Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a series of popular four wheel drive automobiles from the Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan. Originally, they were strictly utility vehicles, but they now are available as SUVs. The Land Cruiser is widely used around the world in areas which require durability, reliability and off road performance.

Its widespread use as the transport of choice for militia units and irregular forces in the third world have served as a testament to their reliability and toughness.

Created as a competitor to other off-road vehicles such as the Land Rover and the Jeep, in many places the Land Cruiser is ubiquitous and has almost eliminated other 4WD vehicles from the market.

Design of the Land Cruiser began in 1950, and production began in 1953. The Land Cruiser has been produced in a number of different versions, including successful flat bed pickup trucks predominantly used as technicals.

In many places, the term Land Cruiser has almost become a generic term for an off-road vehicle.

Toyota designer Kazuo Morohoshi interviewed in the South African Car magazine explained the background to the birth of the Land Cruiser. "Growing up after the war, I was really impressed by the US Army personnel's Jeeps... and how they could climb up and over obstacles. We have many classic shrines with stairs leading up to them, and these cars simply climbed up those steps. I decided that one day I would make a similar kind of 'mobile', something more like an animal or insect than a car, which could do even better".

Chronology

1940-1949

• 1941 - The Japanese government tasked Toyota to produce a light truck for their military campaign. Toyota developed a prototype, the 2-ton AK10 in 1942. It was not a success and production run went to Nissan. There are no known surviving photographs of the AK10. The only known pictorial representations are some rough sketches. The truck featured an upright front grille, flat front wheel arches that angled down and back like the later FJ40, and headlights that were mounted above the wheel arches on either side of the radiator. It had a folding windscreen. The US Army Jeep arrived in the Pacific in May 1943, so allegations of the later BJ being copied from the Jeep are open to question.

1950-1959

• 1950 - The Korean War created demand for a military light utility vehicle, an updated Jeep, on Japan's doorstep. The U.S. put out a request to tender for 100 vehicles - the exact requirement spec is unknown. Toyota did not respond to this tender.

• 1950 - In the second half of the year, Toyota got an opportunity to tender for a contract for a Jeep-type vehicle to be procured by the Japanese National Police Reserve Force.

• 1951 - The BJ prototype is born in January 1951 called the 'Toyota Jeep'. Like the British Landrover Series 1 that appeared in 1949, it has a strong resemblance to the American World War II Willys Jeep. The BJ was somewhat bigger than the Jeep, and considerably more powerful thanks to its 2.2 L four-cylinder L-head engine generating 61 kW at 3000 rpm and 215 N·m at 1600 rpm. The BJ had a part-time four wheel drive system like the Jeep. Unlike the Jeep however, the BJ had no low-range transfer case, making do with an extra-low first gear with a 5.53:1 ratio.

• 1951 - Toyota loses a National Police Reserve Force tender, but Toyota had the confidence and tenacity to continue development of the prototype with a view to export markets which was part of the vision and strategy of Kiichiro Toyoda, Toyota's founder.

• 1951 - In July 1951, Toyota's test driver Ichiro Taira drove the next incarnation of the BJ prototype up to checkpoint 6 of Mt. Fuji, the first vehicle to get this far. The test was overseen by the National Police Agency. Suitably impressed by the feat, the NPA promptly placed an order for 289 units, adopting the BJ as their official patrol car. This acts as a catalyst for subsequent orders from the Forestry and Agricultural Agencies, together with several Japanese electrical power utilities.

• 1953 - Full-volume production of the BJ began with assembly undertaken at the Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd, and painting done at Arakawa Bankin Kogyo KK, later to be known as ARACO, which is now an affiliate of TMC.

• 1954 - The Land Cruiser name was born. The manufacturer of the Jeep, Willys-Overland, objects to Toyota's use of the name 'Jeep', as the BJ was referred to as the 'Toyota Jeep'. Toyota apparently believed that 'Jeep' was a generic name for a four wheel drive vehicle. Technical director Hanji Umehara pondered over a new name. "In England we had another competitor - Land Rover. I had to come up with a name for our car that would not sound less dignified than those of our competitors. That is why I decided to call it 'Land Cruiser'," he recalls in an interview with South African Car Magazine.

• 1955 - The original 85 hp (63 kW) diesel engine was replaced with a 125 hp (93 kW) F-series 3.8 L petrol unit.

