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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a clean modernization of the concept
Car and Driver

it’s unmistakably ‘Land Cruiser
Motor Trend

Inside…fresh design and enhanced features
Edmunds

instrument panel…awash with switches
Kelley Blue Book

A restrained, confident exterior clashes with a busy, tech-laden interior in the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser.

With a history going back decades, the Land Cruiser has evolved significantly since its days as a utilitarian, two-door Japanese Jeep. Nonetheless, a desire for function over style and a physical presence that evokes competence are still solidly in the Land Cruiser’s aesthetic repertoire. “There are no heroic Nissan Murano-like experiments with the styling here,” says Car and Driver, just a clean modernization of the concept. Motor Trend assures us that “outside, it’s unmistakably ‘Land Cruiser.’” Compared to its straked and bulging-fendered competitors, Kelley Blue Book remarks of the Land Cruiser, “when you’re confident of your ability, you don’t have to pretend.”

Inside, however, a clutter of 21st-century technology makes itself known perhaps too well. While Edmunds reports that “Toyota has updated the cabin with a fresh design and enhanced features,” Kelley Blue Book laments that “the instrument panel, dash and console are awash with switches, gauges and displays; it will take owners some time to figure out what they all do.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser appears sleek and subdued from the curb but perhaps a bit cluttered from the cabin.


Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Land Cruiser has a long-established reputation around the world for respectable off-road performance in far-flung deserts, mountains, and forests, and its off-road ability is every bit as good as the previous model. The closest rival to the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser remains the Range Rover, which has similar off-road ability, along with Terrain Response, a system that allows the user to set the vehicle systems for the best performance on certain types of terrain. The Range Rover arguably feels much more luxurious inside and more worth the price, if interior materials are the judge. The Mercedes GL 550 is also a possibility if you plan to tow but not go off-roading as much; it has an especially useful third-row seat. But finally, pricing is a stumper. The sticker price of a loaded Land Cruiser tops $73,000, while the Lexus version of the Land Cruiser, the LX 570, starts at $73,800. The running boards are perhaps a little more prominent, but with upgraded materials inside the Lexus, upscale options like heated and ventilated seats, and the better service at the Lexus dealership, why not?

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See the Toyota Land Cruiser in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. problems with 2006 Landcruiser

    By marilynn english | Posted: Dec 4th 2008, 09:35:20 PM

    I have had nothing but trouble with my 2006 Landcruiser....have a 2002 as well with no issues. there have been 6 check engine soon issues,VSC light on a few times, stability control problems, radio goes on while on blue tooth, cd broke..defective they said. could not file under the Lemon Law as the lease called for arbitration....during the arbitration process they towed the vehicle (without a flatbed) with my personal belongings and refuse to return them to me unless I go into a horrible neighbor hood and pay them a fee. 30 calls to Toyota, to no avail. One division does not even know that the second division took the car...and no one cares. Customer Service is long gone at Toyota and this was my fifth Toyota. Honestly, I had a similar problem with a BMW and they made good on it and gave me a new vehicle of my choice. If you have any thoughts at all of a BMW or a Toyota.. go for the Beemer as their customer service or their after market is great. One Toyota dealer actually threatened to call the police because I complained about the vehicle.....

  2. 2008 Landcruiser Review

    By Mr. Craig | Posted: Dec 25th 2008, 06:16:06 PM

    Having owned a 1991 & my mom owning a 1997 Landcruiser I am thoroughly disgusted with the 2008 Landcruiser design. The Landcruisers of the 90's commanded road-respect. The style was bold and it was remarkably the first SUV that offered third row seats, giving large families a suitable alternative to the drab designs of mini-vans. I have been inside the 2008 Landcruiser and there are many "bells and whistles" that Toyata has adorned this SUV with. Whoopdy Doo! But Toyota C'mon...What happened to the attractive exterior the Landcruiser used to wear. Now it looks more like a baloon on wheels. The modern style leaves much to be desired. Not an eye-catcher at all! I wait year after year for Toyota to bring back the boldness of the all wheel drive SUV I fell in love with years ago. I do understand that change was necessary. The 90's version of the Landcruiser was somewhat boxy in style and while that may be my personal preference I realize other things have to be considered for purposes of updating the vehicle with the general public but, I have lost tremendous respect for the Landcruiser design team. I would actually rather drive a 2008 Escalade or Expedition or Navigator...that is truly sad for me to say! Lets go Toyota, take back your spot!!!

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