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:

• 

  Great Truck! - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fauxarmy - November 29 - 7:59 am

  I bought the FJ used with around 9K and have put about 18K on it myself. Excellent, is about all I can say. Its what the FJCruiserForum folks refer to as the 2011 NSSE (not so special edition; check out threads if you want to know more). It did come with several amenities such as rack, JBL system plus woofer, TRD wheels and cat-back, TRD air-filter, auxiliary lights on bumper and roof air-dam, locking rear diff, and A-TRAC traction control; its the army green version top & bottom (like the TT version). Drives extremely well on and off-road. I owned and loved my 2006 Nissan Xterra, but the FJ is twice the vehicle.

• 

  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John Clark - October 22 - 5:50 am

  A real head turner. Has a great feel and comfort to it almost like a luxury car should. Lots of head room for you taller people. More room for travel than meets the eye. Cool suicide doors for the backseats. Option to travel on backroads becuse of a great suspension that only the hardcore could love. Its honestly just a great looking car that is really suited for everyone to drive.

• 

  It is too COOL!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By theran9 - August 30 - 12:40 pm

  I have only had my Fj for a week but I totally love it!! It is so retro but so new...it handles good and is so fun to drive..I have the 6 speed manual...fun fun fun, I had forgotten how much I loved a standard !! The Fj is sure a head turner...wow...I have had people follow me until I stopped, just to get a look. I think it is a vehicle that you either love or hate...I happen to love the old school look that Toyota has given it. My Fj is voodoo blue..and is so reminicent of the old fj40s...so cool..I love it, and the interior is so spacious you will not believe it. The model I have is a 4 wheel drive and has rear diffy lock!!!!.....lets see that on an Xterra...The Fj cruiser is COOL..

• 

  Very Cool SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gary M - August 30 - 7:06 am

  Comfortable, powerful, quick and nimble. This is my 3rd Toyota. I was going to buy another Jeep Wrangler till I test drove this vehicle. I am impressed with the quality and feel this SUV has. Shifts like butter and handles like a dream. Quiet and spacious has plenty of room for my stuff and kids. Strongly recommend this Toyota product. Test drive one and you’ll be hooked!

• 

  Great all-round vehicle - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jim - August 25 - 4:46 am

  Was hooked after my first drive. Handles very well for what it is. Getting about 18mpg by keeping my foot "out of it". Should get better mileage on the highway. Installed a K&N air filter and use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. The motor seems strong and is always willing to rev. Its easily handling the current No. Indiana winter. No problem, from mushy slush, to blowing thru drifted-over county roads. It tracks and runs well. Could use better visibility but youll learn to drive with the mirrors. Ventilation could be better. Having a small issue with the paint job on the hood. I do plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time as it feels strong and has a basically good build design. I like it.

• 

  Sweet! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dcarrington - August 18 - 7:50 am

  Have had the FJ now almost a month now. While the gas mileage isnt what my 05 Accord was, it isnt too bad for an SUV (at least that is what I am told). So far with under 1K miles on the engine, I am averaging about 19 mpg. The most obvious downer about thie FJ is that the engine requires the use of 91+ octane fuel. The ride is great, smoother than my Accords, and there is much less road/wind noise in the FJ as well. When you are in it, kinda feels like you are in a tank with all the short verticle glass around you.

• 

  2010 fj very good - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By walker - July 27 - 7:16 am

  Only have 1000 miles since new but so far this vehicle is great. Quiet, built very strong under vehicle, fully box welded frame, large transfer case, big drive shafts, 2010 has more horsepower and you can feel it. Very comfortable up front seating for all day rides, nothing compares to it. Also 2010 uses reg unleaded.

• 

  Great SUV, with minor improvements - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By beary2 - July 24 - 7:50 pm

  FJ styling... theres nothing else like it out there. Ride is pretty good, just a little bumpy, but to be expected. Great power/acceleration. Would like a tan interior option. Black really shows dirt/crumbs. Kids dont have any problem getting in and out of back seat (except for tight parking spaces). Do away with ceiling "speaker exciter", that thing is junk.

• 

  Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Eric - July 24 - 7:03 am

  Ive had my FJ for almost a year now and it is still a lot of fun. I havent had the chance to get it off- road except into a couple of fields. Cant wait to take it over a mountain.

• 

  Wow...... - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom - July 16 - 6:00 pm

  Some may call it a mid-life crisis, but I call it fun. The 2008 FJ Cruiser is a break from the norm, a good one, and has to be one of the most fun vehicles on the market today. The inside reminds me of an early 70s Chevy Blazer: cool. The driving position is excellent, and the seats are comfortable. One cant help but feel safe with all the standard air bags, stability controls, and just the sheer size of everything. The FJ says cool simplicity vs. sophisticated. Fuel economy is not great, but is better than many SUVs. While not for everyone, the FJ is easily the best car I have ever owned. Do you get up in the morning excited to get in your ride? Not to rub it in, but I do.