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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Quality Review

October 30, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

awkward third-row seats
Motor Trend

The seats are thrones
Car and Driver

large, comfortable seats
ConsumerGuide

Provided you keep to the first two rows, the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser offers considerable comfort and unmistakable Toyota quality.

Up front, the Cruiser offers “large, comfortable seats with lots of adjustments” that “combine with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and ample headroom and legroom for first-class accommodations,” according to ConsumerGuide. Entry into those comfortable chairs can be a bit challenging due to the Land Cruiser’s height and lack of available running boards. “The glass area feels big, the view panoramic. The seats are thrones,” commends Car and Driver.

The second row offers luxurious accommodations, as well. ConsumerGuide terms them “impressive,” citing “plenty of headroom and legroom on comfortable seats that can fit three across in a pinch. However,” they note, “foot space is tight unless the front seats are raised.” Passengers get their own audio and climate controls, and seats slide back and forth roughly three inches.

The only comfort/convenience demerits in the interior belong to the third row (or Way Back, in station wagon vernacular), into which “entry is a jungle-gym climb, and once you arrive—typical of SUVs with rigid rear axles—the cushion is barely off the floor,” according to Car and Driver. Regarding those “iconoclastic side-folding third-row seats,” says Motor Trend, they “either leave you feeling like you're sitting in a barrel due to the elevated floor or are smack in the way of stowing wide cargo when folded away.” Seemingly not able to decide between decent cargo storage or third-row seats, Toyota does a mediocre job with both.

Refinement is excellent. “Wind, road, and engine noise are well controlled, even at highway speeds, making the Land Cruiser as quiet as some luxury cars,” enthuses ConsumerGuide. There is not one complaint of a harsh ride or untoward chassis motions, no small feat in a large, live axle SUV. The combination of navigation system, some HVAC controls, and the radio in one panel has the effect of “seriously complicating what should be simple adjustments,” also according to ConsumerGuide, though they acknowledge that “materials are generally luxury grade” and “workmanship is likewise impressive.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser provides a stellar way to coddle five occupants to the supermarket or on a safari, not seven.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:awkward third-row seatsMotor TrendThe seats are thronesCar and Driverlarge, comfortable seatsConsumerGuide Provided you keep to the first two rows, the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser offers considerable comfort and unmistakable Toyota quality. Up front, the Cruiser offers “large, comfortable seats with lots of adjustments” that “combine with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and ample headroom and legroom for first-class accommodations,” according to ConsumerGuide. Entry into those comfortable chairs can be a bit challenging due to the Land Cruiser’s height and lack of available running boards. “The glass area feels big, the view panoramic. The seats are thrones,” commends Car and Driver. The second row offers luxurious accommodations, as well. ConsumerGuide terms them “impressive,” citing “plenty of headroom and legroom on comfortable seats that can fit three across in a pinch. However,” they note, “foot space is tight unless the front seats are raised.” Passengers get their own audio and climate controls, and seats slide back and forth roughly three inches. The only comfort/convenience demerits in the interior belong to the third row (or Way Back, in station wagon vernacular), into which “entry is a jungle-gym climb, and once you arrive—typical of SUVs with rigid rear axles—the cushion is barely off the floor,” according to Car and Driver. Regarding those “iconoclastic side-folding third-row seats,” says Motor Trend, they “either leave you feeling like you're sitting in a barrel due to the elevated floor or are smack in the way of stowing wide cargo when folded away.” Seemingly not able to decide between decent cargo storage or third-row seats, Toyota does a mediocre job with both. Refinement is excellent. “Wind, road, and engine noise are well controlled, even at highway speeds, making the Land Cruiser as quiet as some luxury cars,” enthuses ConsumerGuide. There is not one complaint of a harsh ride or untoward chassis motions, no small feat in a large, live axle SUV. The combination of navigation system, some HVAC controls, and the radio in one panel has the effect of “seriously complicating what should be simple adjustments,” also according to ConsumerGuide, though they acknowledge that “materials are generally luxury grade” and “workmanship is likewise impressive.” ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser provides a stellar way to coddle five occupants to the supermarket or on a safari, not seven. 2008 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: “a clean modernization of the concept” Motor Trend: “it’s unmistakably ‘Land Cruiser’” Edmunds: “Inside…fresh design and enhanced features” Kelley Blue Book: “instrument panel…awash with switches” A restrained, ...

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:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By marilynn english #1, Posted: 12/4/2008

    problems with 2006 Landcruiser

    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. By Mr. Craig #2, Posted: 12/25/2008

    2008 Landcruiser Review

    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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