Reading about the 50-plus year history of the Toyota Land Cruiser is akin to studying a world-class athlete.
The original Land Cruiser – dubbed the “Model BJ” when it was first tested in August 1951 – was born when the U.S. Army contacted Toyota to engineer a four-wheel-drive vehicle to be used by soldiers and military police stationed in Japan.
After being christened the “Land Cruiser” in 1954 the auto – the first to climb to the sixth station of Mt. Fuji – went into mass production with a 125 horsepower, F series, 3.8-liter fuel tank. Not only did the Land Cruiser pull soldiers up dangerous terrain, but also pulled Toyota into the mainstream automakers in the U.S.
What started as a jeep-like vehicle has morphed into a large, luxury SUV that has top-notch off-road capabilities. Toyota overhauled the Land Cruiser in 2008 and will keep it the same in 2009, according to Toyota reps. Now sharing the Lexus LX’s platform and design the Land Cruiser has a host of extras including Smart Entry, a keyless door entry system, Smart Start, which eliminates a key for the engine, and extra safety features including 10 air bags.
But what sets the Land Cruiser apart is what made it famous — off-road capability. There’s no question the Land Cruiser is large – 5,690 pounds and longer, wider and taller than its older siblings. Some of the extra weight is due to a stronger frame. That allows the SUV to handle dirt, rocks, and fields with grace. Plus, a new four-wheel drive control system (CRAWL), Downhill Assist Control, and a new anti-locking brake system, makes it an even sturdier sports vehicle. Avid off-road enthusiasts subtract points, though, for the low ground clearance.
Still, the 5,690-pound (265 pounds more than the 2007 model) SUV handles dirt, rocks and fields with equal grace. Enthusiasts rave about the KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) that disconnects stabilizer bars to boost off road traction.
As you’d expect from the automaker that gave us the environmentally friendly Prius, the Land Cruiser is engineered so as to put it in the Ultra-Low Emissions category. Plus, it boasts improved fuel economy – 13-mpg city 18 mpg.
But what makes the SUV an off-road favorite is what bogs it down in regular driving. Certainly the Land Cruiser has a smooth ride but its extra large size can be daunting and tough to maneuver in city traffic and crowded parking lots. The Land Cruiser begs for the open road and can haul 8500 pounds along with it.
For those that want a luxury off-roading SUV, the Land Cruiser is a solid choice.
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
(Note: No modifications have been made to the 2009 model since the mid-2008 models)
Engine: 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder, 32-valve V-type DOHC with dual VVT-i, EFI,
aluminum block with aluminum alloy head
Transmission: 6-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with intelligence (ECT-i), sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill logic
Fuel Economy:13-mpg city/18 mpg highway (estimated)
MSRP: Starting at $64,755
