Overview & Reviews
For more than six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been synonymous with all-conquering, all-terrain prowess and rugged dependability. Early models from the 1950s, known as the BJ-type Land Cruisers, were similar in appearance to U.S. Army Jeeps. They were powered by a small four-cylinder engine and were strictly utilitarian. Slightly less spartan were the six-cylinder-powered FJ20s. But it was the 1960 introduction of the now-iconic FJ40 that secured the Land Cruiser name in history.
Since then, the Toyota Land Cruiser has grown in size, adopted a four-door body style and become much more focused on broad consumer appeal with an increasing number of luxury-oriented features. As such, it is a fairly expensive SUV at this point, new or used. But whatever recent model you look at, you'll find the Land Cruiser thankfully maintains its core off-road principles and unassailable reputation for dependability.
Current Toyota Land Cruiser
As ever, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV on a traditional body-on-frame design, though it's admirably difficult to discern this from the luxurious cabin. Motivation is provided by a 5.7-liter V8 that churns out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels via the Land Cruiser's full-time 4WD system with selectable low-range gearing.
Off-road capabilities are bolstered by a long list of specific equipment. "Crawl Control" enhances the drivetrain's capability by maintaining a fixed ultra-slow velocity for hard-core trail-busting. A Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enables the front and rear antiroll bars to stiffen or relax automatically as conditions change; the theoretical payoff is both flatter cornering and superior wheel articulation for off-road applications. The only sour note here is that ground clearance and approach, departure and break-over angles have been reduced slightly from the last Land Cruiser.
You'd never guess the Land Cruiser had such superb off-road capabilities from within the stately cabin. Feature highlights for the all-inclusive no-options Land Cruiser include leather upholstery, wood trim, a four-zone climate control system, a navigation system, a 14-speaker audio system, three rows of seating for up to eight people and parking sensors all around. Even a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, center-console cooler box and Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system are included.
In our reviews, we've expressed admiration for the Land Cruiser's on-road performance and composure, as well as its sumptuous accommodations. Buyers should take note that the third-row seats are really only suitable for kids, though. The rare individuals who will explore the Land Cruiser's full off-road potential may also find themselves running out of ground clearance on more demanding expeditions. Even with these drawbacks in mind, however, the Toyota Land Cruiser is in a very special class of its own.
Used Toyota Land Cruiser Models
The current Toyota Land Cruiser represents the fifth generation, which was introduced for 2008. Compared to its predecessors, the wheelbase dimensions didn't change, but the big Toyota added 2.4 inches of length and an extra inch of width and height. More power, more luxury features and more space were all welcome for the new model. Changes along the way included the addition of Toyota's Safety Connect advanced telematics system and expanded audio connectivity in 2010. Note that Toyota did not sell a 2012 Land Cruiser, going straight to the 2013 model year, which brought about the current model's slightly updated styling and all-inclusive features list.
The fourth-generation Toyota Land Cruiser was produced from 1998-2007. Though underpowered compared with the current model, the previous Cruiser is still a desirable used vehicle for a shopper interested in a luxurious and dependable midsize or full-size SUV. With a traditional ladder frame structure and seating for eight passengers, this Land Cruiser was an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts with growing families. It came in just one well-equipped trim level, though upscale options such as rear-seat DVD entertainment and a navigation system were available.
The fourth-generation Cruiser relied on a 4.7-liter V8 that was capable of up to 275 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque (235 hp and 320 lb-ft for pre-2006 versions). A five-speed automatic transmission was standard, as was 4WD with low-range gearing for enhanced off-road performance. As an option, Toyota offered an adjustable suspension system. This system was capable of adjusting the shock valving for better ride comfort and handling, and altering the vehicle's ride height for increased ground clearance when driving on rough terrain.
We liked this version of the Land Cruiser -- a lot. It earned high marks in reviews and was a repeated Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted<sup>SM</sup> award winner. Noted positive attributes included its go-anywhere capability, comfortable ride quality, smooth if not scintillating V8 and luxurious interior. Those shopping for a used Toyota Land Cruiser of this generation should feel relatively free to look at all of its years, as Toyota hasn't made any major changes. Generally, the newer the Land Cruiser is, the more features it will have. Stability control came out in 2000, for instance, and a navigation system came in 2001. As noted, one downside to models previous to 2006 is that their V8s produced 40 fewer hp.
Used Land Cruisers from the '90s also provide an impressive mix of capabilities at more affordable prices. Most buyers shopping for a used four-door Land Cruiser are going to be interested in the third-generation model that was available for the 1990-'97 model years. Though this SUV wasn't as large, luxurious or powerful as the current model, it still represents a top pick for a shopper interested in a used SUV that's comfortable and off-road worthy. At its debut, the vehicle could seat five passengers in its two rows of seating. Under its hood was a 155-hp, 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. It had 4WD but the driver had to manually lock the front hubs to activate it. The following year, Toyota replaced that setup with a full-time 4WD system. Other major upgrades for this model included a larger 212-hp engine in 1993 and enhanced safety equipment in 1995.
