1997 TOYOTA Land Cruiser

1997 Toyota Land Cruiser

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car with 94K and I am currently at 102k and my goal is to go half a million miles with this amazing car. I absolutely love this car. Its got this best engine ever made. Never ever gives up and will chug through just about any type of weather mother nature throws at it. Its 4x4 capabilities and high clearance makes me feel comfortable in any situation. I live in a thick mountain area and at -21 degrees it starts right up. This car is reliable and worth every penny! Plus it just looks amazing! Very unique compared to most other vehicles. This car will be around for my kids and grandkids.

best car i have ever had

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my 1997 special 40 anniversary edition Landcruiser new back in 1997. The problem with this suv is that its so good you don't want to let it go. I have put 335,000 miles on it. It drives better than many new suvs coming right off the showroom. The only repairs in 15 years have been 1 radiator and 1 alternator. The power antenna just got tired of going up and down, so now it just stays up. I had to re-upholster my two front leather seats a year ago due to normal wear and tear. The mileage is always the same 15 to 16mpg regular gas no matter if you are going up hill or downhill. I joke to my friends this truck will do 16mpg even if its parked.

1997 Collectors Edition FZJ80

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased the LC 2 years ago with 182K miles on her. For the price of an ATV i decided why not. I've also researched these things and they can exceed 500K at least. Since most of them are shipped to south america and africa i had to have one. Immediately based lined it and spent another $2,000 . All in all, It was a $10,000 dollar investment which included tires, head gasket fix, PHH tube and a new drive shaft front and rear, Knuckes etc. There is a feeling you get when you drive this cruiser that no other car gives you. Its craftsmanship and over engineering is evident once you hit the throttle. The off-road capability is overwhelming and you are in complete control.

Wow-I love this car.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this car with 190,000 miles. It is now at 270,000 miles. My only repair was a new radiator, which I probably could have skipped but was on vacation with family and didn't want to chance it. Like previous reviewers, the wife and I fought over this car although we had a newer one with less miles sitting in the driveway! I will definitely be buying another land cruiser. Although mileage is poor, you make up for it with lack of repairs. Truly a pleasure to drive. Also, like the previous reviewer, we got rid of a Jeep Grand Cherokee to buy this. That car was always in the shop. Not the land cruiser. Wonderful car.

My Landcruiser

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Bought it around 2 years ago with 150k on it, so far only had to change the rear 02 sensor, and some normal wear items. The only thing I don't like on this LC is the driver seat, can't never find a comfortable position.

Toyota tank

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This SUV is the most over built truck on the market. Pulls like Missouri mule, but has a decent enough ride for long trips. I pull a 6500# sailboat from time to time and the old girl hardly grunts. 113,000 miles and she's still a baby. AWD is flawless. Need to replace the locker switch ($600 - ouch), so be sure to exercise yours! Never stuck, no rattles, solid truck. Engine is bullet proof. I have 3 guys that want to buy her when I am done and they don't care I am done. I'll endure the poor mileage to drive this SUV.

last of the greats

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

i just purchased a meticulously cared for 97 collectors edition. drove it 1700 miles from the airport i picked it up at. i had never "really" driven in snow. this truck cruised on control at 80 o snowplowed and unplowed highways for 6 hours. flawless. the sticker 13 years ago was $54,000. if the truck was new today i would pay that in a heartbeat. i would have to finance it though. safe, and accurate. the awd practical drove for you. there is no real passing power going up mountains; but the power button allows you to pass relatively easily on flat roads. i have a gt3 and gti. i would trade either for this armageddon tank. it is my favorite vehicle today. one of the best ever.

Best car I have owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my LC new in 1997. It is the BEST car I have ever had. It now has 276,000 miles and I have not had to hardly do any repair work, other than oil changes (I do it every 3,000 miles), brakes and tires. I was told this 6 cylinder engine should be trouble free for 500,000 miles or more, so my high mileage so far has not scared me. The only things that have given me trouble was the automatic car antenna and one of the little gadgets that extend out to electronically bend the front back seat. It does 15-16 mpg of regular fuel. The newer land cruisers with V8 do 14mpg with premium fuel. I recommend this car, if you can get one with 100-150,000 miles it's a better buy than a new car.

My next car will be a Land Cruiser too!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought at 192,000 mi. It now has 225,000 mi. R U ready for this...I had to fix...(drumroll)...a spark plug. That's it. We have a newer Subaru Forester, but we both fight over who gets to drive this car. We LOVE it.

Best Used SUV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Rock solid build quality with no rattles or squeaks after 235,000 miles. The only major maintenance was replacing the radiator at 215,000. Other than that, just the routine 30,000 mile maintenance stuff. Expensive to buy, but inexpensive to operate. The Land Cruiser is a go anywhere vehicle whether it's to the opera or a camping trip. I get 16/17 mpg while traveling in complete comfort. Running high end Michelin tires and have 85,000 miles on them so far. Looks like they will go at least 100,000 before getting to the wear marks. I have no intention of selling this Land Cruiser until it wears out and that does not look to be anytime soon.

