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:
Showing 171 through 180 of 273.00-
The Best Money Can Buy - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By jaysun - August 18 - 2:00 amIm now a believer in the Toyota legend. I bought my Land Cruiser with 47K miles on it, and it feels like it just came off the assembly line. Not a whistle, squeak, rattle, bump, or other phantom noise or vibration to be heard--and this is over springtime roads in New Hampshire. The fuel economy isnt the greatest but its more than a fair price to pay for the quality and stability youre getting in this vehicle. For all you hear about them, I doubt the Hummer H2s are really this well engineered and built. And all this for several thousand less than I would have paid for a brand-new 4Runner!
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Very Impressed so far - 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser
By pjcrage - August 7 - 8:30 amThis is my second Land Cruiser and I am impressed thus far. My last was a 2006 (last generation) and I was not happy with it trading it in after less than a year. The 2011 has improved in MANY areas. Handling, comfort, conveniences, performance are all significantly upgraded in this generation of the LC.
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great vehicle!!! - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
By drcjj - July 31 - 2:00 amI now have about 54,000 miles on my 2001 landcruiser and I am very pleased with its overall performance. this is my 5th landcruiser and for each new car I have shopped the others out there and then returned to the Landcruiser for my purchase. This car climbs about anything, goes in the snow and mud like it doesnt exist and gets about 14 to 19 mpg to boot. Great family roadtrip car, reasonably quiet at 80mph on highways... nice stereo system too, great sound for a factory installed system, true audio quality, much better clarity and intelligability than those Bose systems hyped to be so hot in other cars.
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Land Cruiser rating - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
By SUV Driver - July 23 - 11:26 pmI have owned 8 other SUVs. Fords, Chevys, Nissans, and Toyotas. This is the finest SUV, by far that I have ever owned. NIce styling, great ride and comfort, with superb dependability!
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new 2003 LC - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
By nuchaus - July 19 - 10:00 amMy second LC, replacing a 2001 X5. Impressed with interior comfort, especially seats. Smooth ride, ample power/acceleration. Complicated Nav system but integrated with Audio quite well. Quite glad to be back with the Land Cruiser brand. Definite bummer is the fuel consumption (not a surprise). Also, Toyota dealer a breeze to work with and quite an improvement over the BMW dealership I dealt with.
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MONSTER - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
By monster_tank_elephan - July 15 - 10:00 amI will tell you haw it is: Suspension not that smooth, some reviews are telling riding like on air, NOT All wheel drive, all the time, eats more gas and that why most are complaining about GAS, but all wheel drive makes this car stable on the turns. Only 230hp, need more? get supercharger from Toyota TRD will give ya +30% hp. Price $55K not worth it get a use one for 30K same thing just same a lot on $$. Stereo system is not that wof- wof put a custom one. And the one that I have, makes wind noise from the from a front window. I thing if you looking for comfort, style, reliability, fun to drive this is the car ya.
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My First L/C - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Albi - July 1 - 10:00 amJust purchased one after 15 years of waiting. Worth the wait. Drove a Yukon before this and the only thing the Yukon was better at was interior space. Fit and finish are excellent. Engine, while not the most potent, has enough torque for smooth merging and lane changes. No regrets
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King of the Road - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Supernova - July 1 - 10:00 amThis is my first 4x4 i have had a lot of fun driving it up and down 100 meter high sand dunes in the UAE then going out of the sand and inflate the tyres and drive at 100 MPH for hours, and few cars can do what the Land Cruiser can, in the year i had no problems what so ever with it i use it for short journeys to work and long journeys on the weekend breaks with the family. its simple you can go anywhere you want to go.
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Truly the best 4x4xFar - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
By zad329 - June 7 - 8:23 pmMy family has owned six (6!) Land Cruisers over the years, but I was the black sheep who strayed and purchased a Range Rover. The Rover was gorgeous, and a very able 4x4, but the thing was incredibly unreliable. When repairs were needed (which was often) the bills were frequently more than $1000-$2000. Long story short, I wised up, sold the Rover and bought an 06 Land Cruiser. Theres a reason the UN owns 12,000 Land Cruisers: you cant kill em. This vehicle is, by far, the most reliable & able SUV in the world. I am the prodigal son who returned, and the LC is where Im going to stay. After all, my Moms 99 LC just hit 300,000 miles; shes shooting for 1,000,000. Stay tuned.
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Just the best!! - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By darby124 - June 6 - 10:00 amUsing this vehicle at 9000 above sea level in Colorado Rocky Mountains really has been a joy. It just loves to glide along the interstate, to plow through snow on side roads, to manage ice/rain/snow/mud--anything, all in the plushest luxury I have ever had around me.
