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 31 through 40 of 273.00

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  Hot SUV - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Lnad Guy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  MOST RELIABLE , STABLE SUV. RESALE IS BETTER THAN ALL THE REST. HAD OLDER MODEL WITH OVER 250,ook mis, try that on any other SUV. LANDCRUISER ARE WHAT YOU WILL SEE OFF ROAD IN OTHER COUNTRIES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MAYBE LAND ROVER....

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  The Ultimate Suv - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By matt085 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  The toyota land cruiser is the best luxury sport ute on the market. the reliability and comfort are surpassed by none. This suv drives like a car and has an incredible turing radius. the interior is beautiful, luxurious, and very versitile. it has a great 3 zone climate control system and the in dash cd player is splended. All around great suv!

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  Never has it failed!! - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By vishnada - January 5 - 4:03 pm

  One heck of a machine. Second generation user of LC. Never has it failed in the tropical jungles nor the concrete city driving.

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  The Crusher - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By dwity - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a truly amazing blend of ruggedness and luxury. I can take it several hundred miles on the highway and it rides like my Lexus ls400. I can take if off roading, exploring, or in snow and it performs as well as a pick up or jeep. Truly Awesome.

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  landcouch - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Bojustin - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Well after driving 5 different SUVs, we listened to other happy Land Rover drivers and purchased a new cruser. The best vehicle ever! Very safe, comfey, great ride and tracking. All the things we were looking for in size, shape, comfort and luggage capacity. Would highly recommend!

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  Takes a licking... - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By logmusic - November 10 - 4:23 pm

  Our Crusher was given to us by relatives that used it as a parking lot princess. In 10 years it had been dinged, scraped, dirtied and unloved as it was a family workhorse. NY winters did not help. NO scheduled maintenance ever, just generic oil changes, tires and brakes every so often. $4K later (a bargain!), it looks and rides just like new. Best of all it has only 60K on the clock! Even after 10 years of short trips and substandard preventative maintenance, this LC still runs like new! This vehicle is rock-solid and its reputation precedes it, making my analysis superfluous. ;-)

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  Best of the Best - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Land Cruiser #1 - October 31 - 1:53 am

  Ive had two Land Cruisers a 1997 and 2000, and with out any doubt, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the overall best SUV made today. I sold the vehicles when they had around 100k miles on them. However, I could have kept them for another 100k. Both vehicles were dealer maintained and they never had to do anything other than the routine scheduled maintenance. Everything about the vehicles was quality not a cheap part to be found inside or out. It is no wonder why the UN uses these vehicles around the world for relief efforts rather than the cruddy Land Rover Discovery anymore. By the way, I had a 96 Discovery SE7 and the damed thing started costing me $2000 per repair twice a year after 50k miles.

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  Wish my 99 Range Rover had been Cruiser - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Joe - October 23 - 8:46 am

  Refined, quite, smooth and powerful. Supberb fit and finish. Excellent on interstate or pot holes. Confidence inspiring brakes and excelleration. I have owned 4-wheel Ford Exploirer and all-time-4 Range Rover. They were both older and both may be technically superior today, but I cannot imagine loving any vehicle like my Cruiser

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  REPUTATION ABOVE ALL OTHERS.... - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Caddy - October 14 - 10:00 am

  THE LANDCRUISER IS LUXURIOUS AND TOUGH. YOU WILL BE VERY VERY PROUD TO OWN ONE!!! I THOUGHT OVER AND OVER. HIGH SAFETY, HIGH RELIABLITY, TRUE DESIGN, SPACIOUS COMFORT AND UNMATCHED REPUTATION. ALL OTHERS WILL SHINE AT THE TIME BUT THE LANDCRUISER WILL STILL BE THERE. WHEN YOU SAY I HAVE A LANDCRUISER...ENOUGH SAID...OTHERS ENVY AND ONLY WISH. THE PRICE IS WORTH IT AND HOLDS ITS RESALE VALUE. ITS THE NEXT LEVEL.

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  The most refined TLC yet - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By fsung - October 7 - 3:10 pm

  This is my second Toyota Land Cruiser. My was first one was a 1997 Lexus LX450 (a rebadge LC). Over the last 20 years, Land Cruiser has became a luxurious SUV and refined vehicle. While it doesnt have all the bling blings like the its sibling Lexus LX570/range rover/escalade, but I will take simpler suspension system over LX570 and reliability over range rover/escalade. All the new electronics definitely add complexity and cost to repair. However, most of them are safety oriented and are welcomed additions for daily driving and also add a sense security if you choose to venture into the wilderness once a while. For its intent purpose, being an overlanding vehicle, LC is by far in its own category. The only cons is the fuel economy. I dont mind fill up the tank but I wish it had a greater range. You can get out of the wilderness if youre running of gas lol. Update after first 10K. There was only 1 issue over last 10K miles. The factory wireless headsets were defective out of the factory. DS headset worked intermittently, cutting in & out. Toyota quickly replaced with an updated set. The car drove flawlessly over last 10K miles and through 2 snow storms. Factory fitted Dunlop all season tires were sub-par in the snow/ice, will probably change them out for a set of BF KO2 AT tires when next winter rolls around.