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:

• 

  Great vehicle, will be very collectible - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gregus73 - July 6 - 5:20 am

  I have had my FJ for 7 months. One of the best vehicles that I have owned. Have had a 02 4Runner, 91 Toyota 4x4 Truck, and a 95 Jeep Wrangler SE. This vehicle blows their doors off. I cannot wait to take this on the Rubicon. Last year took a Wrangler on the trail, and cannot wait to compare this vehicle to the Jeep. As for day to day driving, this vehicle is great. Have also taken this on road trips from Austin, TX to New Orleans. Plenty of room for luggage. My father likes the head room, he is 6 2". I plan on keeping the FJ for a very long time.

• 

  Ill Keep It - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By cdysma - June 29 - 3:40 am

  I do love the FJ. I drive a jeep 80 miles a day (mail) then drive my FJ the rest of time. The FJ is better in every way except the jeep warms up much faster. My 16 year old likes driving it better too. I havent had one problem. I grew up going to Bajas and with dune buggies so its pretty special.

• 

  Poor Winter Performance - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kidsysco - June 11 - 3:30 am

  I would not suggest an FJ cruiser for anyone who intends on driving it in weather that is less than 30 degrees F. Which is not very cold at all, many places in the world get much colder. My FJ has a serious problem with ice. At a mere 27 degrees F the entire tank holding all of the windshield wiper fluid has turned to slush. I have anti- freeze in there rated up to -50 degrees F. It does not matter, the way that the tank is positioned inside the motor is poorly engineered so that the wind blows up against it causing things to freeze up more easily than any other car I have ever owned.

• 

  Toyota Got It Right! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Lee E. Wolloff - June 8 - 11:00 pm

  As a loyal Toyota owner for 30 years I have come to expect great things from them. Over the last thirty years, I have owned Camrys, trucks, a 1984 Land Cruiser and now the FJ Cruiser. I first fell in love with the styling, but once behind the wheel, I knew I had found THE car for me. My old Land Cruiser lasted ten years and 270,000 miles. I sold in in 1994. Unfortunately I couldnt afford another as the prices went through the roof. What a surprise and pleasure to get back into a "Cruiser" without emptying my life savings. This FJ is fun to drive, gets 19-20 mpg on the highway and turns heads where ever I go. I intend to keep it for at least ten years if not longer.

• 

  The offroad machine - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By xtremefjc - June 7 - 8:00 am

  The FJ is by far the funnest vehicle I ever owned. I have driven toyotas my whole life and never had a problem. If youre looking to buy one, test drive it before you make a decision. This SUV is awesome! Its like being in a Hummer without paying an outrageous amount.

• 

  First Black FJ in Colorado - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By CAL - May 30 - 6:23 pm

  18,000 miles and 19.8 mpg everytime. 70% city driving. Prior to my FJ I usually bought and sold my cars at least once year. The only vehicle that I have ever owned that compared to the highway ride I enjoy with the FJ was a Lincoln Navigator and it had a bit of pitch and roll. My FJ does not have that feel and does not feel like a 4x4 on the highway.

• 

  I am 52 and look for excuses to drive my FJ - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tom522 - May 15 - 11:49 am

  Well it is still brand new, so only can say limited, but this is my 8000 mile report, just drove thru a tough winter and this thing was the easiest thing I have ever seen in deep snow. I would go out after a huge storm and people stuck all over and it just seemed weird because it was SO easy. You just cant help getting the feeling of a very well built truck. I feel like a kid in a way, I keep driving down dirt roads looking for a hill to climb over. Its actually pretty quite, unless going highspeed on x-way. You get a FJ Cruiser if you want easy. Easy in the snow, easy on the ice, easy off road, easy around town.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!

• 

  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2WD - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jason hearn - April 21 - 11:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying my FJ. I knew I loved the way it looked. The ride is comfortable and quiet and i feel safe inside its seemingly large cabin. Brakes are a little sensitive making the front end dive slightly. After a while you get used to them though. If you know how to use your mirrors when driving then you wont have an issue with the blind spots people keep talking about. Just put down your phone and youll be okay.