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 261 through 270 of 273.00

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  PERFECTION - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By LEXGUY - July 28 - 10:00 am

  As close to perfect in a SUV

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  Go anywhere in comfort - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By craig - July 24 - 10:30 am

  Best truck around for all kinds of driving. Cannot be beat for build quality and onroad/offroad combination in stock form. I live in Colorado and need one vehicle to do it all and have never been disappointed

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  Know what you are buying. - 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By PQuinn - July 8 - 7:20 am

  Pros: Looks good, reliable, comfortable and durable. Rugged feel but a refined interior. Cons: Gas mileage is miserable, averaging around 12 MPG, that isnt unexpected. The worst part of the bad MPG is that they combined it with a small fuel tank. This equates to filling up every 3-4 days. If you are over 6 1" you will have to do a squat to get in or you will bump your head. The controls are also set up for a right hand drive vehicle. For example, when you press the seek button to scroll through presets, going to the right takes you from preset 5 to 4 instead of to 6....smh! The moonroof has 2 switches the one closest to the driver tilts and the button further away is to open!!! My conclusion on the SUV is that it is truly a niche vehicle but it is nowhere near an every day truck.

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  You wont get valet parked out front...BUT! - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Tom Blanchfield - July 5 - 5:01 am

  This is my second TLC. I had the 2012. This is such an improvement in all the things that make a long drive comfortable or not. The adaptive cruise control on the early edition was overly sensitive. This one seems to know what is coming and gently accelerate or brake. The lane departure warnings and driver alert warnings are important/useful safety aids. The automatic brake thingy saved me front a very expensive accident! It is super quiet on the highway and this car just eats up miles! I traded in another vehicle that I liked that got better fuel mileage(RAM Eco Diesel), but the ownership costs of a Toyota are among the best. RAM had frequent service visits. I have had Audi Q7s with their brake jobs every 12000 miles and recalls. This thing is expected to be both reliable and cheap to maintain! My last TLC was! While it would be nice if the 3rd row folded flat into the floor, Id rather have the toughness and reliability of the TLC. I love the rear tailgate, and again you may think you want a powered clamshell rear door, but a split tailgate is so useful in real life situations. The roof hardware is very stout, no need to get a stronger Thule support bracket, like I had to with my Denali. When you add it all up, this is the finest large SUV out there! People who know quality and actually need an off road capable, snow/ice capable, towing capable, night on the town capable, kid capable - large SUV will love their LandCruiser. Those who want the valet to park it out front will get a Range Rover. Only issue is that Toyota should add Wifi like the American vehicles.

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  Total Satisfaction - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mstrongin - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Got it for my wife in 2001 and she loved it but wanted a new car with NAV and DVD. Was happy to get her a new 04 Acura MDX since I took over the Landcruiser. Great on long trips, in bad weather and everyday driving. Steady performer that can be driven all day comfortably. Only problem in 48K miles is replacement of rearview mirror. Love the truck

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  Land Tank - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By darko - June 4 - 4:56 pm

  Waited 10 years to buy this. This SUV is simply amazing. Go anywhere performance and enough class to hit the clubs in Scottsdale. Ive driven in 3 ft of snow, deep mud, rock fields and through streams... never, ever been worried about getting stuck. It is still as rattle and squeak free as the first day I drove it home. I plan to hang on to it for many years to come.

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  Glad to be Back with LC - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By David - May 7 - 6:56 am

  Had a leased 99 LC but moved to a 2002 Toyota Sequoia due to bigger size and lower cost. Could not wait to get rid of the Sequoia; too large and fit/finish could not come close to the LC. Traded back to 2006 LC and could not be happier. More features some same attention to quality and reliability.

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  I Hate this Car! - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Carol - April 6 - 6:50 pm

  The engineer who did the interior layout of this car should be fired! It is the most random placement of the rear A/C controls (above and behind the left rear seat?!). The Navigation system told me to make a u-turn and then after 100 yards told me to make a u-turn again! It shows me on roads Im not even on! The voice activate button doesnt work! The rear seats fold up in a complex non-user friendly way and then to hold them up you hook a strap to the overhead handle! This SUV is so OVERPRICED! You cant get tires for this thing because they are 18" wheels! Its got too much body roll! The tailgate makes it imposible to reach in the back!!

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  Second to none - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By luckylug - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Why did I waited so long to purchased this great vehicle ? Oh , yes the price.

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  Back to the LC I Go - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By David C - March 29 - 12:03 am

  I had a 1999 LC and then sadly moved to a 2003 Seqouia (larger size). Seqouias a nice truck but I could not stand the size/dimensions/fit-finish. Frankly, as my Seqouia review ("It aint no LC"), the build quality did not equal my 99 LC. Well, I turned the Seqouia in early (from my lease) and have come running back to a 2005 LC (over the new Land Rover). Love the additional features (back up camera is neat). Maintains the sturdy/smooth/fit-finish qualities that I missed but I was somewhat disappointed in not updating some of the annoying features (like the bulky way in folding the 3rd seats). All in all, I will not make the same mistake again. Landcruiser for life.