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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Not Your Average SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Randy Vorster - December 1 - 5:30 pmIf you plan to go off-roading opt for the All Terrain Pkg. It comes w/ very nice 16" wheels (diff look from the 17"), great shocks, locking diff, A- trac, pre-cleaner & multi-info display. I ordered the TRD exhaust which I think is a plus, cool ellipse tip and sound. It came with blk running boards which will not work as rock rails, but will save you from car- level door dings. Ride quality is great for a 4x4. We have gone on fun adventures and seen things that would have required some serious hiking. With the right mind-set the FJ will make a great primary vehicle. As a 2nd vehicle to our German sedan we could not be happier. Hard to imagine the sedan is now a 2nd choice when driving to work!
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Awsome FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Bill G - November 27 - 3:06 amI have owned a Jeep Wrangler for years, but am amazed at the FJ Cruiser, when I see a hill worthy of climbing I do it with no problems. It is amazing how it climbs, almost like theres a computer telling each wheel when to pull. It tracks perfect and makes what seems impossible a breeze. It has a very cool look. Thinking about adding the TRD exhaust to improve mileage at some point. I installed a chrome exhaust tip making it look cooler.
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Not for everyone - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By MABNY - November 21 - 11:53 pmLets be realistic for a moment; this is a vehicle designed with a specific type of person in mind. This person will probably fold the back seats down and never unfold them again (or just remove them completely). The FJ Cruiser is a sport utility vehicle, as SUVs were intended to be, designed to access a favorite fishing hole, cart a deer carcass home for dressing, or carry a roof-top-tent to the top of a mountain. It is not the over-grown station wagon that the modern SUV has come to be. The FJ Cruiser has a cult following of outdoor enthusiasts, eccentrics and adventurers whos definition of practicality doesnt involve DVD players, electric folding third rows, and "a car-like ride".
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A Blast - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Hawk - November 21 - 5:00 pmThis SUV is a blast to drive with an ample amount of power, great handling that is almost sports car like and pretty good gas mileage in the 2010. The dreaded "blind spot" is virtually nonexistent with the mirrors. I have more fun driving this vehicle than any vehicle that I have ever owned.
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Best Ever - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Best Ever - November 18 - 12:53 amI drive this truck for off road soils testing business. I have had a lot of different 4wd vehicles - the FJ does the best job. Dependable, easy to operate. Goes where I need to go with no problems. I have also taken it on road trips over 650 miles, very comfortable. I burn only regular gas, no problem & get from 19.8 city to 23 mpg hwy. average around 20mpg. I have not found the blind spots to be a problem, even in Dallas multi lane heavy traffic. Mirrors take care of it just fine. This is my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I am 61, so have owned a lot of autos, so takes a lot to say this is my favorite ever.
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FJ lover - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By danf - November 13 - 11:13 amEverything is great about this SUV except the mileage. The bodystyle is so cool.
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I love my FJC. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By FJme - November 3 - 11:26 pmThis is my very first brand new vehicle purchase ever - and I am 37 years old. We bought the FJC to take to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and we are very pleased overall with the truck. The gas mileage has taken some getting used to - its not great but its not horrible, either. We are currently averaging 20MPG. We have a toddler, and we have zero complaints about the backseat, leg room, head room . . . its all good for us. First new car, first ever Toyota - very satisfied customers.
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See it, Drive it , Buy it - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By mnivens - October 29 - 1:03 amThe retro look of the FJ and reliability of Toyota brought me to replace my 95 4RunnR. My wife, believe it or not, liked the styling as much as I and the fact it has a good safety rating and she sits high enough to see well. She has had hip problems, but the FJ is no problem for her to get in/out. We like the simplicity of the vehicle. The FJ is a different look, but since most vehicles look alike, the FJ is a step above in styling. We are both in our mid-fifties, but feel good in this. Power is excellent, visibility is OK, Blind spot mirrors solved this problem. We had a dealer installed running boards, passenger arm rest, and towing hitch. No, it is not a Lexus, but it fits us.
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Cool Mini Truck - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Rockn Ride - October 24 - 10:30 pmI love this truck, its fun to drive, has great performance, kickin stereo and looks real cool.
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Best SUV I have owned - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
By Andrew - October 16 - 8:17 pmThis truck is everything I like about an off road SUV and everything I needed for small family transportation.
