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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  First time Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jack - May 11 - 2:13 pm

  Great handling in traffic and parking. Nice acceleration. Handles smaller than it looks. The wife loves driving it also, since I installed side rails. The blind spots are what they are, you adjust to it. I drove a pickup and I am used to using the side mirrors. I seem to have more a problem gauging traffic with the passenger side mirror than with any other vehicle that I have driven in the past.

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  CRUISER - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Cruiser - May 4 - 5:06 pm

  I am pleasantly surprised with my Cruiser. Comfort and handling far surpass the Xterra. I am interested to see what the 08 Cruiser will offer (colors, sunroof, leather).

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  Jeep. Nah! Get the fj! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJfan! - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought my black one in 3/10 w/ 50k on it now have 65k and love it! I have always had toyota pickups and jeeps and have always had a lot of fun, but my fj takes the cake! For the money you cant beat its capabilities off road...and on. Takes corners well, accelerates nicely w/ a throaty stock sound, has a lot of room in the back w/ a decent amt of room in the back seat also. The back doors can be a bit of a pain when in tighter parking, but overall not much of a problem, still easy to get in and out. Slightly heavy in sand, but with the locker, not a problem. Get the rack on top if youre "outdoorsy"! Runs like a champ, looking forward to many more miles and some upgrades!

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  I love my FJ Crusier - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rwd - April 22 - 8:36 pm

  Lot of power for a 6cy., out pulled a CJ7 when a full size ford p/up was stuck in suggar sand @ Pensacola Bch. CJ7 could not budge it she came right out for me

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By KingCruiser23 - April 11 - 10:43 am

  I have only had my FJ a week but I already have 1200 miles on it, forded the Meramec River two times and cracked the windshield once. It is an awesome tool and one that I am taking to BadLands Indiana 4X4 off road park in two weeks. Mine is Diamond Black and I have Procomp lift kit and Xtreme 33s on it. I am working on a winch and will install lights on top. I wish there was more leg room in the back seat also. My family and I are going to Gulf Shores in August and I am going to look and see about getting it out on the beach but not the ocean. The FJ forded the river in 33" water with no issues!!

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  Everybody is lookin... fun vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By James Evans - April 8 - 3:10 pm

  The vehicle performs and handles very well. I am always looking forward to every driving experience. It is an attention getter, and seems to magnetically attract attention.

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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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  Great handling vehicle/Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mark - March 4 - 10:56 pm

  I brought my present car into the dealer to have some work done on it and set my eyes upon this great looking 4x4. I was immediately intrigued by the look and had to test drive. What a great SUV, handles great, good acceleration, good braking. When I got back to the dealer I had to have it. The active suspension is fantastic. I get about 14-17 MPG city. The stereo is awesome.

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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.