Strict Outdoorsman

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

How do I say, "I AM GLAD I DID". I did my research and made my purchase. If you enjoy getting into those hard to reach places where only few can travel; This is definitely the vehicle for you. Everything the write up's say are only speaking from the tip of the ice berg. I have traveled from my home in the highland deserts of SoCal, to the even higher lands above Estes Park Colorado, which was in the 11,000 ft above sea level range. I presently live in North Western Louisiana. Believe me when I say that my Cruiser has been there. It presently has just over 300,000 miles on it and runs like new. Thank You Toyota.

Worth every single penny--and then some

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

If you're looking for an excellent SUV, this is it. After 12 great years of ownership, we put 234,000 miles on it before our daughter recently crashed it. She and her passenger hit a utility pole and the pole was shredded wheat. The girls were fine; no injuries, bumps or bruises. Unfortunately, it totaled the vehicle, but at least they were safe. The Land Cruiser has been called a "bank vault on wheels" because of it's safety and it's true. It is pricey, but it is worth every single penny. We will soon be upgrading to a used Lexus 470LX version and expect the same satisfaction since the Land Cruiser and the 470 are the same vehicle. The Lexus just has more bells and whistles.

Gas hog, but so what!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

What a pleasure it is to own this vehicle. We unloaded a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the same mileage to get our hand on this vehicle. It ended up costing us $4500 to do the deal, but I am so glad we did it. The Jeep, which was bought from a trusted friend and was taken care of, broke down and needed maintenance continually. The Land Cruiser, well, I changed a spark plug once. Can't blame Toyota for that. 210k miles as runs great! If this car ever dies then I will consider getting a newer 1998 model. I am not concerned about the gas mileage. No car payment plus the fact that this car is never in the shop more than makes up for the extra money at the gas pump.

Bring back the 97 model

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My wife prefers the 97 Landcruiser over her RX 330. It's a good looking, reliable, vehicle with unmatched offroad features. With only 44K miles on it, I plan on driving it for a long time. I also have an 88 4x4 Tacoma (212K mile), 94 4Runner (188K).

Cruiser

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought used in 03/2006 with 145,000 miles. With lockers, condition, collector's edition had to purchase it. So far, no mechanical/major problems, but the AC stopped working. $900 to fix leak on condensor!! The reliability and the "guts" of the Cruiser are unmatchable. Snow, rain, no problem. Confident ride in such conditions. Fun to drive in nice fall weather. Windows roll all the way down. Huge sunroof. This vehicle will get you from point A to point B, no doubt. However, it'll cost you 11-13 mpg. The ownership expenses add up: insurance, oil, gas, tranny fluid, diff fluid, larger tires. Basically, if you have excess spare cash to burn, a very reliable, superb vehicle!

LOVE The Green TANK

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I love the feeling of driving my LC. And knowing that the reliability is second to none. Chevy has the saying "like a rock" and I love knowing that I can climb right over that rock!! I Have 140k+ miles on it and I know that I will be able to get that many more out of it.

Gotta Luv It

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased my L/C about a year ago with 48000 actual miles from the original owner. The truck is all I expected. Having owned many toyotas I am most impressed with the L/C. Gas mileage is poor but I knew that when I got it. I would like a little more power but I wanted the 6cyl and the styling of the 1997. I did have trouble with the E-brake not dis engaging.

OLD FAITHFUL

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I've wanted one for years and bought a low mileage (56,000)a year ago. No problems at all- just gave it a tune up because I didn't know if original owner had. Also switched to full synthetic fluids throughout. The most versatile vehicle I've ever had- great traction on/off road. Never have to worry about wife and kids in rainy weather- its built like a tank. Gas mileage is 14 city/ 17.5 highway and doesn't change regardless of how I drive it. No leaks, oil burning or any problems so far. Amazing build quality. The only flaw I've found is that power antenna mast seems to be fragile and need replacement every few years (~ $50).

Best in its Class

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had my 97LC since Feb or so of this year. I bought it as a ski car. I was looking for outstanding safety and ability in a large size. I have only put about 2000 miles on this car, but I am very impressed. The build quality is the best that I have ever seen. Now, I have never driven a porsche, but compared to all of the other premium brands that I have driven, this car is simply amazing. This car is perhaps the best that has ever been built for what its built for- -amazing offroad and snow capability in a large, safe, and comfortable car.

Have you found perfection yet...?

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have. It's called Land Cruiser, and it's made by Toyota. OK it's not perfect, it only gets (for me) 17.5 MPG on average. I drive easy on road, hard off road and this puppy lovesthe dirt/mud/water/snow you name it. Save yourself about $30,000 on a new SUV and buy a nice 80 series made from 93 through 97. Mine has 165,000 miles and is nicer than most new (insert name) that cost $40,000 or more new.

If safety is your main concern...

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My wife and I purchased our Land Cruiser almost 2 years ago. I purchased it for it's stability, solid build quality and general overall quality. We purchased the all-black package and have loved it since day one. The only non-excellent marks are for fuel economy and performance. Folks, get used to ~14 MPG average. It's bad for all cars but pretty darn good for an SUV. Performance is a little sluggish but it wasn't designed to be a drag racer. The third seats are great and very convenient. The full size, alloy rim spare is a nice touch as well. You get a sense that Toyota made sure that they got the top build quality possible with this vehicle. It is soooo solid! Favorite ever.

