EDMUNDS.COM 2004 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
An SUV that does everything well. But before you buy, make sure you have a need for all of the Land Cruiser''s abilities.
Pros
Go-anywhere capability, powerful V8, versatile interior, luxurious cabin.
Cons
Quality and capability don''t come cheap; Toyota''s Sequoia is bigger yet less expensive.
What''s New for 2004
The optional navigation system is now available with a rearview backup camera that lets drivers see what''s behind them when backing out of parking spaces.
Overview
Introduction:
There''s no such thing as too much of a good thing, right? If this is your personal mantra, Toyota has a vehicle for you: the 2004 Land Cruiser. It''s big. It''s powerful. It''s comfortable. It''s got brand cachet. It hauls people and cargo through rough terrain just as easily as it hauls them to the local movie theater. The Land Cruiser doesn''t skimp on anything. Perhaps that''s why it costs more than $50,000. For almost half a century, Toyota has been selling Land Cruisers in America. The first ones arrived stateside in 1958. From 1961 to 1965, the "FJ" was Toyota''s best-selling model. These early versions still have a loyal following both here and worldwide due to their rugged personality and outstanding durability and reliability. The current fifth-generation model was introduced in 1998. It is a far cry from the original. Luxury features are plentiful. It comes in only one version with just four available factory options (the rest are dealer-added). The Toyota Land Cruiser offers some of the best on-road performance of any truck in this segment. Its long wheelbase contributes to a supple ride that is well damped at all four corners, and its steering is nicely balanced and weighted for such a heavy vehicle. The Land Cruiser is able to tackle the hardest terrain without breaking a sweat. What''s more, this ability doesn''t hamper the truck''s level of control and ease of operation on the freeway and two-lane roads. The Land Cruiser faces stiff competition from the newly redesigned Lincoln Navigator, the BMW X5 and the Cadillac and GMC luxo-utes from General Motors. Some may offer better value and more size for the dollar, and others might perform brilliantly on the highway, but not one of them is able to beat this capable Toyota where true truck buyers think it matters -- in the bush.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The full-size, eight-passenger Land Cruiser comes only one way -- loaded up. The highlights include four-wheel drive, leather seating, power and heated front seats, a JBL in-dash six-disc CD audio system, a moonroof and separate automatic climate control systems for front and rear passengers. On the short factory options list, you''ll find a roof rack and running board package, a DVD-based navigation system with rearview backup camera, 18-inch wheels and a side and head curtain airbag package. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available from the dealer.
Powertrains and Performance:
Power comes from a 4.7-liter V8 that generates 235 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. While certainly not the most powerful engine in this class, the Land Cruiser''s smooth acceleration satisfies, and passing maneuvers are quite easy. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is four-wheel drive. Should you want to tow, the Land Cruiser can lug 6,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway.
Safety:
Standard equipment includes antilock brakes with EBD, a stability control system (VDC) and ALR/ELR seatbelts. Active Trac is a feature associated with the 4WD system. It works by applying the brakes to spinning wheels and transferring torque to the wheels with the most traction, thereby enhancing the Cruiser''s prodigious abilities on and off the pavement. On the options list, you''ll find an airbag package with regular side airbags for front occupants along with side curtain airbags that offer chest and head protection for first- and second-row outboard passengers.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Thanks to the multitude of features and comfortable front- and second-row seating this is a very enjoyable SUV to spend time in. Total passenger capacity is eight. When not in use, the third row can be split in half, folded to either side of the cargo bay and stored in an upright position; when it''s removed entirely, the Toyota sports a maximum cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet. If the Land Cruiser isn''t luxurious enough for you, consider its cousin, the Lexus LX 470.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Unlike many luxury SUVs, this one comes with a locking center differential and a button on the dash that lowers the antenna to clear low-hanging branches. First and foremost, the Land Cruiser is designed to be driven off-road. The magic is in how composed it behaves on pavement, where most buyers travel. While not best in its class in terms of urban driving dynamics, it certainly beats most truck-based competitors when it comes time to run to the grocery store.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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