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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Only 1 problem - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By FJLUVER - June 12 - 1:33 amThe FJ has great power, excellent off road capability, and handles like a dream. The only flaws with the FJ is the huge blind spots, and the airplane style rear windows. The mirrors compensate well for the blind spots though. Wonderful car.
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Fun driving experience - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Lillian W. Fanjoy - May 29 - 7:33 pmI enjoy FJ for its smooth ride and have been told by guest riders that it rides like a Cadillac! V-6 engine has plenty of power when needed and a feeling of safety as surrounded by a good frame. Sitting up higher than the smaller cars gives you a good view of what is ahead of you. I have gotten many compliments on the FJs color Black Cherry Pearl. I love its exterior design with the locked spare tire enclosure on the back.
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09 FJ - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Redbmw - May 29 - 5:36 pmGood enhancements to the 2009 model, rear camera to enhance visibility and inside reading lights. Off road buttons added.
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Very rugged and sturdy - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Jim1947 - May 11 - 2:27 pmIts a 2011, I can only say so much, ask me in 10 years, but in a few thousand miles, it has tackled all sorts of big snow storms, it has pulled out a few larger vehicles, it warms up quick, you just feel like your driving in a very sturdy truck, but much smoother. I keep pressing the issue in how much it can do, and it has not failed yet, done some off roading, I have the 4X4 with the off road pkg, that does make a difference, between work and not owning it for years yet, my off roading has been limited, its quiet on freeway unless your over 75 and sometimes if a strong wind is hitting you from another direction, the radio is good
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First time Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Jack - May 11 - 2:13 pmGreat handling in traffic and parking. Nice acceleration. Handles smaller than it looks. The wife loves driving it also, since I installed side rails. The blind spots are what they are, you adjust to it. I drove a pickup and I am used to using the side mirrors. I seem to have more a problem gauging traffic with the passenger side mirror than with any other vehicle that I have driven in the past.
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CRUISER - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Cruiser - May 4 - 5:06 pmI am pleasantly surprised with my Cruiser. Comfort and handling far surpass the Xterra. I am interested to see what the 08 Cruiser will offer (colors, sunroof, leather).
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Jeep. Nah! Get the fj! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By FJfan! - May 4 - 2:00 amBought my black one in 3/10 w/ 50k on it now have 65k and love it! I have always had toyota pickups and jeeps and have always had a lot of fun, but my fj takes the cake! For the money you cant beat its capabilities off road...and on. Takes corners well, accelerates nicely w/ a throaty stock sound, has a lot of room in the back w/ a decent amt of room in the back seat also. The back doors can be a bit of a pain when in tighter parking, but overall not much of a problem, still easy to get in and out. Slightly heavy in sand, but with the locker, not a problem. Get the rack on top if youre "outdoorsy"! Runs like a champ, looking forward to many more miles and some upgrades!
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I love my FJ Crusier - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By rwd - April 22 - 8:36 pmLot of power for a 6cy., out pulled a CJ7 when a full size ford p/up was stuck in suggar sand @ Pensacola Bch. CJ7 could not budge it she came right out for me
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2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By KingCruiser23 - April 11 - 10:43 amI have only had my FJ a week but I already have 1200 miles on it, forded the Meramec River two times and cracked the windshield once. It is an awesome tool and one that I am taking to BadLands Indiana 4X4 off road park in two weeks. Mine is Diamond Black and I have Procomp lift kit and Xtreme 33s on it. I am working on a winch and will install lights on top. I wish there was more leg room in the back seat also. My family and I are going to Gulf Shores in August and I am going to look and see about getting it out on the beach but not the ocean. The FJ forded the river in 33" water with no issues!!
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Everybody is lookin... fun vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By James Evans - April 8 - 3:10 pmThe vehicle performs and handles very well. I am always looking forward to every driving experience. It is an attention getter, and seems to magnetically attract attention.
