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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  2008 FJ Cruiser Review - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sxipro - November 16 - 10:36 pm

  I bought it about 3 weeks ago and love this vehicle. It is fun to drive, good on power, great off-road and has a unique look. I like the big control knobs and handles. I took it on a little trail when I went camping and locked the 4wd in just to try it and it handled great! It has that high quality feel that all Toyotas seem to have. It does have blind spots but the big mirrors make up for that.

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  Loving the Toyo Retro - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Carter - November 15 - 4:33 pm

  I had owned a Toyota Tacoma doublecab for the last 5 1/2 years and was very happy with it. But it was time to consider trading so I considered my options. After seeing and conducting extensive research on the FJ Cruisers, I purchased one. Overall the ride and initial quaility are excellent. The ride as compared to the Tacoma is much more pleasant and the interior resonates functional quality.

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  Fun to be the First - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BrickMan2005 - November 15 - 4:40 am

  Well we went it to pick up our minivan for service, and came away with an Fj. My wife could not be happier. She was a van hater. This thing is very fun to drive. We have the Blue 6 speed manual and it really is a powerful rig. Ride is surprisingly good on the highway. Have not gone off road yet, but would be surprised if it did not perform great. Positives: the looks (everyone will stop you and ask questions), power is great, room inside is good. Negatives: Gas mileage is not the best (big surprise), premium gas, clamshell doors in back make getting in and out a bit of a chore for the back seat passengers, blind spots are huge, but mirrors are very good, so this is less of an issue.

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  Love the 6 Speed Trail Teams SE - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ARH1956 - November 10 - 6:43 pm

  I am very happy with my Trail Teams FJ. The 6 speed FJ is a joy to drive, performance is commendable & the off road capability is amazing. As a daily driver Im getting 17.2 mpg with 50% in town travel. The Trail Teams treatment is well thought out, all the off road goodies in one package, and the Iceberg White monotone paint with black accents is very attractive as well.

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  What a Joy! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kellstar - October 23 - 2:53 pm

  I love the driving experience. The ride is pleasant, I had someone ride behind me on a fast curve and the tires stuck to the ground, it was awesome.

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  Great Toy - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kurt - September 21 - 12:40 am

  I love this SUV, fun to drive, goes anywhere. I call it a 2 passenger gas hog though. My only complaint is the back seat, it is to small for a lot of adults, not easy to get in and out of. The flip side is I will never see a soccer mom with car seats in the back driving one. I take it off road whenever I get the chance. I have only had it high centered once but it blasted its way out eventually. Could use serious tires for off-roading. It rides like a car with the factory tires. I added lambskin seat covers from Costco and they are great over the stiff factory seats. If you like fun and dont care about hauling many people get one. I have all the performance extras and get 15-16 MPG.

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  TRD edition Rocks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kbl1224 - August 5 - 10:56 am

  Ive had my FJ for a little over a week and over 500 miles. All Black TRD handles like a sporty little truck on the backroads and highway but takes speedbumps and curbs without hardly much of a shaking! Sounds great with the TRD exhaust too! I have had two 4-runners prior to this (89 and 98) and they were so reliable and tough off road, the FJ had the be the only choice. I tell all my friends who dont already have one or plan on getting one that this should be their next car!

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  The one to buy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mark - July 17 - 4:23 am

  Another great design by Toyota. Outstanding in all respects. Only issue is rearward visibility when backing up is not very good. I look forward to driving this vehicle every day! Highly reccomend it to anyone.

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  straight dope on the fj - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ditka - July 2 - 10:36 am

  This is a truck meant to go off road but it really bridges the gap between on and off-road drivers. In Four Wheeler magazine, the FJ had the best mileage, best pickup, best quarter mile, best braking and best engine/transmission combo of the seven SUVs tested(Feb 2007). For off- roaders, it also boasts an excellent stock suspension with over 19" of articulation and an engine tuned for torque with 278 lb/ft. The FJ Cruiser does have its drawbacks, however. The full-time 4wd means that you wont be driving from Denver to Vegas on one tank of gas. The rear visibility is pretty poor but a sonar rear-parking assist is available to compensate. In all I highly recommend the FJ.

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  straight dope on the fj - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ditka - July 2 - 6:26 am

  This is a truck meant to go off road but it really bridges the gap between on and off-road drivers. In Four Wheeler magazine, the FJ had the best mileage, best pickup, best quarter mile, best braking and best engine/transmission combo of the seven SUVs tested(Feb 2007). For off- roaders, it also boasts an excellent stock suspension with over 19" of articulation and an engine tuned for torque with 278 lb/ft. The FJ Cruiser does have its drawbacks, however. The full-time 4wd means that you wont be driving from Denver to Vegas on one tank of gas. The rear visibility is pretty poor but a sonar rear-parking assist is available to compensate. In all I highly recommend the FJ.