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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MY FJ - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Dewayne Williams - July 5 - 8:42 amLove my FJ looking forward to owning for a while
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Marias Voodoo FJammer - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Marias FJammer - June 30 - 8:30 pmPicked it up on my birthday! What an excellent way to start off a birthday too!! Incredible to drive, the manual trans is an excellent choice to go if you want to experience how powerful this vehicle can actually be. Glad to see that Toyota has improved the sound system, and loving the subwoofer! Had to get the large rims and tires, the roof rack, combined with the white top is a real eye catchers. Where ever I have this truck parked, it always draws a crowd just walking around looking over My FJ.
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Feels Like a Tank! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By FJ Cruisin - June 29 - 9:40 amYes, it has a lot of plastic parts and yes it has poor visibility rearward and off to the sides but I think its still the coolest thing to hit the roads in many years. I love the fact that Toyota put utility back in the SUV; everything in this truck is designed for easy cleaning and functionality. How refreshing! Behind the wheel, with the huge hood, triple wipers and all the blind spots, it really feels like a tank. Off road, it is so rugged, you are almost convinced you are driving an invincible tank!
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2 Words - Reliability and Capability - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Matt07FJ - June 26 - 11:56 pmI bought my FJ on March 28, 2006 and so far it has been perfect. Ive racked up about 16,000 miles so far and not the first hiccup. Ive thrown mud, sand, rocks, streams, and any other offroad obstacle you can think at it and it has performed flawlessly... great vehicle!
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Surfin Safari - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Surfinjoe - June 23 - 6:20 amThree words... too much fun! Fit and finish are great, as always with a Toyota. Doors open wide and provide good access to the rear seat area. The base option stereo is just fine and with the Ipod jack, music selection is unlimited. The water resistant seat fabric is perfect for morning surfs and with the 4WD... Baja is just around the corner. Best fun Ive had with a vehicle in a long time.
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Awesome Mud Pig - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Voodoo Mudder - June 20 - 12:26 amI have owned this truck since June 2006 and am absolutely satisfied with my purchase. No major flaws. Fun daily driver with power accessories not available on some offroad vehicles. Serious offroad capabilities. Would buy it again. Pricing not a problem if you negotiate. LUV IT!
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Great ON and OFF Road - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By chrsmall - June 19 - 11:36 pmGREAT SUV. Not made for everyone. Definitely not a "family" SUV. NO carpet. Small back seats. This is one tough SUV. Incredible off road for a stock SUV. It will hang with the best of them. Then, on your drive home... it will outshine all of them with its superior on-road performance. Great quality and reliability that you wont think twice about. 9 out of 10!
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greatest SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By joe - May 22 - 2:06 pmWhen I first saw this SUV, I thought "oh great, another retro vehicle that will be popular for about a year, and then lose all its appeal." I drove this toyota for fun and fell in love with it. It has great looks, plenty of highway cruising and passing power, and is very comfy. It also has a quiet ride that is on the stiff side but is not at all jittery. I love and will for years to come.
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Its good - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By jerry - May 12 - 1:43 amDrives like a high performance car, lots of get up and go! Great transmission and power to the road.
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Good, reliable vehicle, fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Cruiserboy - April 19 - 10:53 amGreat off road capabilities. Cool to look at. It turns a lot of heads. Typical Toyota... bullet proof. Solid feel, great fit and finish.
