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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  Ditched the Wrangler - No Regrets - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Darren Burke - March 24 - 3:23 pm

  In 07 it was an FJ or a 4dr Wrangler. I went with the new Wrangler because it had the 4 dr with conv. top and it was a Jeep. Huge mistake- it was awful and the dealer service was the worst. After about 10 trips to the dealer in two years, I traded it in on the FJ. Wow! I love this car. Ive had all sorts of 4Xs - Jeeps, Land Rovers, Range Rovers, GM - Out of the box, nothing comes close. Recently followed some buddies in LR Discos into the Borrego Badlands and this car sucked it up no problem bone stock. Getting a dust snorkel put ion next week! My 11 yr. old daughter said the FJ looks menacing- she loves it and wants in in 5 years - I dont know if I can give it up.

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  FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ND - March 6 - 7:53 am

  Above and beyond expectations. Reported issues (visibility, mileage, rear seat, plastic) are there, but have proven insignificant with the overall package received. Blows away every other vehicle in its class (and others I had in consideration) when you get behind the wheel. Mileage is on par with the performance. Visibility is fine after you get to know the vehicle. Rear seat legroom is on par with other vehicles in its class (there is something wrong with the data as reported - I am 62" and when I adjust the drivers seat to my driving position, I can sit behind the front seat - tight but my legs fit). Others might get me to the slopes, but the FJ keeps me smiling. No regrets.

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  Tims FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tims FJ - February 20 - 3:30 am

  With less than 1000 miles I had this vehicle off the road on the beach and in the dunes. Ride and handling were excellent. Cornering on hard surfaced roadway was flat with good feel. The suspension can seem a bit stiff but, the vehicle is intended for off-road use. The fit and finish is excellent and the use of non-metallic paints is a nice touch - easy care. My overall experience has been well worth the investment. I compared the FJ to several vehicles. In the end, the famous toyota quality won me over. No regrets. Its excellent build quality, fit and finish, and available accessories are more than enought for any individual desire.

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  Best for the Last! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By patriciaah - February 14 - 10:11 am

  I Love my FJ. Its a 07 and I only have 8000 miles on it, but... It has never failed me. Winter in Mt can be brutal and while I dont do 4Xing, I can count on it to get me anywhere I need to go. I drove it 1 block and said I want it! I have never looked back. I had an Toy extended cab pickup, and loved it, but this has got it beat, hands down. If you want one, better get one quick, because after this year, they wont be made any more. {It was a limited addition run}. Ive never had a bit of trouble, and I got all the bells and whistles, and then some. The brush guard gives it better cornering ability {I dont know why}, and the back up camera... perfect!

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  Got Skunked! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jcngang - February 6 - 1:33 pm

  Our FJ is black, and with the white roof we nicknamed it the Skunk... we just added tint to the windows all the way around and love the change it made in the look and feeling inside. I originally considered a Honda Element, Nissan Frontier, and Xterra, but after driving them and then finally seeing and then driving the FJ there was not longer any doubt which one we wanted. We had to drive 600 miles round trip to get one, but it was worth it. Im a photographer and need versatility.

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  Driving the FJ from Dallas to California - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By txbo - January 12 - 5:40 am

  Purchased the FJ in late October, my first trip was for a total of 4026 miles. I drove at speeds up to 105 mph, the FJ performed flawlessly; I used both high and regular octane fuel. My average was 20 mpg, never used the 4WD. We drove to the Grand Canyon, Sequoia NP and Yosemite, The return trip was down Hwy 1, from Monterey, Big Sur and across Hwy 46. The FJ was fun to drive with out any incidents. Most driving fun was on I40, two black H2 Hummers were coming up in the passing lane, I was behind a truck and moved over behind the first H2, the second H2 moved up behind me. It looked like two black H2s were escorting my Voodoo Blue. They wanted to lose me thus the 105 MPH and could not.

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  Long term review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jabo - January 4 - 11:36 am

  Got mine 20 months ago when it first came out and reliability has been absolutely perfect. Vault solid vehicle that easily handles all hobbies ie kayaking, hiking in remote spots, towing a utility trailer, skiing (and getting there in awful weather). Not fazed by anything except gale force winds since it is not the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road. Easy to clean after the dogs mess it up. Love the "glove" compartment on the driver side dash. Honestly all cars should have it.

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  Hog Hunting Extraviganza - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Scott Ash - January 2 - 5:43 am

  I bought the FJ Cruiser for fun. I live in Texas and with all the rain we have had you would think I would keep it lame. My friends and I go hog hunting on a huge corn farm... been out about 5 times. They all park their 4 wheel vehicles and pile into mine because it gets us out there and back! (27 inch water clearance!) If you want an excellent, fun, go anywhere vehicle then I cant say enough. I have never run premium gas in it. The blind spot is easily corrected by moving out the side mirrors. Cant wait to invest in a lift kit etc and really make this thing do some rock climbing!

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  Buy Toyota - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tfgg - December 23 - 8:23 pm

  I always wanted a Land Cruiser. The FJ is an LC lite. Downside: premium fuel, 19 gallon tank, poor rear visibility. Upside: take it anywhere off road in complete confidence. Sexy, speedy, reliable. Love driving it.

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  Overall Great Vehicle - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jack - December 10 - 8:00 am

  I bought my FJ in July to replace a piece of junk Land Rover Freelander (also purchased new in 2002). I wanted to wait until I had some time in the vehicle before writing a review. This is an outstanding vehicle. My wife didnt want to get it initially, but now she says she would buy another without a second thought. I immediately changed the oil over to Full Synthetic, and am getting an average 20mpg city/highway, and plan to change the drive train over to full syn in the near future. It is outstanding in the mud and snow. I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle, and Ive owned Fords, GM products, Nissans, Land Rovers, Mazdas and Subarus. Toyotas from now on.