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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  Happy with my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kekaikane - February 13 - 6:06 pm

  Great fun to drive, looks are great. People stop and ask me about it all the time. It drives really comfortable, and handles very well. I accidently hit a small pole one day and the aligment got totally out of wack. I was parked in front of it and didnt see it. Couldnt hace been going more than 5 miles an hour. I am a little concerned about off roading if that small bump knocked it out of aligment!

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  Its all fun... but lacking in some areas - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Eric - February 10 - 9:26 pm

  We bought this cuz we didnt want to be practical. We wanted something fun. Weve always liked the styling of the classic Toyota FJ line. This car is fun and has a look we admire. Youve read about all the good stuff from others, but let me describe it from another point of view. I brought 4 kids to the park and it was a challenge to get them in and out with the rear door configuration. There are blind spots and getting used to them still has its risks. Takes premium gas only. MPG stinks and is similar to my V8 Chevy. Difficult to close and open rear doors from inside. This car has keyless entry but no alarm. One DC plug in front. In a nutshell, should have more features for the price.

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  Small price for a head turner - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By k100 - February 5 - 7:13 pm

  I pick the CQ & Sport package plus the roof rack & tow hitch package. The ride is excellent especially in the beaten up city road (NY City). Although the engine is silky smooth, the exhaust is kind of loud when starting at slow speed. Blind spot is an issue, make sure you order the rear sonar. Im ordering a rear view camera as too many kids play around my driveway. This truck is tall, makes you feel sitting in a bigger truck, great view, in return, it need 69" clearance for indoor parking clearance with the roofrack. Gas mileage is as expected at about 20 mpg hwy @ 75-80 mph.

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  The whole family loves this truck! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By B Laue - January 25 - 12:33 pm

  We bought our FJ last year in Oregon. Silver, loaded. The entire family loves driving in it, even our kids! We still get stopped and asked if people can see inside. Fun to drive and the best looking SUV on the road!

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  Have to love them to want to own one. - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bkd - January 15 - 11:13 am

  My grandfather owned an orig. FJ from 1965 until his death. It looked rough but ran well. Since he taught me to drive I have always wanted one. Never wanted to invest in a rust bucket. When the news ones came out it was a wish come true. You have to love them for yourself. It is not for kids or soccer moms. It is for dad and trip to the outdoors. If you love being outside in the mountains it is worth every penny. I grew up in Colorado and have dreamed of my get away and now it is here. It isnt practical but it is mine and it gets me out in style and reliability.

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  Wow!!!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By salmon58 - January 9 - 11:43 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Funnest car Ive ever driven. I feel very safe driving it, and Ive never had that comfort with a vehicle. Have a son and a dog, no worries over spills, simply wipe out the floor boards with a wet cloth and poof, looks good as new. Love the looks of vehicle also. Like the simpleness of the inside. Big knobs for everything, easy to handle, four wheel drive is easy to use, recommend this vehicle for anyone who likes a smooth driving vehicle with the toughness of any four wheel drive. Drives really good in snow and ice as well as the freeway. Gas mileage is no worse than my xl-7, but I got so much more for my money. For such a tough car, its a very smooth drive.

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  This Car is So Much Fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Angela - January 5 - 8:13 am

  We just bought this car in May and we love it. We have taken it off roading and it is great!

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  Bammm - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John - January 2 - 4:43 pm

  This is what this transport mode is all about! Making a statement and having fun doing it. Hard to believe a vehicle designed in California handles so well in a few feet of snow. I have had the vans, family cars, etc., now the kids are gone and its time to think about me! This does it, fun to drive reliable, will take you anywhere you what to go in style and with the power you need. I am fortunate to be able to affort a car three time the cost of this one, but nothing came close to the spirit and groove of the FJ. Bravo!

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  Not Impressed - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By James - December 13 - 10:00 am

  A salesman talked me into this heap. I like to offroad and he told me all sorts of crap about other makes and models, so I bought it. It"s like a coffin inside. Very dark. No sunroof. Bad interior lighting. Hummer H3 and Jeep Wrangler are both more capable off-road. Plus, you can barely see out of it. And now the windshield is cracked cause of poor flat design.

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  Look up Fun to drive... - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Josh H - December 4 - 9:56 pm

  and you will see the FJ Cruiser. Ive had mine for a month and a half now and its is by far one of the best rigs Ive ever owned. I like it more and more with every mile that I place on it. I like the styling and the performance of it. I sized down from a Tahoe and I dont regret it one bit. This truck is more of a truck then my Tahoe ever was. Go take one for a test drive, the only bad thing you find is that you neeed to figure out how you want to pay for it. One drive and youll be hooked.