Toyota Land Cruiser - Heritage Section
Prologue
The Land Cruiser currently has the longest running history in the Toyota lineup. With origins from the Toyota Jeep BJ, which was created in 1951, the name "Land Cruiser" has since been used from the release on the 20-series in 1955. After fifty-years - today, it continues to always remains legendary and the King of the Road. Since the launch of the first generation, Toyota Jeep BJ in 1951, cumulative global sales have surpassed 10 million units.
The history of the Land Cruiser began just after World War II in 1950. The drastic rise in inflation in Japan after World War II resulted in difficult living conditions for citizens and thus resulted in the implementation of the "Dodge line" economic stabilization policy in Japan by U.S.A. in 1949. However, the drastic change in policies had a dampening impact on industrial production activities, and Japanese industries faced an even more difficult time.
Birth of the Toyota Jeep BJ
BJ Series
Built from Good Materials
The automobile industry was in a fateful crisis from Japan's war defeat. However, a military procurement for enabled not only a nation's recovery, but resulted in the development of an automotive legend. The Model BJ Series chassis was based on the SB-type 1-ton truck- with a more expansive body size. The BJ Series was designed as a small transport vehicle that could also double as a passenger car, providing a comfortable ride.
Model 20 - 30 Series
The Spearhead of Foreign Expansion
Whereas the BJ-type Land Cruiser was originally built for military use, its design in time was modified to service industrial expansion in peacetime, partly for the purpose of stimulating domestic demand for Toyota vehicles. Then in 1955, alongside production of the BJ-type Land Cruiser the 20-series made its debut.
The superiority of the Land Cruiser had been acknowledged by the U.S. military, and as a confident builder - this encouraged Toyota to expand into the American market. The 20-series theme was a new style with softer lines and more driving comfort. As a result, it experienced major changes from the Toyota BJ, especially in the chassis frame, which remained unchanged through the 40-Series.
Expansion: 20-30 Series
Model 40 Series
Full-Scale Expansion in Variation
Although the 40-series looked almost the same as the 20-series, the changes were drastic inside. The 40-series, with a similar exterior expanded its range with approximately 25 years of accumulated technology advances. Whereas the 20-series F-type engine had an output of 105hp, by the FJ40 the nine had an output of 125hp, which was increased to 130hp.
Hall of Fame
Drawing the curtain on a 24-year history as a long seller in Japan, the 40-series was followed by the debut of the 70-series. During this time there were few changes made in the external appearance of the vehicle, but it was continually improved from within. In particular, from the late 1960s to early 1970s, when attention was increasingly focused on automotive air pollution and manufacturing defects, Toyota put great efforts into addressing these problems.
First Real Station Wagon
The 40-series had three different body lengths all with the same face as uniqueness is a necessity for a utility vehicle with typical users that desire a sense of prestige. In 1967, the FJ45V was replaced with the FJ55V, which had a 2,700mm wheelbase. Demand increased for a vehicle with a larger body and greater capacity for cargo and people and therefore, the Land Cruiser made its appearance as a cross-country type 4x4 vehicle.
Model 55 Series
Model 60 Series
New Grades, New Choices
The transition from a workhorse to a Recreational Vehicle, the debut of the 60 series changed the general opinion of 4WD vehicles. Under the supervision of Chief Engineer, Hiroshi Ohsawa - the new model was engineered with a feel of a passenger car-type station wagon, with a softer luxury interior and a more comfortable ride. The suspension was kept to ensure that it lived up to its reputation as a vehicle that could travel on any road.
Model 70 Series
First Transfiguration in 30 Years
The 70 series evolved the Land Cruiser legacy, while maintaining the images of rigidity, reliability, and durability of the past. Without major alterations to the basic structure, many small details that pioneered the path to modernization were added on.