In Edmunds.com reviews of the third-generation Toyota Land Cruiser, praise was given for its impressive off-road ability, strong engine and durable nature. The main noted downsides were the SUV's uninspiring acceleration and its lofty price. Depreciation, of course, has mitigated this latter issue, although resale values remain impressively high.
User Reviews:
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LC Applause! - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By joecrawley - May 26 - 10:00 amThis is the SUV I always wanted. My dreams came true when I finally had the where-with-all to purchase. They say you cant have your cake and eat it too... with the Land Cruiser you can.The LC is an automotive dessert in a auto-world of chopped liver.
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Like No Other Super SUV - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By rquigley - April 10 - 12:26 amPurchased with 115k on the odometer and never had a doubt it would be a solid truck. Read a zillion reviews online and everyone said the Cruiser was the best. Strong as an ox, can handle car pool when needed and a beast off road. Took in up a 12% snow covered grade in NC. Brother in laws Jeep Wrangler only made it halfway up the hill before sliding back down the hill. Dads ML350 never got a chance due to his fear of totaling it. Landcruiser climbed to the top without a problem. Of course the hill was so steep that i opted to winch it back down out of fear of sliding off the Mtn side and the ice/snow covered trail. Took 1hr to get it down but hey- Land Cruiser is the king of the hill.
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The Old Reliable - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By mwhitted - April 8 - 4:59 pmI have now owned my 2000 LC for 7 years; I bought it used with 54K miles. It now has 160K and still runs like the day I bought it. It does get only 16-17MPG tops, but gas mileage is not why I purchased. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned; its solid, its safe. I just picked up today from having routine maintenance; my mechanic says there is nothing wrong with it! Change the timing belt every 60K, change the oil every 4K, do a tune up every 75K, use Michelins and they will drive forever. I have a friend with the same model with >300K and it still runs great! I have driven the Appalachians to the Tetons, on road, extreme off road and it has never let me down! Mine forever!
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Land Cruiser...The BEST! - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Thunderball57 - March 8 - 2:00 amI cant say enough about the Land Cruiser! All you can ask for in an SUV + the relibility of a Toyota = a Win- Win combanation in my book. I just LOVE this rig!!! Much more vechile than anything coming out of Detroit, including the Hummer. (Remenber, the Hummer IS a GM product. Two demirets already.
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Who could you ask for anything more? - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
By toyolovr - March 2 - 10:00 amAwesome drive. Not quite my FJ-60, but they are two different animals... really. Would recommend it to all my afffluent friends, and sneer to my not- so-affluent ones as I drive by.
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Excellent Cruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Michigan Cruiser - February 13 - 10:00 amI bought one of the first new V8 LCs in Michigan, courtesy of wierd US CAFE law that wouldnt allow me to buy a GM full size SUV that year. The build quality is great, and the engine smoothness (DOHC V8) is the best Ive ever experienced. It is much smoother than a SOHC Mercedes V8 of the same vintage. Great AWD. Only quibbles: not- bright headlights, replace engine heat shields every 40K miles, 15mpg, standard Dunlops are mediocre (replace with Michelin Cross Terrains.) Would definitely recommend another.
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As Good As It Gets - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By CTP855 - February 1 - 2:00 amMy Landcruiser has been a pleasent experience through the first year and a half of ownership. The V-8 delivers plenty of power and smooth acceleration. The ride is firm but very controlled and stable. Handling is good for such a heavy vehicle, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. The fit, finish, and quality are impecable. Gas mileage is not real good, but most SUVs arent. I tend to keep vehicles a long time, so hopefully this will turn out to be a reliable long term investment.
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Perfection! - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
By TonyG5003 - January 7 - 2:00 amI traded my 2001 for a 2003, and was pleasantly suprised to see the telescoping steering wheel and stereo controls on the steering wheel. Also, the dashboard has a more pleasing shape to it. The only drawback to owning a Land Cruiser, is that you are never satisfied with anything less. Its an expensive love affair!
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Real Meaning of SUV - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
By james lc - December 14 - 2:00 amPurchased a little over a year ago. What an outstanding piece of automobile engineering. From the AWD system to the comfortable seats, this is the best product for the price.
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The Best Valued Luxury SUV Available - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Austin - December 12 - 1:53 pmI believe the Toyota Land Cruiser has the attributes of a luxury vehicle without compromising what makes an SUV an SUV.