Has a better vehicle ever been made?

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This LC is 8yrs old, with 135000 miles, and hasn't yet needed it's first tuneup. It still starts, runs, and looks almost like new. You're as secure in it as you would be in a bank vault. The ride is nearly as good as a BMW 740i of the same year. I've had to replace the brakes, battery, and tires, but that is about it. I get about 14 mpg commuting, and run a quart low by oil change time (3k mi). The biggest drawback is that it won't give me any excuses to shop for a new car. Had a 4Runner before this; it too was perfect after 4 years and 90k miles. Having previously owned a Jeep, a Suburban, and a Bronco (among others), I hate to say it, but I'd never buy American again.

It's legendary for a reason!!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had the Cruiser for 2 years. Bought it certified used from a Toyota dealer. This thing was immaculate with very low miles. We still only have 68,000 on it now. I hope to drive this thing forever and I think the only thing that I would replace it with is another landcruiser. A word about price. Landcruisers are very expensive to buy, but very reliable and cost very little to operate as ther are virtually no repairs. They also last forever at leat 50,000 to 100,000 miles longer than any american SUV's and can take anything you can dish out. Be smart and buy one you will not regret it.

Incredible reliability and quality.

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I am the 2nd owner and have almost 134,000 miles. I drive it pretty hard off road and I have never needed to be rescued. The build quality is awesome. I am anal about regular maintenance and the only thing I have had to replace is the brake fluid resevoir sensor. Oh yeah, the original battery went out around 100,000 miles. The engine is designed to last 300,000 before a rebuild. Fuel economy sucks but it is a tank that will last.

A Panzer in disguise

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

No complaints whatsoever with this vehicle. I feel extremely safe behind the wheel of this tank. This vehicle will go absolutely anywhere. Beautiful interior and quality build. No problems even after taking this thing on the roughest trails.

Smooth Urban Warrior

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I can't say enough about the Land Cruiser for its smooth ride over the worst urban street conditions (construction trenches, pot holes, etc.) Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the ease of parallel parking in the city -- the TLC is quite nimble at snaking into tight spots... very happy and very surprised at that. Of course, there have been no mechanical problems.

Stepping up!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I came from a 4runner, this is like heaven. The ride quality and build quality are great. I bought this used. The only thing I have noticed is a rusting sunroof. Weird. I haven't completed the investigation through a dealership yet.

hooked on cruisers

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my 4th Landcruiser and may be getting a 5th at some point. Real Solid Cars! I have 103km on it, use Syntec oil, have a K&N air filter and all the scheduled maint. My only complaint is that the new ones are sooo expensive.. I love this car, it takes great care of me here in the mountains and can't seem to find a fitting replacement. Sequoia is too big and others too little or have no low range tranny.

would buy this car again

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Have had this car for nearly 5 years and absolutely love it. In fact, this may be one of the only cars I'd be willing to drive until it dies.

not surprised!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I,ve owned seven toys and by far this one exceeds gluttony. I am a mechanic in DFW and it is no surprise that Toyota is the one car manf. least worked on in my shop. Outstanding reliability, fit , finish, driveability and list goes on! Toyota owners "maintain" as oppose to "repairing", cudos to all who do that. I've known many mechanics in the years and we all agree that land cruisers are the most overbuilt vehicles in the world, no offense to Hummers and the Dept of Defense!

BEST TRUCK OUT THERE?

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned my landcrusher for 3 years now and can say it is flawless. The engine runs smooth, the body quality is still excellent, and I have only ever had to change brake pads, fuel filters and the oil, of course! I would recommend a used landcruiser to anyone looking for a new nissan or similar. It has a timing chain so forget the timing belt BS with other trucks. The only one thing I would have changed is the front leg room and more cup holders, but that is a small price to pay for all you get otherwise.

quality toy

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had my toy for three years The reliabity is outstanding. I plan to kee [p it formany years to come. It has the best looks and quality of all suvs

Still amazing.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

From day one to now I am amazed by this vehicle. 120k and I've only replaced the brake pads and changed the oil along with regular service. This is the fourth Toyota I have owned they are consistent in quality and reliability.

BEST SUV OF 1997

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW IN 1997 AND HAVE NOT BEEN DISAPPOINTED. I COMPARED IT TO A RANGE ROVER, MERCEDES, ETC. I DID NOT BUY THE RANGE ROVER BECAUSE OF ITS DISMAL BUILD QUALITY.THE MERCEDES WAS JUST COMING OUT AND HAD AN UNPROVEN TRACK RECORD, AS WELL AS LOOKING LIKE AN EGG WITH WHEELS. I AM GLAD I DID NOT PURCHASE THE MERCEDES, AS IT HAS HAD A HORRIBLE TRACK RECORD CONCERNING QUALITY. I HAVE OVER 100,000 MILES ON MY 1997 LANDCRUISER AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS.