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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  FJ Bruiser - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By korben97 - October 14 - 10:44 am

  I have the Trail Team Edition and love it. I get looks and comments on it all the time. I have around 5,000 miles on it and so far it has done what I expected. It rides great, has one of the best stereos I have ever heard, and feels like it could go over anything. The engine has great power and good low end grunt.

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  Finally, a Japanese car built IN Japan - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Charles Encharge - October 11 - 7:46 am

  So far I am loving this vehicle. The FJ seems to be put together better and feels sturdier. Power is decent for the size, it will go when you need it to. Inside is decently comfortable. I didnt waste time on some options such as the power inverter, it barely powers a coffeemaker!

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  The Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ-Ollie - September 29 - 6:40 pm

  The FJ Cruiser is the best built and most reliable vehicle on the market today. The designing, testing, and engineering that went into the FJC is unsurpassed by none. It has taken vehicle design to a new level by reaching out to the customer and finding out what they want in an offroad vehicle. In doing so, Toyota has developed a vehicle that can, right off the factory floor, conquer virtually any obstacle put in front of it on the trails and then drive home in on the highway at over 80 mph in comfort. I have no doubt that it will be with me for better than 300,000 miles. With the development of the FJ Cruiser, I think Toyota has some other companies scared in their tracks.

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  King Of The Road - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DARIUS - September 25 - 1:26 am

  This is my very first SUV. I think I could not have made a better choice. This SUV is a perfect balance between a off & on road SUV. I still belong to the old school of thought,I will take my FJ on the highway once I have completed 1,600 KM. on the inner roads @ 60 to 70 KM Per hour. Therefore I cannot say how it will peform on the highway. However the ride is unbelievable, Iam quite sure it will perform exceptionally well on the highway too. Iam dying to take it off road...Soon as Iam off 1,600km....All systems go...I find the automatic transmission exceptionally smooth..Plus there is lot of pep in the acceleration too.. Long & short you just cannot go wrong with this SUV...PERIOD...

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  FJ Legacy reborn - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gwagg - September 19 - 9:10 am

  As an owner of a FJ-40 and previous driver of an Explorer, Bronco II, Grand Cherokee, the FJ has been the most reliable and fun to drive. The retro styling causes heads to turn and I have never talked to more strangers as they gawk and peer inside. This is an offroad vehicle. While very capable driving around town it shines lifting its wheels off the ground while climbing over obstacles. Unlike other 4x4 this system delivers.

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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!