The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is comfortable, versatile, and expensive, starting at just under $14,000. But, as an alternative to the 2007 Jeep Wrangler, you’ll be saving money on repairs in the long run.
Is the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – It’s hard to convince a Jeep fan to consider the alternatives, but the FJ Cruiser may be just the thing to sway loyalists.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The FJ Cruiser is moderately comfortable for a mid-size SUV, but incredibly comfortable for an off-roader, given this category’s reputation for jittery suspension and cramped interiors.
- Reliability 9/10 – This may be the longest-lasting used off-roader on the market, with drivers regularly reporting 300,000 to 500,000 miles on the original transmission. Expect a minimum lifespan of 250,000 miles in a used model.
- Safety 8/10 – Crash test ratings are good and the standard safety feature list generous.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Even by 2007 SUV standards, 16/19 miles to the gallon isn’t great.
- Value 7/10 – If any 16+ year old SUV is worth fourteen thousand dollars, it’s the FJ Cruiser. The question is: Is any 16+ year old SUV worth fourteen thousand dollars? If you just need a functional daily driver, you could almost buy a brand new compact for that price.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Consumer Reports found the FJ Cruiser’s retro-style body design to be charming, but compromised, with the small windows offering limited visibility, and the rear-hinged back doors offering poor access. They found the handling clumsy and the ride jittery, but they were impressed by the SUV’s off-road performance.
Kelley Blue Book found a lot to like in the “weekend off-roader,” praising the SUV’s unique appearance, versatility, and capable dirt-road performance. They note that the mediocre fuel economy and poor visibility may be turn-offs for some drivers.
Edmunds added to the consensus, calling it a great off-roader with an appealing body design, but limited visibility and awkward reverse-opening back doors are less than ideal.
What Common Problems Does the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Have?
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser has generated 573 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints, with more than a third of these being for structural issues. Drivers report excessive rust in the frame. This is a problem that’s easy to prevent with anti-rust spray, but effectively impossible to fix.
These rust problems extend to the suspension, where there are 73 complaints, mostly having to do with the shocks and struts corroding all the way through and essentially leaving drivers sitting directly on the axle.
50 powertrain complaints point to further issues with rust, as the corrosion may chew through the transmission, as well.
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser has been recalled 9 times, mostly having to do with electrical issues.
How Long Will the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Last?
Being a Toyota, the 2007 FJ Cruiser is built to last, with some drivers reporting mileage of 500,000 and up. That’s unlikely in a used model, but you should expect 250,000 miles at a minimum with excellent care.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $446, which is pretty average for a mid-range SUV. Common expensive repairs include new air conditioning expansion valves, starting at around $596, and new throttle bodies at $528.
It is prone the issue with the wheel bearings on the 4 wheel drive models. I have had to replace both front wheel bearings.
Extremely reliable. It has never blown a tire. Never had any big issues. It is been in a few fender benders and took them like a champ
The fj is incredibly reliable. I always feel safe in it and can take it most anywhere. No problems.
No hasn't been any problem the 3 years I've had it. Routine maintenance is all I have had to do it and it has running fine
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is adequate for the model year. You’ve got a CD player in the base model and you can upgrade that to include a 6-disc CD changer.
Safety technology is pretty good for 2007. Anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control come standard. You won’t find more advanced features like rearview cameras, but it’s got everything you need for safe, fun off-road adventuring.
Is the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser a Good Value?
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser isn’t a great value. The SUV typically lists for around $14,671, which is just too much to spend on a vehicle that’s old enough to get its own driver’s license.
In all fairness, a 2007 Jeep Wrangler costs over $12,000 at the entry level. Dedicated off-roaders can be pricey, even more than a decade after their release. But you won’t find many drivers who are eager to spend fifteen grand on a vehicle that’s old enough to get its own driver’s license.
What are the Different Models of the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
The 2007 FJ Cruiser is offered in just one trim level, featuring:
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- CD player with 6 speakers
- Water-resistant cloth seating
- Manual air conditioning
- 8-way manual-adjust driver seat
- Power windows and door locks
What Engines Come In the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
- The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes packed with a 4.0L V6 engine delivering 239 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. This is available with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, in two or four wheel drive. It averages 19/22 miles to the gallon, city/highway, in the two-wheel automatic, 16/19 in the four-wheel manual, and 17/21 in the four-wheel automatic. Towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
The FJ Cruiser is considerably more comfortable than a comparable Jeep Wrangler, offering up 55 inches of rear hip room, smooth-riding suspension, and a quiet cabin. The SUV has issues with premature corrosion, so take a test drive and see how it performs on speed bumps before you make an offer.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Have?
The 2007 FJ Cruiser offerss 27 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, 69 with the seats down. This is more than enough space for everything you want to take with you on a weekend in the great outdoors.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2007 was the first model year in the FJ Cruiser’s 1st Generation. The mid-size SUV ran for a single generation with 2014 being the final model year, although limited production continued until 2022.
2007: The 2007 FJ Cruiser hit the market with a single 4.0L V6 engine and 9.6 inches of ground clearance, offering a Toyota-made alternative to the Jeep Wrangler.
2008: Toyota added some more airbags for 2008, and an optional off-road package was added.
2009: The Trail Teams Special Edition was offered in 2009, featuring an iceberg white monotone exterior.
2010: 2010 saw the introduction of a Dual VVT-i engine bringing the horsepower up to 259.
How Does the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Compare to the Competition?
The FJ Cruiser’s most obvious competitor, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler, is notorious for its tight back seat, stiff-riding suspension, and expensive repair bills. The Wrangler starts out a couple thousand dollars cheaper than the Cruiser, and the Jeep branding is hard to resist. But the Cruiser will last longer, and it’s cheaper to maintain.
If you’re looking for a more affordable off-roader, you may be better off skipping the SUV market entirely and looking at smaller pickups. A 2007 Tacoma, for instance, starts out at under $10,000, and is available in a 236 four-wheel drive model.
While the FJ Cruiser is one of the pricier off-roaders from this model year, it’s also one of the best. You might not consider any 16+ year old vehicle to be worth fourteen grand. But, if you have that kind of money to spend on an SUV that’s old enough to drive, the FJ Cruiser is a smart alternative to a Jeep Wrangler.
Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Yes. It has a solid build, reliable engine and is simple to work on mechanically. The size is very useful without being cumbersome.
It is an amazing vehicle. It has over 170,000 miles on it and I have only one mechanical issue besides normal schedule main. And tires. It drives well, is safe.
It is a wonderful vehicle. We have nearly 200,000 miles on it and have never had any major problem. In fact, we've rarely had any minor problems with it. I feel very safe in it and can take it out in a snow storm if need be.
Yes it is a great car. Drives well, spacious and comfortable. Has a small gas tank though. Overall I'm very satisfied