2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser [ 2008 ]
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Overall Score - 8.2 (Very Good)
The new, eye-catching FJ Cruiser delivers solid off-road performance, in keeping with the 40-year-old original FJ. If you want to stand out from the crowd and can live with some interior nits, the new FJ is a solid choice. If you're willing to sacrifice off-roading for a more refined on-road experience, consider the top-rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. For another off-roading option, consider the Nissan Xterra.
Upon its introduction, the new-for-2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser quickly wowed critics for out-of-this-world looks and impressive off-roading performance. But it also rates well in pavement driving. As the Washington Post notes, the FJ is "capable of conquering the most inhospitable terrain but actually designed to appeal to the outdoor fantasies of the urban elite." AutoWeek says the FJ "stands out among the wash of SUVs found on today's roads."
In other SUVs, the cramped rear seat, poor visibility and sub-standard interior materials would draw more criticism. But Cars.com points out that buyers may overlook these problems in the FJ, simply because it's "pretty damn fun."
The 2007 FJ Cruiser is priced in the middle of the pack among compact SUVs. According to Edmunds, "For the shopper desiring a reasonably affordable SUV that shines in terms of style, performance and off-road capability, the new FJ Cruiser is tough to beat." IntelliChoice gives the FJ Cruiser a rating of "excellent" based on its total cost of ownership, compared to others in its class.
FJ-Cruiser Performance - 7.7 (Good)
Critics find that the FJ Cruiser does exactly what it's supposed to do: excel as a top-notch off-roading machine. But many also agree with Edmunds that the FJ is a solid performer "even if you never go off-road." continue
FJ-Cruiser Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
The FJ's striking, retro looks are a big hit. The Detroit Free Press calls it "the best-looking, hippest, gone-daddy-gone coolest thing to roll out of a Toyota showroom since the original 1985 MR2." continue
FJ-Cruiser Interior - 7.1 (Good)
The five-seater FJ gets mixed reviews for interior comfort and style, though more reviewers approve than not. Edmunds notes that "We do approve of the interior design, which stays true to the original FJ philosophy by being straightforward and functional rather than overly stylized and littered with gimmicks." continue
FJ-Cruiser Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser receives high scores in both government and insurance industry crash tests. continue
FJ-Cruiser Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Toyota supports the FJ Cruiser with a basic three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue