The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser is up there with its archrivals the Land Rover and Jeep. To hardcore fans the only 4x4 worth looking at. The first Land Cruiser was released in 1951, a post-war achievement for the Japanese manufacturing company. It is Toyota's longest-running vehicle series and only second to the Chevrolet Suburban as longest-running SUV. During the occupation of the Philippines, the Imperial Japanese Army sent home an American Jeep to be studied and used as inspiration for a new vehicle. It was in demand as a military vehicle during the Korean War. Sharing its heritage through the war with Jeep and Land Rover Series 1
Hardy, dependable, and well built, it is no wonder that collectors and contemporary car owners alike revere the Land Cruiser. Body styles abound, from pickup (bakkie style) hardtop, soft top, or station wagon. There seems to be a Toyota Land Cruiser for every fan.
In South Africa, the consumer or comfort-orientated models still in circulation include the 1908's J60. In recent years, however, the J200 model manufactured from 2007 is a very common sight on South Africa's roads. The 5 door SUV offers off-road capability on par with is rivals, it is spacious and family-friendly, tough, and durable. The current V8 Cruiser shares the Lexus LX 570 platform has updated safety and technological features. The latest model is the 2019 release. In 1996, Land Cruiser made motorsport history when they came first and second in the Dakar Rally in the unmodified category. Also cited as one of the safest vehicles on the road, the 1996 Cruiser is still available and in high demand.
Fast forward to the current model. Again two styles are available - the bakkie style, well known as game drive bakkies and farm workhorses, and the wagon family style 5 door. Fans swear they are next-to-bullet proof. The youngest generation is available in 4litre petrol or 4,2litre diesel. All body styles are fitted with diff lock and a manual five-speed manual gearbox with high- and low-range transfer boxes. Ground clearance for the station wagon is an ample 230mm and 5mm higher for the bakkie body-style. The youngest generation bakkie-style also has a double cab addition that proves to be quite popular. Other upgrades include ABS brakes, electric mirrors and windows, and a bigger fuel tank. Fuel consumption depends on the year model and engine configuration (V6 or V8). The average consumption is around 6 km per liter for combined use.