1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Excellent excellent excellent. Other than gas mileage I don't have a single complaint. I bought it used with 60,000 miles (a new one would have been cost prohibitive for me) and have only had to replace the typical wear-out items, tires, shocks, windshield due to rock chips, a couple of hoses...and a radiator and bumper because my teenager rear-ended another car. No timing chain or belt to worry about - they are gears. No CV Boots to tear, they don't have them. I drive 65% hwy/35% city and get a consistent 15mpg, nothing to brag about but did I mention I have 270,000 miles and still going strong with no rattles from anywhere - not even the interior. My vehicle is completely stock with all options, anti-lock breaks, locking differentials, moon-roof, rack, leather interior. I have never been stuck in my landcruiser, whether it be snow, sand, mud, it always pulls me through. I will never get rid of it because I haven't seen another vehicle as reliable or versatile on the road, although i do wish it got better mpg. Toyota has demonstrated to the rest of the car world how they all should be built. If you know of one that can compare, let me know! I haven't seen one yet.
VS
Critical Review
These vehicles are great when they are new but once they get some miles on them, say over 150,000, they need constant and VERY expensive maintenance. They get horrible gas mileage, maybe 12mpg around town, 15mpg highway. They have a few quirks that can stop you dead in your tracks and leave you stranded. They ALL have a defective headgasket design. They ALL will blow sooner or later. So if the headgasket has not been replaced yet, take $2500 right off the top of the asking price, because that is the minimum you will have to pay to get it fixed. If you don't get it fixed and continue to drive it with a leaking headgasket you will ruin the engine. Just to service the (hidden) CV joints costs, are you ready for it, $1500, and that is if there are no worn parts needing replacing, most of that is in labor charges. So overall, unless you own an oil well in North Dakota, take a pass on the FZJ-80 Toyota Landcruiser; they are totally not indestructable and will empty your bank account quickly.
1997 Land Cruiser Reviews
Showing 8 of 132 reviews.
Typically clean 80 series sell for 15,000-30,000$ on todays market. There have been some extreme variables sell for 50,000$ at auction as well. The market has changed drastically in the past 5 years. Sad KBB has not to reflect the current market. In this instance, it either shows a lack of knowledge of this section in. Or, it shows a lack of willingness to give accurate estimates…. You choose
This things a tank. I trust it with my life.
Gas milage
Mine has been great. Crossed a river flowing extremely fast with the water over my hood 8 times without a snorkel. Wasn't very smart but we did it and this truck handled it. I've put my stock cruiser (none locked) through all kinds of crazy stuff and it handles it all like a champ.
solid vehicle
Running gear is noisy at highway speed
Runs well, drives well. This SUV can handle rugged, muddy, snow packed roads with ease. Has never failed me. Lousy gas mileage. (@ 17 highway- 13 in town). AC coolant has never been recharged. Stills blow cold, heater will drive you out. Paint is showing its age but still a head turner. Original radio/cassette/CD player needs an upgrade but still works fine.
Yes
Old
Owner selling very reliable workhorse vehicle. One owner. Trailer hitch.. all wheel drive. 3 seats but back seat removable
As close to perfection as a vehicle can get.
It is mortal. Vulnerable to other vehicles.
I will never have a vehicle this great again. It is perfection. I have taken it in incredibly rugged places. I have forded large streams, gone way off road, and I have driven it to work for years. I can drive on days and in places few others can. Everything about it is quality. I have had people try to buy it from me for way more than the listed value. I was never interested.
Durability-Longevity-A true performer.
Fuel economy-A brake eater.
I, through the many years, have owned or driven nearly every off-road/all terrain vehicle on the planet, including military hummers, jeeps, trucks, apc's, fuel, 5-ton, 2 1/2-ton, loaders, ect. With a few exceptions of course, I rate this vehicle as one of the most durable, most reliable and most dependable 4x4 in its class. Top 5 in all 4x4 classes worldwide. What it sacrifices in fuel economy is offset by its staunch ability to go places not meant to travel. Whether jungle terrain, the outback, the badlands, southern swamps, or The Rockies, with a few upgrades and a determined, knowledgable mindset, you'll find this vehicle seems to relish the challenge; a conquerer of dirt, sand, mud and rock.
I love my 1992 Land Cruiser FJ80 Series 4WD with Central Locking Diff. It comes with 3rd row power windows and mirrors and I love it!
Rugged, real all terrain and weather capable vehi
None if you are adventurous
What I love about the air cooled eighties Porsche 911 is the reliability and ease to work on. I bought the 1994 Land Cruiser from original owner after owning 1989 Range Rover years ago. I was considering 2005 Cayenne Turbo before bying the Toyota Land Cruiser. I chose the reliable, super rugged, capable and ugly Land Cruiser. I am Army Veteran from EU country and I was always amazed to see Toyota trucks performing flawlessly around the world! Buy it! Love it!
