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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  better than expected - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By hawaii101 - September 8 - 11:10 am

  This thing is fun. I bought it without driving it expecting it to be up to Toyota standards. Its by far the most fun vehicle Ive ever owned. It has an extremely solid feel and with the full time four wheel drive that comes with the manual transmission it really hugs the road. Ive only done some mild off roading but it handled some fairly large obstacles and ruts at a speed that would have bounced my brain loose in my Wrangler. So far the FJ has exceeded my expectations and they were high to begin with.

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  Solid SUV - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mister Salvatore - September 7 - 9:01 am

  FJ is a good, solid off-road vehicle. I have the manual six speed. I am 66 and have driven a standard shift since I was a teenager. But it pains me to say with my arthritic joints, I just cannot handle the clutch and shifting any longer. This vehicle is also a bit rough on the road. With the full-time four wheel drive and all the computer management, it rides straight and true on the slippiest of roads. I did all the factory scheduled maintenance and have not had a single issue or anything break in my six years of ownership. If I was younger, the rough ride and shifting would not bother me at all. I was never the luxury car type, but now it is time I get a vehicle with some cush. I really hate to depart with FJ, but it is time I go luxury. Not exactly a family car, but is great for camping, outdoor stuff, off roading, that type of thing, or for someone like me that just likes an off-road type of vehicle to drive. And, oh my goodness, so good-looking!!

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  Its big, its yellow, its fun!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rob - September 5 - 2:23 am

  A real fun cruiser. I have had mine about a month and everyday am impressed with this vehicle. Incredible off-roader. Built well and should be around a long time. Handles the snowy Ohio roads just fine with 4WD and traction control.

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  Solid SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Blckdimnd - September 2 - 7:16 pm

  I have Tahoe Z71 & Jeep beside this new FJ Cruiser. You just cannot get better product than the FJ. Best Californian designers combines with 100% best build in Japan.

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jule B Greene - August 20 - 2:30 am

  While I have owned this vehicle only a few days I have driven it over a 1000 miles both on the highway and in the city and I like it beeter than any auto Ive previously owned including several Mercedes!

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  Great for its intended purpose - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Robsis - August 9 - 3:06 pm

  The FJ is fantastic for what it is designed for: High ground clearance off-road and deep snow traversing. This is not a CR-V/Rav4Tucson or RX350. You have to give up some on road comfort for the off road abilities and, spec to spec, the FJ puts the Jeep to shame, especially when you consider the poor reliability of a Jeep. This is the perfect Zombie Apocalypse Survival vehicle. Drive it first for a while to see if you can handle the visibility and uniqueness of the cabin. If you can drive a panel van, the FJ is a piece of cake! Add the backup camera and rear sensors and its effect. For everyone? NOPE. This is not a Mall Assault Vehicle but one with a purpose. Drive it and you will see.

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  FJC rocks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Deckowski - August 3 - 4:23 am

  Happy to say that the FJC has been everything I hoped for. The truck is designed to be utilitarian and very functional. The ride and quality are first rate and the performance is very good. There really havent been any items to complain about. I even love the fact that the truck does not need premium fuel so my running costs are lower. The fact that its such a cool looking truck is just a big bonus.

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  My wife gets to drive it ): - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ken McGaffin - July 10 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this for my wife. We were on our way to buy something else and it caught oue eye. 2 hours later we were driving it home. Now Im always willing to run to the store as long as I can drive "her truck"

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  Rock Solid - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Atlanta Renegade - July 4 - 1:10 am

  This truck is bulletproof and surprise me everyday. Bought it 2.5 years ago and never missed a beat. Its built by Hino which is Toyotas truck division, very solid and great smooth 4.0l V6 engine. Ultra low maintenance. I use it to tow my boat and also do some offroading. Great vehicle is you like using your vehicle to do adventure outdoor type of stuff and dont want to worry about damaging something on the vehicle. Do yourself a favor and look underneath one and youll find that the truck is way overbuilt and great bang for your buck.I enjoy mine and use it everyday

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  PROVEN RELIABILITY - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Stutz - June 20 - 4:26 am

  55,000 miles since new and other than oil changes I just had a new set of tires installed !!! No problems whatsoever !!!