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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  Best Toyota Ive owned yet - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mshw - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive 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 am

  Ive 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 pm

  The 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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  No purchase yet - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By lynn dixon - April 12 - 9:55 pm

  Husband decided he wants a blue FJ Cruiser and they are hard to find with lower miles, in great shape, in our price range.

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  Colorado Off Road Experience 10-23-2007 - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Martin Jr. - March 23 - 11:56 am

  Took my FJ on a heavy 4X4 trip; big game hunting in the Rockies. The FJ was severely scratched due to branches on forest roads. The optional front skid plate has major dents and the factory black painted skid plate just behind it was destroyed. No ordinary 4X4 trip, a foot of sticky black mud covered by 15" of snow. Even those little ATVs were having problems. All other 4X4s had to chain up all fours. My FJ made it through w/optional BFG tire package. It was weird hearing the ATC use the ABS to grab more traction. Had to use the rear locker twice. Clean up not easy as interior/exterior has lots of little spaces to trap mud. Glad I bought it w/ATC,BFGs, and air locker.

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  What a surprise! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Scott McCready - March 21 - 6:53 pm

  This 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.

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  6 Months Now - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tombola - March 20 - 3:03 am

  Ive had the FJ for 6 months now. Its a fun car and looks great. Shortly after we purchased it we had some major snowstorms. This is the best vehicle I have ever driven in the snow, and that covers a lot of vehicles. The FJ is built tough, feels solid, looks great and rides pretty good.

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  FJ Rocks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By azjj - March 11 - 12:20 am

  Traded my 3rd Jeep (last one was a 2002 Liberty Sport w/59K miles) on the FJ less then a month ago and while I’m only 500 miles into this vehicle, I honestly believe I’ve never had a more fun to drive “jeep.” And yes, I call this a jeep (lower case) instead of FJ and my wife keeps correcting me, but this is the off road rig DC should have built. One outrageous weekend adventure on some gnarly ATV trails located in the George Washington and Jefferson NF made me a true believer.

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  Dont be scared off - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By steve - March 10 - 1:40 pm

  As with any vehicle purchase, I did a ton of homework on potential purchase options. To be honest, I was mostly scared off the FJ before test driving due to all the comments about poor visibility, impractical 3rd doors and limited 2nd row seating, soft glass, etc. Im beginning to wonder if these people actually have driven the FJ. For starters, if you adjust the mirrors properly (and as spelled out in the manual), there is no blind spot issue. I have a 3 year old, and the car seat fits fine with plenty of room to get him in and out. The cabin is absolutely spacious. Get the manual tranny if you can find one. Youll pay more in gas, but its worth the fun in driving.

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  Works as Designed - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Todds FJ - March 8 - 7:10 am

  I just sold my 2007 FJ. The interior is very well designed. Everything was ergonomically correct and easy to grasp (with the big knobs). As many owners on here, I bought the FJ because it was different. I grew tired of the vehicle after a while. Very basic interior and slightly rough ride. Not the FJs fault. It is not supposed to be a luxury car! In three years of ownership, not one day in the shop. Great build quality. Bad gas mileage...like driving a brick down the road.