth the money. The FJ is an attention getter, I have the Voodoo Blue. With the iPod outlet, the music never stops. I love my Toyota FJ Cruiser.

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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.