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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  Best for the Last! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By patriciaah - February 14 - 10:11 am

  I Love my FJ. Its a 07 and I only have 8000 miles on it, but... It has never failed me. Winter in Mt can be brutal and while I dont do 4Xing, I can count on it to get me anywhere I need to go. I drove it 1 block and said I want it! I have never looked back. I had an Toy extended cab pickup, and loved it, but this has got it beat, hands down. If you want one, better get one quick, because after this year, they wont be made any more. {It was a limited addition run}. Ive never had a bit of trouble, and I got all the bells and whistles, and then some. The brush guard gives it better cornering ability {I dont know why}, and the back up camera... perfect!

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  Got Skunked! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jcngang - February 6 - 1:33 pm

  Our FJ is black, and with the white roof we nicknamed it the Skunk... we just added tint to the windows all the way around and love the change it made in the look and feeling inside. I originally considered a Honda Element, Nissan Frontier, and Xterra, but after driving them and then finally seeing and then driving the FJ there was not longer any doubt which one we wanted. We had to drive 600 miles round trip to get one, but it was worth it. Im a photographer and need versatility.

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  Styling - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bhwells - January 14 - 11:30 pm

  Love to drive the cruiser as it is cool, performs outstanding and attracts lots of attention. Wife also loves to drive it. Lots of people inquire about it as they dont know what it is or who makes it.

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  Driving the FJ from Dallas to California - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By txbo - January 12 - 5:40 am

  Purchased the FJ in late October, my first trip was for a total of 4026 miles. I drove at speeds up to 105 mph, the FJ performed flawlessly; I used both high and regular octane fuel. My average was 20 mpg, never used the 4WD. We drove to the Grand Canyon, Sequoia NP and Yosemite, The return trip was down Hwy 1, from Monterey, Big Sur and across Hwy 46. The FJ was fun to drive with out any incidents. Most driving fun was on I40, two black H2 Hummers were coming up in the passing lane, I was behind a truck and moved over behind the first H2, the second H2 moved up behind me. It looked like two black H2s were escorting my Voodoo Blue. They wanted to lose me thus the 105 MPH and could not.

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  Long term review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jabo - January 4 - 11:36 am

  Got mine 20 months ago when it first came out and reliability has been absolutely perfect. Vault solid vehicle that easily handles all hobbies ie kayaking, hiking in remote spots, towing a utility trailer, skiing (and getting there in awful weather). Not fazed by anything except gale force winds since it is not the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road. Easy to clean after the dogs mess it up. Love the "glove" compartment on the driver side dash. Honestly all cars should have it.

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  Hog Hunting Extraviganza - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Scott Ash - January 2 - 5:43 am

  I bought the FJ Cruiser for fun. I live in Texas and with all the rain we have had you would think I would keep it lame. My friends and I go hog hunting on a huge corn farm... been out about 5 times. They all park their 4 wheel vehicles and pile into mine because it gets us out there and back! (27 inch water clearance!) If you want an excellent, fun, go anywhere vehicle then I cant say enough. I have never run premium gas in it. The blind spot is easily corrected by moving out the side mirrors. Cant wait to invest in a lift kit etc and really make this thing do some rock climbing!

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  Buy Toyota - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tfgg - December 23 - 8:23 pm

  I always wanted a Land Cruiser. The FJ is an LC lite. Downside: premium fuel, 19 gallon tank, poor rear visibility. Upside: take it anywhere off road in complete confidence. Sexy, speedy, reliable. Love driving it.

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  Overall Great Vehicle - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jack - December 10 - 8:00 am

  I bought my FJ in July to replace a piece of junk Land Rover Freelander (also purchased new in 2002). I wanted to wait until I had some time in the vehicle before writing a review. This is an outstanding vehicle. My wife didnt want to get it initially, but now she says she would buy another without a second thought. I immediately changed the oil over to Full Synthetic, and am getting an average 20mpg city/highway, and plan to change the drive train over to full syn in the near future. It is outstanding in the mud and snow. I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle, and Ive owned Fords, GM products, Nissans, Land Rovers, Mazdas and Subarus. Toyotas from now on.

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  Natural road test in P.R. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By pedro - November 23 - 6:10 am

  In Puerto Rico actually this is one of the best vehicles on the road. The floods and the roads here are a test for any vehicle in the market.

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  Engineering marvel disguised as a Tonka - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Desert Rat - November 21 - 2:56 pm

  Im a serious desert rat, living in Moab, Utah. I have dogs and I practically live out of my Cruiser. Im out every day in the backcountry. Of course the Cruiser was made for exactly this kind of life. Its OK living the urban lifestyle, but its totally underutilized. If youre only going to use it for city-type commuting, you wont like the mileage or lack of visibility (although not bad, really). Be sure to use premium gas, it really does bring the numbers up to where theyre tolerable, worth the extra cost. This vehicle is truly an engineering marvel - Toyotas thought of everything. Im a 56 year old woman and I love it!