• 1955 - The 20 Series Land Cruiser was introduced alongside the BJ. Designed to have more civilian appeal for export than the military-oriented BJ, more stylish bodywork, a better ride thanks to longer, four-plate leaf springs which had been adapted from those of the Toyota Crown saloon. Under the bonnet, it sported the newer, larger, more powerful F-Series six-cylinder engine (3878 cc, 78 kW). The interior of the vehicle was also made more comfortable, the extra space achieved by moving the engine 120 mm forward. The 20 Series still had no low range, only the extra low 1st gear but had synchromesh on the third and fourth ratios.

• 1958 - The first hardtop Land Cruiser was introduced. From this year, an even longer (2,650 mm wheelbase) model, the FJ35V, is produced in both wagon and van body styles.

• 1959 - First Toyota vehicles exported to Australia - the initial lot are Land Cruisers for use on the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

1960-1969

• 1961 - The 20 Series is upgraded to the now classic 40 Series. Many of the changes related to production techniques, with Toyota having procured new presses. Mechanically, the 40 was given a new, uprated 3878 cc version of the F-type engine (now producing 93 kW) and the Land Cruiser at last, receives a proper set of low range gears.

• 1961-1965 - Global production passed the 50,000 mark. The Land Cruiser was the best selling Toyota in the US.

• 1967 - Introduction of a new station wagon Land Cruiser. The 50 Series or FJ55 — sometimes called 'the Moose', was produced alongside the 40 Series.

• 1967 - The 50 Series has a longer, 2700 mm wheelbase model, designed with an eye to the North American and Australian markets, where it established the Cruiser's reputation for robustness and reliability over and above the competition - a reputation that continues to this day. The 50 Series is eventually to get a more powerful (4.2 L 2F-type) six-cylinder petrol engine with outputs of 104 kW at 3600 rpm and 294 N·m at 1800 rpm.

• 1967 - Introduction of the first Land Cruiser diesel for export, an export-only model fitted with the H-type 3576 cm³ engine.

• 1968 - 100,000th Land Cruiser sold worldwide.

1970-1979

• 1972 - 200,000th Land Cruiser sold Worldwide.

• 1973 - 300,000th Land Cruiser sold Worldwide.

• 1974 - The real diesel era for the Land Cruiser began this year, as the B-type diesel engine was fitted to a new BJ version of the 40 Series. A four-cylinder unit displacing 2997 cc, it delivered 63 kW at 3600 rpm and 196 N·m at 2200 rpm. Its introduction boosted Japanese home market sales, as the smaller engine put the diesel-powered Land Cruiser in a lower tax category than its 4.0 L petrol-fuelled sister. Over the following years, the diesel engine was improved, eventually evolving into the 2B (3168 cc, 69 kW, 16 N·m) and the 3B (3431 cc, 73 kW, 226 N·m).

• 1975 - The 3.8 L engine was replaced by a larger and more powerful 4.2 L version. In Japan, the Land Cruiser had almost always been available with a diesel engine with an original displacement of 3.2 L, reintroduced a 3.0 L in 1976, and updated to 3.2 L again in 1979 — but was never officially available in the U.S.

• 1978 - The First FJ40 and FJ55 models were sold officially in Germany with a 2F engine and drumbrakes in the front axle. Diesel models did follow 1978 with a B Diesel engine. Bodys switched over to the new floorpan in 1979, discbrakes for all and a 3B engine for the Diesel.

1980-1989

• 1980 - The 2nd-generation station wagon was introduced. While still retaining the rugged off-road characteristics of previous Land Cruisers, the FJ60 was designed to compete in the emerging SUV market. As a result, the Fj60 was given a variety of comforts that its predessesor, the FJ55, did not have. These comforts included:front disc-brakes, air-conditioning, rear-heater, and an upgraded interior. The FJ60 powerplant was a tuned-up version of the petrol (2F engine) and diesel (3B engine). Famed for its reliability, it is not unusual to find Fj60's with a 2F engine running strong past 300,000 miles. Consequenlty, the FJ60 owes much of its wide spread use,especially in Africa and Australia, to its reliability.

• 1981 - Land Cruiser sales surpassed a million. A high-roof version was introduced, and a bigger diesel, the 3980 cm³ 2H engine, was added. The new model also came with a five-speed transmission. The 60 Series was introduced to South Africa in the 1981 Toyota 1000 km desert race, when a stock Land Cruiser showed its ability to compete on equal terms with competition off-roaders through the punishing wilds of Botswana.

• 1983 - The final year of sales for the FJ40. In America, these classic Land Cruisers shrink in numbers each year, but clean examples rise in value. Specialist suppliers of aftermarket parts and restorers who return old FJ40s to better-than-new condition replace Toyota dealers as the main source of Land Cruiser expertise.

