Toyota Land Cruiser - 1999

The Toyota Land Cruiser's off-road abilities have never been in doubt. The "Cruiser" has been Toyota's entry vehicle into markets throughout the world, particularly in areas where roads are primitive and conditions are rough. In American specification for the past decade or more, though, it was and is anything but a basic all-terrain vehicle with primitive appointments. But, the previous Land Cruiser's solid axle suspension, while rugged and capable of dealing with just about any off-road situation, was lacking in refinement compared to newer competitors. Likewise, the old Land Cruiser's six-cylinder engine was showing its age, and forced to compete with V8s. Enter the fifth- generation Land Cruiser, bigger, stronger, and more capable, yet more economical to operate and more environmentally friendly. And it is the first V8-powered Toyota.

The new Cruiser made its debut as a late-release 1998 model during the 1998 calendar year. While superficially similar to the previous-generation Land Cruiser, it is larger in every dimension, with more interior room and easier access. A new, much stiffer frame and body structure provide secure anchorage for the first independent front suspension in a Land Cruiser, with improved ride and handling qualities and a quieter, more comfortable driving experience the result. Despite the increased size, weight, and power, the new Land Cruiser has a smaller appetite for fuel than the old model. Changes for 1999 are few, highlighted by an available independent rear automatic climate control system.

The '99 Land Cruiser is unostentatious inside as well. My test vehicle had the optional leather upholstery, which made it look as ready for the boardroom as the backwoods. But wood trim and gratuitous gadgetry are absent. The essentials are done to a high standard, with comfortable, fully-reclining, heated front bucket seats and a 60/40 split rear seat that reclines or flips and folds for versatility and extra cargo room. Access is easier than before due to larger doors, and the seat and floor heights are not excessive. The first two rows have plenty of room; optional third-row seats are best suited to small children. There are plenty of storage spaces around the cabin; even the second-row passengers have door pockets. Standard climate control and AM/FM/cassette/CD sound systems work well and have large, easy-to-use controls. Power windows, mirrors, and doorlocks are standard, as expected.

The 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser has dual air bags, 4-wheel antilock vented disc brakes, side-impact door beams, and daytime running lights.

16.04.2008. 07:14

This article hasn't been commented yet.