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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It rocks my socks off. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By back40 - July 10 - 2:03 amI love it. Man this this is fun to drive, look at and mod. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned.
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Best of its class - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By tntraveler4wd - June 27 - 7:13 pmThe FJ does it all. Ive owned a lot of domestic and foreign SUVs including Land Rover and the FJ is the best all round. After 25,000 miles, no problems. Comfortable on long trips. Complaints Ive read are too analytical. This is not an Aston Martin folks!
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Luv my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By TROY BOND - June 21 - 11:46 amIve put over 86,000 miles on my FJ in 2.5 years and not had any problems. It has gone 4 wheeling in various terrain and performed well. Couldnt be happier
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Not your average SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By DIKKINS - June 14 - 1:46 pmThe FJ cruiser is like buying a prom dress, It has a specific purpose and no other vehicle does it as well. I have driven this vehicle 6000 miles in 3 months, 2/3 on the highway and 1/3 off road. It has no real equal off road, and is very good on the road. I have no qualms about about driving just about anywhere. It goes through heavy snow, fields, mud and on superhighways with ease. I purchase a more aggressive tire than the standard ones it came with and would advise this if youre going off road or in snow. This vehicle is solid, and seems more like a truck than the average SUV. The joy of this vehicle is that it will take you easily where others will not go and do it with ease.
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FJinDFW - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By tejun - June 7 - 3:53 pmI love my FJ. I put a 2" level kit on the front and upgraded to 295/70/17 AT tires. Averaging about 19.5 mpg which I consider good for a 4x4 SUV.
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Buying Another Brand New FJ This Week - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By zackal - May 31 - 1:13 amLiving in The Great White North the FJ is an absolute treat in the winter months. Purchased the base model with full time 4wd and 6 speed manual. I have never been stranded or stuck anywhere (common sense it important when playing in any off roader.) On the highway you feel safe as a tank and lots of power to pull out and pass if you know how to properly match the tranny to speeds. Ive had 4 Jeep TJs (Wranglers in the USA) and still have one for my kids. The FJ is their favorite to drive over the Jeep except on top down days. I am just about to pick up another FJ, the exact same model, Yellow, base 6 speed. For the money, probably the best value on the road.
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Best Toyota Ive owned yet - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By mshw - May 15 - 10:00 amIve been driving Toyotas since college. Original Toyota truck, 4Runner, Highlander, 96 Tacoma; you get the picture. But, the FJ is by far my favorite Toyota that Ive owned over the past 20 years. Unique styling, excellent power, good interior thats very forgiving to active lifestyles, and comfortable ride. Gas mileage is fair but its a real SUV, not a wannabe. And for the so called "blind spots", 2 small blind spot mirrors work like a charm!
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20,000 Miles in 5 Months - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Sky - April 22 - 5:26 amIve put 20,000 miles on my FJ in the last 5 months and have nothing but good things to say, no mechanical problems and it performs better than I could have imagined. I have taken it offroad on some of the most difficult 4WD roads in Colorado and it has performed as well as or better than my 97 Jeep Wrangler. I have been on multiple 10+ hour drives and it remained comfortable to sit in (although on a 5 hour trip 2 passengers in the back seat complained about the rear seats being uncomfortable). Biggest complaint is that for a professed offroad vehicle the front bumper can not accept a winch and I am replacing it with an after market steel bumper that will. Very happy!
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Great SUV!!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Veronica Perez - April 18 - 9:13 pmThe drive on this vehicle is sooo fun!!! We have taken it off roading and it performed great you could barely feel the bumpiness.This is a such a fun vehicle to drive. And it has three windshield wipers!!!! And thats not including the rear wiper. I highly recommend this SUV. If you dont like a Hummer and dont like a land rover but would like something like those this is your SUV!!!
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What a surprise! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Scott McCready - March 21 - 6:53 pmThis vehicle drives as well as it looks. Brakes, steering and handling a car like. Ride quality is almost as good as a Lexus SUV. It has all the outward appearance of a basic SUV but is suprisingly comfortable and easy to drive. Other highlights are large interior controls, wonderful upgraded stereo system, great seats and just quality build throughout the entire vehicle. This is the kind of automobile that makes you smile every day when you drive plus you know that if you look after it you will have it for 200000 miles plus. This is pragmatism and whimsy in a package that no one comes close to competing with, all at an unbelievable price.
