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 for its intended purpose - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Robsis - August 9 - 3:06 pm

  The FJ is fantastic for what it is designed for: High ground clearance off-road and deep snow traversing. This is not a CR-V/Rav4Tucson or RX350. You have to give up some on road comfort for the off road abilities and, spec to spec, the FJ puts the Jeep to shame, especially when you consider the poor reliability of a Jeep. This is the perfect Zombie Apocalypse Survival vehicle. Drive it first for a while to see if you can handle the visibility and uniqueness of the cabin. If you can drive a panel van, the FJ is a piece of cake! Add the backup camera and rear sensors and its effect. For everyone? NOPE. This is not a Mall Assault Vehicle but one with a purpose. Drive it and you will see.

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  FJC rocks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Deckowski - August 3 - 4:23 am

  Happy to say that the FJC has been everything I hoped for. The truck is designed to be utilitarian and very functional. The ride and quality are first rate and the performance is very good. There really havent been any items to complain about. I even love the fact that the truck does not need premium fuel so my running costs are lower. The fact that its such a cool looking truck is just a big bonus.

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  Waste of Money - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sakil - July 11 - 8:52 am

  #1 - Engine lake power . #2- You can not see the radio display during the day time .Have no idea what station you listening to. #3- The back camera poorly build , and to little.hardly can see an object. #4- One power supply for the whole car? #5 -Toyota customer experience fail to offer a solution to the problem. regret buy an FJ Cursor , after less than 1200 miles. #6- The wind shield poorly design , it catches every flying object.

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  My wife gets to drive it ): - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ken McGaffin - July 10 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this for my wife. We were on our way to buy something else and it caught oue eye. 2 hours later we were driving it home. Now Im always willing to run to the store as long as I can drive "her truck"

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  Rock Solid - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Atlanta Renegade - July 4 - 1:10 am

  This truck is bulletproof and surprise me everyday. Bought it 2.5 years ago and never missed a beat. Its built by Hino which is Toyotas truck division, very solid and great smooth 4.0l V6 engine. Ultra low maintenance. I use it to tow my boat and also do some offroading. Great vehicle is you like using your vehicle to do adventure outdoor type of stuff and dont want to worry about damaging something on the vehicle. Do yourself a favor and look underneath one and youll find that the truck is way overbuilt and great bang for your buck.I enjoy mine and use it everyday

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  PROVEN RELIABILITY - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Stutz - June 20 - 4:26 am

  55,000 miles since new and other than oil changes I just had a new set of tires installed !!! No problems whatsoever !!!

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  Only 1 problem - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJLUVER - June 12 - 1:33 am

  The 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 pm

  I 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 pm

  Good 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 pm

  Its 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