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 to drive - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By pugman - June 11 - 10:26 pm

  My wife and I just purchased a yellow one the other day it is incredible. It constantly turns heads and gets lots of looks. Lots of room inside and with newborn twin boys it will be a breeze to clean up. Great performance and the Toyota name to back it all up. Incredible styling and lots of nice features.

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  Flat-out Awesome - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By TeamMontoya - June 7 - 3:46 am

  First I want to thank everyone who wrote a review, it was very helpful in deciding to purchase my FJ Cruiser. This is one awesome SUV; comfortable, great power, great looks, and incredible off-road capabilites. The blind spots are there but if you know how to drive with your mirrors then its not an issue. Advise for those that do not know how to use side mirrors. Place your head on the driver side window and turn the mirror until you do not see the end of the rear. On the passanger side lean over and turn the mirror out until you can not see the end of the rear. You now have no blind spots. Try it, it works. I can not say enough about this SUV. Toyota out did themselves. Awesome!!

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  fj dream - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By matt - May 31 - 8:10 am

  My wife and I fell in love with the FJ on first sight. The exterior styling is what caught our eyes. then we test drove it and had to have it. It is fun to drive as it looks and constantly gets compliments everywhere it goes. And the toyota name means we have nothing to worry about when it comes to quality and reliability.

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  Love It - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ben - May 20 - 3:46 am

  Just got my FJ two weeks ago. Definitely not a vehicle to log a lot of miles on. But man, is this thing cool. I cant count the number of gawkers and strangers coming up asking questions. I take her off roading tomorrow. Im sure it will tear it up.

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  Great ride. - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jax290 - May 19 - 7:32 pm

  This is my second FJ Cruiser, so Im already partial to this vehicle. Ive taken my 09 hunting in eastern Nevada, and I was very impressed with its 4wd ability. I took this rig through areas quads had problems with, and it performed. I have no doubt that the 14 FJ would do as well. Im amazed that Toyota is discontinuing this model after this year. These are great. I love both of mine, and wouldnt trade them for anything comparable. My 09 is a manual transmission, and the 14 is an automatic.

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  Fj a blast - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dbrauch - May 18 - 1:23 am

  I have alway been a car fanatic, emphasis on car. Recently Ive had to curb my lectures to my wife on the negatives of SUV ownership as this new addition to our garage has pasted permagrins on both of our faces. While my 02 M3 still holds the keys to my heart I grudgingly have to admit the FJ is a more appropriate vehicle for the terrible roads and "one block to the next stop sign" driving of southern california. And on a friends recommendation I recently took the car to an offroad park only an hour away. This 2wd version blew me away at its off road ability. What torque, what drivability, what offroad prowess. I cant wait for my next baja surf trip.

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  Still new - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By George - May 12 - 12:43 am

  So far so good. Although I have only 500 miles have tested it in deep wet snow and it performed excellent. It is a complete dog in two wheel drive but the tires may to blame for that. Must have the reverse alarm..great feature especially with the limited visibility to the rear. I will probably go back to get running boards to help when my parents want to get in. The vehicle sits high for older passengers or drivers. My kids slept comfortably in in the rear and like the rear despite the rear door and rear windows that dont open. I have to adjust the temperature a lot. Not sure if it will be difficult to maintain a consistent interior temperature or if I just have to get used to it. Love it.

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  Great Versatile SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BFORR - May 11 - 6:50 am

  I have 1350 miles on my FJ. I sold a 05 Z71 Tahoe and 04 Rubicon to just have one multi purpose vehicle. This FJ is truly multi purpose. Not as roomy or comfortable on the road as the Z71, but just as smooth,less noise inside, and better mpg. I never took the Z71 off-road and rearly more than one person rides with me. The Rubicon was better off-road in the tight spots and the visibility was much better. The FJ is better on hill climbs and declines. The FJ hold much more cargo,is more comfortable, and you can drive at interstate speeds with no worries. This FJ is great - versatile - on-road and off-road.

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  Weekends with the boys - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JayhawkGrl - May 6 - 4:23 pm

  Im a designer and I love this true-to-form vehicle for all it allows me to do -granted its not ideal for parents or carpoolers. I like that the utilitarian design isnt disguised by pricey leather and superfluous features. An avid mountain biker, dog owner, hiker, camper, fisherwoman this SUV does all I need it to with plenty of space and comfort. I do a lot of city driving during the week and Ive gotten impressive gas mileage. Its perfect for weekend trips and vacations. What I appreciate most is the customization and easy pricing. If you want to add components you can wrap in what you need without getting sucked into manufacturers packages. I love my FJ- spring for the woofer!

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  FJ Cruiser Review - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kevin Voges - April 15 - 5:56 am

  Fun to drive - looks great. Really look forward to driving FJ daily. I realize this is strange, but non-aerodynamic windshield does not deflect bugs, so one must be ready to clean windshield quite a bit.