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^SM 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:

Showing 151 through 160 of 273.00

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  The King of Sport Utilities - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 4WD Aficionado - July 28 - 7:33 am

  Forget about the hype from other manufacturers who claim to be the best, the original, professional grade, etc. The Toyota Landcruiser is the best built, most durable, full- size sport utility vehicle on the planet. It is sold on every continent because it can handle anything you throw at it. How does your unibody Cayenne/ML/X5 hold up to the rigors of Afghanistan? Thought so. The LC is great off road, rides very well on road, and the 320 ft. lbs. of torque is plenty. (Dont buy into the horsepower hype, people -- its torque that you want.) If you want a sports car, buy a 911 or a Corvette, not a SUV wannabe. Buy the Landcruiser, and with the money you save, get a used Boxster!

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  Big Improvements - 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By AES - July 25 - 3:20 am

  Gave my 2002 LC to my dad after 218,000 carefree miles. Only had to replace the timing belt and water pump at 100 and 200. New vehicle is a huge improvement in terms of interior and ride quality. Memory seats finally! Also, back seats adjust which is great for the kids. On the performance side, I towed my boat this weekend with no problems 120 miles on the highway. Seems solid with 7,880 problem free miles thus far.

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  Toyota Schuffle - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Glen Feather - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a major problem in the drive system. The mechanic at the dealership claims it is a design flaw. They do not want to fix it and Toyota will not return calls or messages. There is a problem in the steering column that they supposedly fixed, but still persists. This is either a dealership problem or a design problem, but Toyota needs to live up to its reputation.

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  THE BEST SUV EVER MADE - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By WA - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Hi all, just wanted to voice my opinion. I just purchased a 2002 Landcruiser, this after owning a 2001 Landrover...enough said! Prior to my owning a Landrover I had a Landcruiser for several years. I can honestly say, a Landrover DOES live up to its reputation of being an un-reliable car that falls apart! Also they depreciate like CRAZYYY!!! I appreciate having my LC every day, as I know it will NEVER fail me, sure it does not have that fancy Rover symbol, but that is not nessary as the LC is a legend.

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  EXCELLENCE IN MOTION - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By GEORGE NELSON - May 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A COMFORTABLE RELIABLE SOOTHING, AND SMOOTH RUNNING TRUCK THAT MADE OUR ANNUAL VACATION SUCH GREAT PLEASURE . THE KIDS LOVED THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND MYSELF AND MY WIFE LOVED THE RIDE AND INTERIOR DESIGN.

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  GREAT Vehicle to own - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Robert V. Scott - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Resisted buying one. Have had MANY Tahoes, Yukons, a BMW X5, but this is by far the finest!My wife has a new MB CLK 430 Cab. and prefers this Landcruiser on a daily basis. She loves the Luxury and saftey combo. Easy to handle and great site lines. Reminds her of her old Lexus LS 400.Better buy than the Lexus LX 470. Use the extra 10K for the gas in this vehicle.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Thomas - April 26 - 8:10 pm

  I did a lot of resaearch and was awed by the reliability ratings of this vehicle and the reputation. I bought it based on these attributes but now I feel like I left a lot on the table in terms of style and features compaed to other similar vehicles. Some specifics that I miss in this suv versus my last one (and others I consdiered): -No Dual climate control -No Heated rear seats -Unattractive exterior styling -Handles poorly...lots of sway -Sound system poor especially when driving with windows open -No rain sense wipers -Big and bulky...not precise -A lot of plastic trim -No in dash cd changer -no auto dimming outside rear view mirrors

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  Better than expected - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By r.a.russell - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Although the fuel economy leaves much to be desired. The overall quality of the Land Crusier is better than my Mercedes ML and my previous 500 SEL. The truck is very solid and responsive and goes like a donkey while off road. I would recommend this truck to both the luxury buyer and also one to have fun with. The best SUV that I test drove, and I test drove most of them.

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  Outstanding Build - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Ivan - April 4 - 1:00 am

  The car drives and runs so smoothly and is so tight and handles so well in all conditions: snow covered roads; pouring rain; highway driving; driving on dirt roads, etc., it really gives me great comfort. The reliability and ruggedness makes me feel like my car will be the last car on the road to break down.

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  Best SUV on the road ! - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Carlos Rodriguez - April 1 - 6:16 am

  Ive owned 3 SUVs prior to the Land Cruiser, but this one has to be the most comfortable and refined SUV on the road. The handling and suspension are awesome, the quietness of the engine is amazing. The body style never looks outdated, always looks new. The controls are very easy to operate, offroad capabilites are far superior then any other SUV on the road, hands down. Ive always wanted a Land Cruiser but the cost was out of my range. Now that I own one I will never go back to any domestic SUV. Yes it is a bit more expensive than other SUVs, and premium fuel is required, but believe me its worth every penny.