Expert Reviews
By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National April 29, 2003Vehicle Overview
Toyota’s most costly full-size sport utility vehicle has smaller dimensions than the newer Sequoia. The Land Cruiser has a history that dates back to the company’s early days in the U.S. market. In recent years, it has been the slowest-selling member of the company’s SUV group. Only 15,509 Land Cruisers were sold during 2000, according to Automotive News. The sales total dropped by more than half to just 7,591 units in 2001.
The Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470 share the same basic design and major components, but Lexus’ SUV has more standard features and additional luxurious furnishings. A third-row seat, automatic rear climate control and a HomeLink transmitter became standard in the Land Cruiser for 2002. Among the few recent options are a JBL sound system and a navigation system with a DVD player. Toyota has not yet released details on changes for the 2003 model year.
Exterior
The Land Cruiser stretches to 192.5 inches long overall, which makes it about 6 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Tahoe and almost a foot shorter than the Sequoia. Mounted on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Land Cruiser measures 76.4 inches wide and stands 73.2 inches tall. Access to the cargo area may be achieved through a window that flips up and a tailgate that drops down.
Interior
Seating for eight occupants in the Land Cruiser is standard. It features two front bucket seats and split, three-place second- and third-row benches that fold to hold more cargo. Children will fit better than adults in the third row.
Cargo volume in the Land Cruiser totals nearly 91 cubic feet. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a six-CD changer, a power sunroof and remote keyless entry.
Under the Hood
The Land Cruiser uses a 235-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 engine and a five-speed-automatic transmission, which team with permanently engaged four-wheel drive. The LX 470 uses the same powertrain. All Land Cruisers have traction control and a limited-slip rear differential.
Safety
Standard equipment includes antilock brakes and daytime running lights. Vehicle Skid Control, Toyota’s electronic stability system, applies brakes to individual wheels when necessary.
cars.com From the cars.com 2003 Buying Guide Posted on 9/30/02 |
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