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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  This Soccer Mom loves her FJ! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Leti B - November 14 - 11:03 am

  I got my FJ in July of 2006 and I love it as much today as the day I brought it home from the dealership! Its very comfortable to drive and the kids have more than enough room in the backseat. I love the vinyl floors - sticky messes clean up in a flash! Theres a lot of room in the back so we can easily haul all of our camping gear. The flat doors make it easy to squeeze into/out of tight parking spaces.

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  Love my FJ!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bridgiebridge - November 12 - 9:06 am

  I absolutely love driving this thing!! Bought my tonka truck in april and have been driving the wheels off of it. FJ currently has 12000 miles on it. They have been the best miles Ive ever driven. I actually enjoy driving for almost 2 hours a day on a daily basis. Have taken it on the beach - didnt even have to air down the tires. Have taken it in the mud - it cleans up so easily with the rubberized interior. I LOVE it. On the highway it handles so smoothly for its size. The 6 speed is a blast to drive in the mud.

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  Quality, capability, value and FUN! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By RedRaider - November 6 - 1:33 pm

  The FJ is a fantastic vehicle and a pleasure to drive. Very, very solid on and off the road. Handling on all road surfaces is predictiable and consistent. Although I have high expectations for Toyota quality (this is our third Yota) I have been extremely impressed. The FJ is manufactured in Japan and the interior/exterior quality is first class. We wanted a new FJ since seeing a pre- production version at a car show. We purchased a fully loaded 4X4 in October.

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  Simply done right - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - October 23 - 7:16 am

  Have owned my FJ for 1 year and have over 30k in that time. Have long daily commute and work in Atlanta, GA. I have had no issues with blind spots in Atlanta traffic or parking, or navigating narrow downtown roads. Great driving feedback from the vehicle allows you to know exactly where you are. On weekends, this vehicle is in N GA on a trout stream or working on family land hauling gear for clearing brush etc. Then it cleans up in a snap and heads back downtown to the office. Does exactly what a land cruiser should do.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tazzel - October 13 - 1:00 am

  Great vehicle. Would buy it all over again. A few things you should know before you buy this vehicle. Getting in the vehicle is tight on the knees for the diver, but once you are in there is plenty of room. No locking gas cap. Many of these vehicles lean to the left, supposedly because to many heavy items are on the left side of the vehicle. Thin paint, expect a lot of touching up painting. Of course there is the visibility problem when changing lanes or backing up. I just installed a spot mirror on my right side mirror and its 90% better. I also purchased a backup camera for the vehicle. I don’t think I really needed to but I thought it would be fun to use!

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  awesome car, not so awesome fuel economy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By collin - October 2 - 9:03 pm

  This is a great car, I really like the aux. Input, and the sound system in general, the bass makes my mirrors shake! (I do have the sub-woofer) I love the interior and exterior design, it is classic and unique, also the manual transmission is smooth and fun. Overall, this is a very good car, it is reliable ( I have yet to have any problems after owning it for about 2 years) and fun to drive. I really hate the gas mileage though. I have a rocket box on mine, and I generally get 12-15 miles per gallon in the city, and 19 on the highway. It is absolutely awful to have to fill the tank every 3 days.

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  awesome offroad bulldog in 4low - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By c26proffitt - September 30 - 10:30 am

  had jeeps all my life.. About 15 from old to new ones. They all sweat and freeze you to death.. They are gas guzzlers. They do however go great offroad. But horrible in the snow. To light almost got killed in a wrangler in snow.. Now have fj cruiser 2007 with trd exhaust automatic. It has a unreal stereo. All factory Its capable of going anywhere my jeeps would gol.My cousin has a rock crawler with 25ooo grand in it and my fj will go almost anywhere his will.. How many vehicles come factory with flex suspension... I absolutely love it .. wouldnt trade it for anything out there.. Its refined and rugged and sounds unreal.. the trd exhaust it awesome.

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  2014 FJ Cruiser - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By 32hooptie - September 23 - 7:34 am

  I bought the FJ Cruiser because its cool! So far i have been very happy with the vehicle. Its fun to drive, has plenty of power, and is solid and well built . Also it has all kinds of safety features through out. As for some of the reviews I read online.....Go to your toyota dealer and drive one, if you can still find one, toyota cut the FJ line and wont be making them anymore.

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  2013 FJ Cruiser 4x4 - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fj_reaper - September 23 - 2:35 am

  So far this has been one of the funnest vehicles I have owned. There is plenty of function, mixed with a handfull of play! Between the ample off road capabilities and the smooth ride on hard surfaces the FJ is a joy to drive.

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  Killer looks, performance and reliabilty - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By oragon - September 21 - 4:46 pm

  Performance: *10* Im not a rock crawling, mudding, 4x4 expert, but Im not new to this type of vehicle. Being an owner of both GX 470 and LX 470, I can honestly tell you that this new 4.0 v6 is a beast STOCK! Passing in the highway is a breeze. COMFORT-*8* while my FJ doesnt ride like my Lexus(s), it still rides and drives better than most SUVs that Ive test driven. FUEL ECONOMY*8*- I get 19 mpg average, not bad for a 239HP - 278 pf of torque V6!! FUN to drive? Darn right it is **10**. On or off-road my FJ handles it with ease. Top it off with Toyotas legendary reliability. What more could I ask for?