• 1984 - 70 Series introduced — (pickups and station wagons) replacing the stalwart classic 40 Series. The 70 Series also fulfills its users expectations and soon becomes a classic itself. The 70 Series was initially only available with the 2F petrol engine.

• 1984 - The first Land Cruiser with an automatic transmission, the first Japanese four wheel drive vehicle to have one.

• 1985 - 70 Series diesel introduced. The diesel engine was offered in the 60 Series luxury VX version generating 100 kW.

• 1988 - The petrol engine was uprated, with the new 3F unit displacing 3955 cc and generating 108 kW. It was also available in a G version, allowing it to be sold in Japan as a passenger car.

• 1989 - 80 Series station wagon introduced — replacing 60 Series. Solid or beam axles front and rear, introduction of coil springs and trailing arms. Initially the 80 was offered with a choice of three engines, the 3F-E six-cylinder petrol unit, the 1HD-T direct injection turbodiesel (120 kW, 362 N·m), and a normally aspirated 6-cylinder diesel.

• 1989 - All 80 Series Cruisers sold in North America and Europe now have a full-time four wheel drive system. In Africa and Australia, a part-time system was still available, with the South African version badged the GX. Series 80s produced between 1990 and 1991 had an open center differential which was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO. From 1992 onwards, vehicles with anti-lock brakes had a viscous coupling that sent a maximum of 30% torque to the non-slipping axle. The differential was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO.

1990-1999

• 1990 - Introduction of new-generation diesel engines, the five-cylinder, SOHC 1PZ and six-cylinder, SOHC 1HZ diesel — still current with minor modifications to this day. Later the same year, wagon versions had a complete makeover.

• 1990 - 2 million sales mark is passed.

• 1992 - Petrol unit replaced by the new 1FZ-FE petrol engine. Still produced today, the 1FZ-FE engine was a DOHC 4076 cc unit peaking at 160 kW and 372 N·m.

• 1993 - The introduction of the turbodiesel now sporting a 24-valve, DOHC inline six-cylinder engine displacing 4.2 L.

• 1995 - Driver and passenger side airbags, adjustable shoulder-belt anchors introduced in some models together with anti-lock brakes. The turbodiesel model gained four-valve heads and a power boost to 125 kW. It was not avaliable with intercooler, though many fit them themselves. The 80 Series VX is still highly desirable to this day.

• 1996 - In the Granada-to-Dakar Rally, a pair of Land Cruisers finished first and second in the unmodified production class.

• 1996 - All American and British 80 Series models are given anti-lock brakes and airbags as standard equipment.

• 1996 - Introduction of the 90 Series Prado (known as the Colorado in some markets such as the UK). The Prado was clearly aimed directly at the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun in the UK) niche, which has very successfully cornered a good chunk of the burgeoning SUV leisure market. The Prado was available in three-door short wheelbase and five-door long wheelbase versions with a choice of the 5VZ-FE petrol engine (24-valve V6, 3378 cc, 132 kW, 298 N·m) or 1KZ-TE turbodiesel (4-cyl, 2982 cc, 92 kW, 295 N·m). All Prados had an independent front suspension — wishbones and torsion bars giving a better on road ride. Many Land Cruiser purists were outraged at the Prado, saying that the Land Cruiser had strayed from its orignial ethos.

• 1996 - The 70 Series still remains the workhorse utility vehicle of choice in the world. The station wagon version was known affectionately as the "Troopie" in Australia, with the name derived from the term Troop Carrier as a result of its military utilitarian heritage. Troop Carriers are seen almost ubiquitously in television news, which are used as aid vehicles, by the UN, as ambulances and such like in the most rugged inhospitable parts of the world.

• 1998 - Toyota introduced the 100 Series Land Cruiser station wagon, to take over the 80 Series. The 100 Series Land Cruiser was notably larger, heavier, structurally more solid, substantially more powerful and with better brakes than the 80 Series. It is nevertheless more fuel efficient, generates fewer emissions and is considerably quicker. At launch it featured the first V8 engine in a Toyota car — the 32-valve 4.7 L 2UZ-FE engine. Displacing 4.7 L, the DOHC engine produced 173 kW and 434 N·m on the flywheel. Independent front suspension appeared for the first time in the large Land Cruiser (first appearing in the 90 Series and Prado), causing complete consternation amongst purists: "We will never forgive Toyota for going independent at the front with the mighty 4.2 turbo-diesel" - Australian 4WD Monthly. Indeed the British, American and other markets only get 100 Series with an independent front suspension, and still do to this day. These 100 Series equipped with an independent front suspension were initially available with the 4.7 L V8 and later on, the 1HD-FTE 4.2 L 6-cylinder 24 valve 151 kW, 430 N·m turbo diesel.

