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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  Great on and off road - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ewan - September 14 - 9:20 am

  This car is stunning and a head turner. But has the goods to back up the bold looks with an ample engine, towing ability and drive train to go anywhere you so desire. Also there is plenty after market goodies to customize and make it the way you want it to look

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  Laughing at the "professional" reviews - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tbrock60 - September 12 - 10:08 pm

  The reviews that have been published on the FJ crack me up. Its appears the reviewers dont understand the purpose of the FJ. This is no commuter car SUV, it is a body on frame vehicle with significant off-road capability. I have no issues with visibility or blind spots; check your mirrors and look out the window... My 11 year old son loves the back of this thing and the wife likes the ride better than our Ram 1500 quadcab. I got 18.5 mpg on the first tank and expect better as the engine breaks in. I bought this vehicle knowing what I was looking for and Im thrilled with it. Cant wait to hook the camper to it and head to Marble, CO.

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  Best Yet - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Glenn - September 11 - 5:30 pm

  Lives up to Toyota reputation for being rugged, well built, attention to detailed craftsmenship. Reminds me of the legendary Land Cruiser from the 70s, only updated. Everything comes together, Styling, comfort, rugged, price. This is my 5th Toyota vehicle, I understand this truck was aimed at a younger buyer, Im 64 and trust me Ive bonded to my new truck. Nothing on the market to compare with it as far as im concerned.

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  Best Toyota - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By d4david7 - September 4 - 9:36 pm

  Excellent quality and ride, very fun to drive. I was impressed by the power and suspension. Also, noise level is outstanding.

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  New Toy[ota] - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JOEY - August 18 - 1:20 pm

  This SUV is sharp looking, in and out. It drives beautifully, is responsive and perky. I love to drive it.

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  Fuel Mileage Not as Represented - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bill Reynolds - August 11 - 12:06 pm

  I now have 2K miles on the FJ and one of my beefs is the very poor gas mileage. It is no where close to 21 mpg on the highway. Im getting closer to 16 mpg on the highway and much less in town. The other beef is these are made in Japan - I took off a part of the bumper in an accident and the dealership said it will take 2-3 months to get the part shipped here from Japan - have to put it on a boat! My rear tire cover was ripped off by a bunch of kids - be sure and lock yours down. Other than that, I am enjoying the vehicle.

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  Perfect FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Keith Humphrey - August 8 - 11:26 pm

  I just love my FJ. I get people on the street that ask me if they can look at it all the time. I have already taken it to pismo beach, Ca. (on the sand) with stock tires and no problem at all.

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  Fun but Thirsty - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By richard - August 8 - 2:46 am

  After 5 suburbans, this is fun. Goes where I want to go but couldnt go before. Fuel mileage is not good. Have yet to top 15.5 even on a 600 mile hwy run. I am in the dirt every day and love the rubber floors. Easy clean. Very agile, eye catching and peppy. Wife drives a V8 Touareg which is great on the road but the FJ is a fun vehicle. Other than mileage, I believe.

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  Love my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Mom and Loving it - July 30 - 4:46 pm

  I have owned my FJ for 1 1/2 months now and love it. I have 2 children under 6 and we fit great in it. We have way more room than our previous vehicle (Jeep Liberty). I like how the back doors open. It makes it so easy to get the kids out in our garage. It drives great and is very comfortable. My husband loves the power. The gas mileage is better than our Jeep so I dont mind. I get about 19 in it so far. We get lots of looks and people stop and ask to check it out. I love that there is no carpet. It makes it very easy to clean especially with 2 children. I like how far you sit from the front window it makes you feel very safe. The whole package is great I would recommend to anyone. We love it!

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  Love It! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By MomzToy - July 14 - 11:03 pm

  This is my second 2008 Cruiser, I survived and walked away from a accident involving being hit at over 60 mph and rolling over. I was cut out of the car and advised the only reason I walked away from the accident is I was driving a Toyota. I was told this 3 x at the scene and in the ER by police, paramedics and a Dr, I bought the same car again on 4WD.What fun! I have just spent my first winter in snow and ice and it went everywhere.. It is dependable, durable, and always has people looking at it!