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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Bordeaux - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Sue - April 8 - 3:23 pmI love my new car! It took a while to find the right one but I have it. You sit high, you feel safe and it drives much smoother than expected.
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FJ Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By LAS - March 30 - 8:10 amThis vehicle is just plain fun. I have the bright yellow color which is quite an eye catcher. Performance is excellent and it is unusually comfortable.
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King of V6 off-roaders - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By alex_fj - March 27 - 10:12 pmIf you are in need of a full capable 4x4 low cost and low maintenance, the Fj Cruiser is for you. I have a 2007 4x4 5speed auto. Kicks butt on road and off. 100,700mi on it and no problems at all. Only replacements have been bulbs other than that it still runs like a champ smooth as ever. Will out preform any other bone stock 4x4s and I mean WILL.. If youre willing to get intense it will need some mods but other than that your set for some mild of roading. This powerful little monster will leave you in awe if you mis judge it, take it for a test drive you might fall in love.
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161000 miles a I find I building a new fj!! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Jim sauerheber - March 9 - 6:01 pmI have a 2007 FJ and I had to replace the following torque converter, break system and rear end. I put a Lemon on the antenna!
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MPG - 20+ - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By new owner - March 4 - 6:03 pmI just bought my FJ a couple weeks ago. Im getting 20+ MPG. I drive conservatively (coasting in neutral when I can), taking off slow and planning for stops ahead of time - right now, Im getting better than the advertised MPG (25% city driving). Its a pleasure to drive and very comfortable. The only problem is getting into the back seat - Toyota should have provided some kind of handle to help pull yourself into the back seating area (my youngest struggles to get back there, clawing at anything she can to help herself in).
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Excellent - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By vf - March 4 - 3:26 pmI just purchased an FJ Cruiser and I am lovin it. The ride is smooth and quiet. I traded a Toyota Tundra for this and am very happy with the switch. This SUV has a classic look about it. This truck has some pick up and go qualities.
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Everyone will want one - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Connie in Florida - February 28 - 1:56 pmLOVE this truck. The drive is wonderful. I have had so much fun in the last week since purchasing it. The interior is wonderful in sandy areas. It was a nightmare getting sand out of carpet. This truck is a show stopper. You have to be ready to show it to people everywhere you go. My husband bought a hummer last year but I see him eyeing my fj. We may end up as a two fj family. Gas mileage and grade could be better. Should have a outside temperature monitor and should be able to use inside charger without the engine running.
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Luv My FJ!!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Mike - February 23 - 7:46 amIm still a newbie to my FJ, but I just love it. Theres nothing else like it on the road. People just stare at it all the time. Ive yet to meet anyone that didnt tell me how awesome they think it is. My one concern I have right now is gas mileage. I have only had my FJ for a week, but it only got 15 mpg on my first full tank. It is supposed to be around 19-20. At $3.29 per gallon for premium fuel and a 19 gallon tank - it cost me $62 to fill up the tank this morning. At 15 mpg - thats only 285 miles on a tank of gas - or .22 cents per mile. Keep this in mind if you plan on purchasing an FJ. Just to make a quick 2 mile trip to the store and back will cost you over a buck in gas alone.
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We love it! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By mike corry - February 21 - 1:06 amWe have a family of 4 and it works great for us. I love the power it has and the thought that went into the layout of of controls in the cabin. We have taken it on 2 vacations so far and it handles great on the highway as well as off-road. I went off-roading for the first time in my life in the Georgia mountains and had no problems climbing steep revines ind driving through streams. I would recommend the step up bars if you have small children, since it sits so high off the ground. Its the best car purchase that I have ever made.
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Love At First Sight - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By My FJ Cruiser - February 12 - 12:53 amEverywhere I go people stop me to talk about my FJ. I have the black cherry pearl and live in the mountains, so I rinse it off every other day so it will always look its best when I go out. Everyone loves the color and the different style. I used to own a 77 FJ 40 Land Cruiser which I dearly loved, so I really like the retro features. The ride is excellent. I will never take it off road, but I live 2 1/2 miles off the main road and we get a lot of snow, so I am anxious to use the 4X4. My dream car used to be a 4Runner, but this was love at first sight. Lots of power. My mechanic says real heavy duty frame and great engine accessibility. Love it.
