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:

• 

  Love my Suv - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By gmoorjr - October 15 - 9:36 pm

  Only 2 weeks old, 1600 miles, Get at least 20 mpg. Lots of attention. Took up Mt. Washington - no problem. Have gone offroad - no problem but would rec. A Trac and locking rear dif options for serious off road. Love it and would buy another.

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By osullivan1 - October 13 - 7:07 pm

  I love this car. My favorite one yet. Drives great and is great off road. Stereo is really good too. I have the Trail Teams Edition one and get a lot of comments on how it looks. Its a lot of fun to own and my 3 dogs all over 95 lbs seem to love it too.

• 

  FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mjmiller - October 10 - 12:36 pm

  I like how it drives and handles. There are major flaws in the craftmanship though. The sun visors are so small they have no purpose. The stereo system is lacking. The roof rack is weak and I busted two supports already since theyre made of cheap plastic. The engine is powerful and it is a lot of fun to drive. But the gas mileage stinks.

• 

  Absolutely Freakin Cool - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tampa FJ - October 7 - 1:03 pm

  Just bought the FJ after waiting for what seems like forever. The ride is great, four-wheels like a goat and is cool as hell. I reviewed it against all others and the FJ beats them all! I cant wait for the weekend so I can get out in the woods. I can see out of the FJ fine.

• 

  I like my FJ Cruiser a real SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ron - October 3 - 6:43 pm

  Ive only had two cars in my 21 years and this is the best so far, Thanks Mom. This is the new innovative SUV that says welcome to the era of creativity. Functional, comfortable, fun, big, rough, tough and right for me. A young up and coming adult with an active life, no kids, no wife just life and trying to reach a few goals along the way by graduating in 2007. This is an SUV that fits my present expectations of an innovative SUV and not a luxury type Range Rover SUV prototype.

• 

  Nice Wheels - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By quino - September 22 - 10:16 am

  Great SUV,Beyond Great 4 wheel drive... Nice nice nice...

• 

  Is what it is - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By geoffsmith76 - September 20 - 6:23 pm

  After researching this model for about a year, I finally decided to trade in my beloved beamer since we had our first child. I wanted something that was ultra safe and reliable. I wanted something that could get me through whatever mother nature threw at us. I have been through creeks. I have been through deep mudholes. My FJ has performed flawlessly. This thing cuts through snow like a hot knife through butter, it really, really does. I have done nothing but given it oil changes and put gas into it. It has been on several 500+ mile road trips, and two 1200+ road trips.

• 

  Awesome Ride! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By maxac - September 9 - 3:56 pm

  Just Love it! The color stands out and the 4wd has gotten me out of plenty of sticky situations. Great for the money.

• 

  Very Special - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Doc P - September 4 - 4:06 am

  This is one great SUV. Great off road and on. Excellent style and performance. The supercharger and TRD Edition are very special and well worth the money. Excellent driving. Love the front window and washable floor.

• 

  Like it, like it - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By gefader - August 31 - 11:10 pm

  Good solid, smooth riding car. Impressed with the ride quality for a 4x4. Feels like a much longer wheel base. Good power, great braking. Gas mileage between 20-22 mpg, driving 50 miles round trip to work, at 75-80 mph with 87 octane. I purchased with the side curtain airbags for two kids in car seats. Plenty of room to manuever kids in and out.