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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  Love my new FJ - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fj cruiser owner - September 20 - 10:43 am

  I love my new FJ cruiser. It looks great and is fun to drive. Comfortable for long trips. Major blind spots, but nothing you cant get used to, no worse than in a pick up truck. Engine really scoots. Gas mileage isnt great, but acceptable for suv. Not a vehicle for everyone. I find there is more that I like about it, then there is that I do not like about it. Lots of great after market accessories available, but have to wait until warranty is up. Windshield collects bugs, but a layer or rain-ex helps keep them from sticking. I have no regrets purchasing this vehicle and look forward to driving it every day!!

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  In Need of Redesign - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Bjelic - September 4 - 8:40 am

  This is my 5th Suv. After having owned Nissans and Jeeps I purchased the FJ for my wife to haul around kids, dogs and ski gear. It is a disaster of design. The interior is dark and visibility is terrible. I can get by these issues however, Its the worst SUV Ive ever driven when it comes to performance in snow. We hit the slopes whenever it snows and this vehicle is brutal. Regardless of tires, its not safe to drive. Coupled with its nervous anti-lock brakes its a dangerous vehicle to control in a blizzard. Our Xterra performed much better, with the Jeep being the best. The stain proof seats get dog hair caught in the open fibres and I have to use duct tape to clean it.

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  TRD edition Rocks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kbl1224 - August 5 - 10:56 am

  Ive had my FJ for a little over a week and over 500 miles. All Black TRD handles like a sporty little truck on the backroads and highway but takes speedbumps and curbs without hardly much of a shaking! Sounds great with the TRD exhaust too! I have had two 4-runners prior to this (89 and 98) and they were so reliable and tough off road, the FJ had the be the only choice. I tell all my friends who dont already have one or plan on getting one that this should be their next car!

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  Nice car but got a lemon - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Nelson - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car inside and out, rides like a sedan, but I got a lemon, 2 weeks after purchase the transfer case had to be replaced, the past 4 months the transmission slips in gears 1 through 3, and the engine stalls while driving less than 5 mph, note its an automatic transmission. Its been in the shop 3 times for the stalling and the transmission, Toyota claims they cant find the problem, looks like I have to consult the lemon law.

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  The one to buy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mark - July 17 - 4:23 am

  Another great design by Toyota. Outstanding in all respects. Only issue is rearward visibility when backing up is not very good. I look forward to driving this vehicle every day! Highly reccomend it to anyone.

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  Good, but not great - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Duffy - July 12 - 4:30 pm

  Been driving mine for last 2 yrs and it is fun, but on the practical side pretty bad blind spots (everyone agrees on that), exterior paint chips easily, front windshield already cracked ($309 replacement... not sure where the person lives who paid $1200). The clamshell doors are terrible for getting in and out of. The front seat back wont even fold forward enough to help with rear entry. Noisy ride. When visor down, cant see a thing. Sorry to bring everyone down, but this a long list to consider when deciding to buy. Still the most original SUV around.

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  H3 Killer - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DangerisFJ - July 12 - 7:30 am

  Well, I needed a vehicle that could tow my trailer of two sport bikes but didnt want a truck. When I saw the FJ, I loved it! When I drove it, I had to have it. The motor has sufficient power to do what you need to do. The suspension is great and was pleasantly surprised on how well it handled. The interior is roomy. However, at close to $30k, it lacks a few amenities that I wish it had, i.e., heated seats, heated side mirrors, sunroof, etc. Mileage is horrible but all in all, its a great vehicle and fun to drive!

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  straight dope on the fj - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ditka - July 2 - 10:36 am

  This is a truck meant to go off road but it really bridges the gap between on and off-road drivers. In Four Wheeler magazine, the FJ had the best mileage, best pickup, best quarter mile, best braking and best engine/transmission combo of the seven SUVs tested(Feb 2007). For off- roaders, it also boasts an excellent stock suspension with over 19" of articulation and an engine tuned for torque with 278 lb/ft. The FJ Cruiser does have its drawbacks, however. The full-time 4wd means that you wont be driving from Denver to Vegas on one tank of gas. The rear visibility is pretty poor but a sonar rear-parking assist is available to compensate. In all I highly recommend the FJ.

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  straight dope on the fj - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ditka - July 2 - 6:26 am

  This is a truck meant to go off road but it really bridges the gap between on and off-road drivers. In Four Wheeler magazine, the FJ had the best mileage, best pickup, best quarter mile, best braking and best engine/transmission combo of the seven SUVs tested(Feb 2007). For off- roaders, it also boasts an excellent stock suspension with over 19" of articulation and an engine tuned for torque with 278 lb/ft. The FJ Cruiser does have its drawbacks, however. The full-time 4wd means that you wont be driving from Denver to Vegas on one tank of gas. The rear visibility is pretty poor but a sonar rear-parking assist is available to compensate. In all I highly recommend the FJ.

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  AWESOME FJ CANT BE BEAT!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By MelloFJYellow - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I have only had my FJ Cruiser for a few days, but make no mistake, it is one AWESOME RIDE!! Pictures do not do it ANY justice and driving it is, well, just short of BREATHTAKING! Classic, retro, good looks, incredible build quality, and everything you could want in a modern 4X4 is here today in the FJ Cruiser. Yes, mileage is not too great and the rear visiblity takes some getting used to, but all-in-all, the very best and unique SUV out there today, dollar-for- dollar. Just test drive one and you will be hooked, as I was. I bought mine without a test drive, that is how confident I was. And was I ever right. The best vehicle I have EVER owned, hands down! Just give it a try!