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 81 through 90 of 273.00-
Whats not to love? - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
By stp - June 8 - 10:00 amAbsolutely a pleasure to drive, I am thrilled with my new Land Cruiser. I still own a 1992 Land Cruiser that just keeps on truckin and I am sure I will love this one just as long!
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SUV of choice - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Hector Campos - May 18 - 10:16 amPreviously owner of Range Rover. Performance and reliabilty of the Land Cruiser is far superior. The engine is strong, body has very nice profile and rides very smooth. Bought this vehicle because of outstanding performance & reliability of a new Camry we have and the quick decline of RR.
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Why change something that works! - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Crusier Guy - May 6 - 7:50 pmIm a SUV lover. Ive owned trucks, cars, and other SUVs and this is by far the best SUV Ive ever owned. Its amazing how solid it is built. It rides nice, has great handling in the snow, my only problem is its so nice I dont want to get it dirty! Ive had it for some months now and I wouldnt change! The safety features are great as well. On some of the down sides, Gas mileage is bad considering the lack of horsepower and torque. The nav system is great and it doesnt require a DVD. One frustrating thing, you can hardly do anything on the nav system while driving the vehicle, the restrictions are too strict and should be loosened up so you can use it w/out stopping the car.
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cruiser - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By realestatelady - April 29 - 9:43 amThe cruiser is a great truck !! IT carries 7 people.
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pointless suv - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Comdian - April 2 - 10:00 amwith a week, I used this suv and got sick of playing inside this because it works ploddingly in gear down and noisily. I got a bad feeling in turning left or right from highway
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Practical, Reliable Truck - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By bob - March 26 - 11:13 amWeve had this car for over 6 years now and it still looks and drives like new. We looked at other SUVs in 2000 but nothing compared to this one, and still nothing compares to this. The only problem we had with this is with the cd player and the brakes. Solid truck.
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6 More MPG and its PERFECT! - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By JTax - February 15 - 10:00 amIf you need one vehicle to do everything this is it! Amenities to spare, great power, comfort, superior road manners for its heft, quiet. The extra fuel cost is countered by its reliability. With fuel costs up the cost of a used one is well worth the investment. Heck, if I cant drive it Ill rent it out as a luxury studio apartment.
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I love it,Because no one has one - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Jon Bledsoe - January 9 - 4:19 pmI bought this for my wife, because her Sequoia is too big and the 4Runner was to small. Its perfect size but its very very expensive.Plus researching the Land cruiser has extremely good resale value . So long story short youre not paying for all of the MSRP unless you keep it for a long time youre just paying for the depreciation of the vehicle if you look at it that way your not paying a lot for the best Toyota out there.
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Its a good buy - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Jassim - January 8 - 7:50 amThe Toyota Land Cruiser is one fun car to drive. I just recently purchased one and i could not be happier about my decision.
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Unbelievable machine!!!! I LOVE IT. - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
By AmirS - December 14 - 10:00 amAs big as an elephant, as smooth as a pillow. It is unbelievable.I did shop around for SUVs past 2 months.Nothing does beat that features,reliability, performance,,,,,,,of this 4700cc car. The power is awsome. Fuel economy might be a problem but, man youre buying such a big car with so many features. In fact compared to other cars same size it has the best fuel economy.