• 1998 - Toyota released solid axle versions of the 100 Series for markets with great tracts of wild territory including Australia. Badged as the RV and the South African model badged as the GX (full time 4x4 with ABS very similar to Australian RV wagon). The Australian Standard wagon with part time 4x4, manually lockable free-wheeling front hubs, plastic carpets, no ABS, manual windows and barn door rear — a very basic utility vehicle. The South African spec GX is supplied standard with 3 diff locks. This vehicle in petrol guise won Australian 4WD Monthly 4x4 of the year award for 3 years in a row until Toyota dropped the petrol-fueled version due to forthcoming stricter emission control regulations.

• 1999 - High-spec Cruisers get independent rear automatic climate control system for added convenience and passenger comfort.

• 1999 - Toyota Australia launched the Land Cruiser 78-series, updating the trusty, not to say rustic, 70-series with the addition of a coil-sprung front axle and a choice of petrol and diesel motors from the 100 series — the trusty 1HZ diesel (96 kW at 3800 rpm, 285 N·m at 2200 rpm) and 1FZ-FE petrol engines (165 at 4600 rpm, 387 N·m at 3600 rpm). The diesel is matched to a new manual transmission from the 100 Series with and a shorter final drive ratio — to improve performance.

• 1999 - The 70 Series had persisted with leaf springs all round for a lot longer than its main competitors — the Nissan Patrol and the Land Rover Defender and Discovery. Indeed the 79 still has leaf springs at the rear. It now gains the 100's live front axle and coil springs, which also brings a wider track and four pot caliper front disc brakes. The South African version to this day still has drums at the back. Australian Troopies use disks - more effective and less prone to sand ingress, which plays havoc with brake drums.

• 1999 - The wheel-base has been extended by 200 mm to 3180 mm (125 in) putting it up there with the Defender 130. Some of those 200 mm are taken up in stretching the cab by 120 mm to increase interior room. The rear leaf springs are longer for more travel and a better ride.

2000-Present

• 2000 - 50th Anniversary of the Cruiser total sales of Cruisers this year is over 191,000. Total Global production to date 3.72 million.

• 2000 - High spec Cruisers and 90 Series (Prados/Colorados) get active traction control (Active TRAC), vehicle skid control equipment (VSC), and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) systems as standard equipment in some markets.

• 2001 - Upgrade to high spec IFS Cruisers, various trim and equipment enhancements.

• 2002 - Turbo Troopie introduced into Australia - (79 Series station wagon) with 1 HD-FTE 4.2 litre 6 cylinder 122 kW 389 N·m 24 valve turbo diesel. (As for the VX and Australian GXL but without the intercooler) snorkel is standard. Optional front and rear diff lockers. The Troopie is still not available in South Africa but appears very common in Mozambique, Lesotho and is not unusual in Botswana.

• 2002 - All New Prado Released (120 Series station wagon simply Toyota Land Cruiser in the UK market) - the new Prado was released late in 2002 in both GX and VX turbo diesel form utilising the an intercooled version of the 3 litre KZ-TE engine found in the Hilux. This oil burner produces 96 kW and 343 N·m of torque. From April 2003, a new 4 litre V6 petrol engine will be available, delivering 183 kW and 382 N·m. Both models now come with 17 inch (432 mm) wheels limiting tyre choice and enough electronics to build your own Federation Death Star. The new Prado's body has 60% more torsional rigidity, leading to improved off- and on-road performance, lower noise and better quality. A new ladder frame chassis, combined with a revised suspension provide outstanding durability and off-road ability. The centre of gravity has been reduced by 30 mm, ensuring better stability. Dual fuel tanks, with a total capacity of 180 litres, extend the Prado's range. Together with a Torsen limited slip central differential, Active Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control provide outstanding mobility on almost any terrain. VX models also feature Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control to enhance vehicle stability under difficult off-road conditions.

• 2002 - Face Lift 100 Series - Face Lift versions of the 100 Series GX and VX models were released in late 2002. Minor exterior changes have been made (essentially comprising of more chrome look plastic). GX models now have seating for 8, dual airbags to supplement the ABS brakes and electrically adjustable rear view mirrors - a redesigned dashboard with satin silver trim is also included.

• Early 2005 - Toyota exhibits the "FJ Cruiser" as a 2007 model to debut in early 2006. It features bodywork reminiscent of the classic FJ40 but is based on a Land Cruiser Prado/4Runner frame and has a modern V6 engine.