1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
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1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser ▼
- Price Range: $11,000 - $41,400
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger room
- Ride
- Build quality
- Cargo room
- Quietness
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's full-size sport-utility vehicle earned new styling for 1998, as did its Lexus cousin. That upscale Lexus wagon got a name change from LX 450 to LX 470, to mark the switch from V6 power to the SUV's first-ever V8 engine (with 4.7-liter displacement). Toyota stuck with the Land Cruiser designation for its new V8 sport utility. The V8 evolved from the engine installed in Toyota's Lexus-division luxury cars. The 4-door wagon came with permanent 4-wheel drive and a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 2-speed transfer case provided low-range gearing for off-road use, and a locking rear differential was optional. A Land Cruiser could tow up to 6500 pounds. Antilock brakes were standard. Land Cruisers were fitted for 5-passenger seating as standard, but a 3-place third-row bench seat was optional, boosting capacity to eight occupants. Rivals included the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon/Denali.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Land Cruiser Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Toyota Land Cruiser:
Rear air conditioning became optional this year, as the only notable change. Featuring automatic temperature control, that system was independent of the front-seat air conditioner. Rear air was available only when ordering the third-seat option.
2000 Toyota Land Cruiser:
Land Cruisers gained standard equipment, including a new Active TRAC traction control system with integrated vehicle skid control. Using data from the 4-wheel antilock brake sensors and other sources, this system directed power to the wheels with best traction. Formerly optional, a power moonroof and leather upholstery became standard. Automatic rear air conditioning, independent of the regular system, now came with the optional third-row bench seat.
2001 Toyota Land Cruiser:
An optional navigation system featuring an in-dash screen with map display via DVD was new for 2001.
2002 Toyota Land Cruiser:
Toyota's luxury SUV got standard instead of optional 3rd-row seating, plus rear-seat automatic climate control for 2002.
2003 Toyota Land Cruiser:
Side airbags were a new option, a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed, and the V8 got an additional 5 horsepower.
2004 Toyota Land Cruiser:
An optional rearview TV camera is the only 2004 addition to the Land Cruiser.
2005 Toyota Land Cruiser:
Standard wheel size increases from 17 inches to 18 as the only 2005 change to Land Cruiser.
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser:
No new changes for 2006.
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser:
Land Cruiser carries over unchanged.
Our road test for the 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though less "trucky" than in the past, both the Land Cruiser and the LX 470 are not really carlike, either. Even so, they're the most refined big SUVs to be found, more powerful than before and boasting additional sound insulation. Despite the Land Cruiser's still-hefty curb weight, its V8 engine is muscular enough to deliver brisk acceleration, helped by prompt, smooth shifts from the automatic transmission. A test model accelerated to 60 mph in a surprisingly swift 9 seconds. Wind and road noise in a Land Cruiser can be noticeable--mainly because the V8 is so well-muted--whereas the LX 470 is quieter, in keeping with its luxury mission. We averaged 12.3 mpg in an early Land Cruiser, using the recommended premium fuel. A later edition returned 13.6 mpg. Ride comfort and control are good, both on-road and off. Though high-built, this wagon does not feel ponderous around town. It also handles confidently except in fast corners, where marked (though predictable) body lean is the rule, coupled with a slight tipsy sensation. Four-wheel drive helps keeps the grip secure, while the Land Cruiser's independent front suspension yields a surprisingly absorbent ride. Helped by standard antilocking "panic" braking, distance and control are excellent for a vehicle of this type and weight. Head room and rear leg room are good, in contrast to prior models. There's also enough cabin width for three grownups in the middle bench seat. The available third-row seat is cramped and inaccessible for all but a preteen couple. Middle-row entry/exit isn't easy either, thanks to a tall step-up and narrow door bottoms. On the other hand, that high stance gives a commanding view of the road, though headrests impair vision out back. The user-friendly dashboard has simple new rotary climate controls, though a few other switches aren't so easy to see. Space behind the third seat is sufficient for grocery bags but not much more. That seat folds or removes fairly easily for generous maximum cargo room.
Value for the Money
Though less expensive than its Lexus mate, Land Cruiser is not cheap and has less space than some less-costly rivals. Nevertheless, it's highly capable off-road, and as fast and comfortable as any competitor on the road. Built better than most, Land Cruiser delivers.
Though less expensive than its Lexus mate, Land Cruiser is not cheap and has less space than some less-costly rivals. Nevertheless, it's highly capable off-road, and as fast and comfortable as any competitor on the road. Built better than most, Land Cruiser delivers.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Land Cruiser Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Land Cruiser includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Land Cruiser .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air-conditioner expansion valve makes a buzzing noise. The valve and an attached tube must be replaced to remedy the problem. (1998-99)
Brake noise:
Rear brake squeaks are corrected with revised brake pads. (1998-99)
Hard starting:
The engine may fail to start if: the engine immobilizer system key's ring is over the top of the key; a Mobil-type transponder is on the key ring; or if another immobilizer key is on the same key ring. (1998-2001)
Transmission noise:
The transmission makes a chattering noise when shifting from reverse to neutral or park. An additional check ball installed in the valve body will fix the problem. (1998)
Vehicle noise:
Numerous squeaks and rattles from the glovebox and center console. (1998)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,075 |
| Alternator | $390 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,100 |
| Brakes | $395 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $620 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $625 |
| Exhaust System | $540 |
| Radiator | $455 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $605 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $550 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Land Cruiser details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2007 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $41,000-44,000 | $38,500-41,400 | $29,500-31,700 |
| 2006 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $35,000-37,500 | $32,600-34,900 | $24,900-26,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $30,000-32,500 | $27,900-30,200 | $21,000-22,800 |
| 2004 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $26,000-28,000 | $24,200-26,000 | $17,200-18,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $22,000-24,000 | $20,200-22,100 | $14,300-15,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $19,000-20,500 | $17,500-18,900 | $12,400-13,300 |
| 2001 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $16,700-18,200 | $15,200-16,600 | $10,700-11,600 |
| 2000 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $15,000-16,500 | $13,700-15,000 | $9,500-10,400 |
| 1999 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $13,500-14,800 | $12,300-13,500 | $8,000-8,700 |
| 1998 | |||
| Land Cruiser | $12,200-13,500 | $11,000-12,200 | $6,800-7,600 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Land Cruiser include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 73.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5115 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 97.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 25.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 58 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Land Cruisers now were powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that developed 230 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. In '03 the V8 gained 5 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.7 / 285 | 230-5 | 320 | 4-speed automatic: 13/16 5-speed automatic: 13/17 |
4-speed automatic: 12 5-speed automatic: 11.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Land Cruiser include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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