A new 70-series was born - bringing an end of a long 29-year chapter, during which the 40-series remain unchanged. Chief Engineer, Masaomi Yoshii introduced a overhaul in design, producing the 70-series to lead the new Land Cruiser, without sacrificing any of its toughness. A strong ladder frame was outfitted with rigid leaf spring and the body plates were thickened by 1.0mm for added strength. The design also retained the image of 40-series with its externally added fenders.
A New Generation
Birth of the Toyota Prado
In 1990, many advancements for the Land Cruiser occurred. First, two newly developed engines were introduced in the 70-series wagon. Second, in addition to the original two-door - a four-door semi-long was introduced under a new name, Prado. The Prado also had its own design identity and could accommodate eight passengers in three seat rows.
Model 80 Series
Path to Prestige
The concept of the 80-series was the combination of "Advanced" and "Top Quality" features at the highest level. However, the true reason why the 80-series gained worldwide attention was the factor that it was able to maintain the original toughness of excellent off-road characteristics. The aim of the 80-series was to be both at the forefront of technology and luxury.
The aim of the series was to be both at the forefront of technology and luxury. Along with passenger car-like styling in the front design, wide tires, and large fenders gave it a bold effect, looking something like a luxury battleship that could cruise the land. Moreover, accommodations remained for off-road applications, such as space in the instrument panel to install wireless communications equipment, and a rail for mounting a roof carrier.
The Leader
Model 90 Series
Surpassing its Rivals
Demand for a 4WD with easy-to-ride characteristics naturally grew with the enhancement of user types experienced during this particular and a heavy duty design. The 90-series was a resounding success with its chassis platform (same as the 4 Runner 185-series).
Big Market Success
Through the years, several changes occurred with the 90-series model, including changes in the front bumper and grille, door trim, combination meter design and the addition of multi-reflector headlamps. In addition, an Optitron meter was added along with Active Traction Control, and other luxury upgrades. In its model lifecycle, other engine adjustments occurred to meet public demands of lower consumption and cleaner gas emissions.
World's Best
The 100 series debuted despite no apparent loss in popularity in the 80-series prestige SUV, which was at pinnacle of its success. The luxuriousness even above the 80 series was aimed at being the world's top level and became an instant success.
Model 100 Series
Instant Success
In 1998, the name Land Cruiser had earned a strong reputation worldwide for its high performance off-road, maneuverability, durability, reliability and prestige. The front suspension was a double wishbone-type independent suspension, and with rack and pinion steering, the Land Cruiser 1000 was designed to feel more like a passenger car than its heavy-duty predecessors, with its luxurious interiors.
Model 120 Series
New Traditional 4WD
Continuing the tradition of the preceding series, the Land Cruiser underwent a full model change in 2002. The interior and exterior was refined for a pleasant on-road driving experience set out to create a new legacy in the Land Cruiser Prado tradition. In terms of performance, the front suspension featured an independent double wishbone structure, while the rear adopted a 4-link axle suspension.
Toyota announced today that the cumulative global sales of its legendary Land Crusier Series have surpassed 10 millions units as of August 31, 2019. The new milestone comes as a recognition for the premium SUV's standing as a global and region icon that continues to touch the lives of millions of people across the globe every day.
Toyota Land Cruiser Global Sales Pass 10 Million Mark
Land Cruiser 200
In 2016, Toyota raised the bar again with its ninth generation, Land Cruiser - a technically advanced luxury SUV with genuine off-road capabilities enhanced refinement and passenger comfort. The world conquering, go anywhere model remains true to its illustrious heritage in being a thoroughbred off-roader. This model is also fitted with tech-advanced driving aids, such as Downhill Assist Control and Hill-Start Control, as well as a wealth of active and passive safety features.
Land Cruiser 300
2021 - Present
In this 70th anniversary year of the Land Cruiser, Toyota has completely redesigned its character by merging technologies accumulated over many years with the latest technologies, and is planning to launch it all over the world starting in the summer of 2021. The car that symbolizes Toyota's history of delivering safety and security to people for over 70 years. Evolving as a car while incorporating the latest technologies as the flagship model of the Land Cruiser series.