1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Consumer Reviews

Vehicle

1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD

Review

I have a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser has been in continual production longer than any vehicle in history. The Japanese have it figured out. My neighbor has a 1997 Land Cruiser with 519,500 miles on it. That's right. 519,500 miles on it and still running strong. The great thing about a Land Cruiser is that if you purchases wisely you are owing the slowest depreciating vehicle on the planet. While the gas mileage isn't all that great (maybe 15-16 mpg) I'll gladly hold on to this vehicle as it is a great value that will lose very little value over time. I'm convinced a well cared for Land Cruiser is the best used car you can purchase.

The 1997 Land Cruiser represents the last year of the FJ80 series featuring the BULLETPROOF 4.5 Liter V6 engine. It is nothing for these engines to do over 300,000. This 1997 is a very comfortable ride both in town and on the highway. They are also very safe and the 1997 does contain air bags. No doubt a Land Cruiser is the best combination of performance, looks and history. I've now owned 5 Land Cruisers (1974 FJ 40, 1983 FJ 60, 1986 FJ 60 and a 1988 FJ 62) and this 1997 is the best of the bunch due to an upgraded interior and engine over the 60's and 62's. I had trouble hitting 70 mph on the highway in the 60 and 62. My 1997 Cruiser runs perfectly at 70 mph.

Do yourself a favor. Find a well cared for 1997 Land Cruiser, buy it and drive it the rest of your life. It is possibly the best vehicle and engine ever made.

Vehicle

1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 40th Anniversary Limited 4dr SUV 4WD

Review

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.

Vehicle

1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 40th Anniversary Limited 4dr SUV 4WD

Review

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.

Best Features

The best part about this car is that every part, no matter how big or small has been massively over manufactured. Every bolt , screw, has been manufactured as if money was not an object. This truck does not need a road. Awesome feeling when you are off the road or in snow conditions. It even has a differential lock that allows maneuvering it out of rough terrains, even though I have never used it, knowing I have it makes me feel better. The transmission is something else. I have never had any transmission problems.

Worst Features

I cant think of any improvements. I recommend if you are going to buy an older Landcruiser, 1997 is the year you want because all the kinks of prior years were taken care of. Make sure that all parts ,especially the engine and transmission are genuine. Once you get out of the original Landcruiser parts I doubt they would be as reliable

Vehicle

1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD

Review

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.

Best Features

Front and rear lockers for serious off-roading. The ground clearance. For a 15 year old car its road visibility is amazing. The sun roof is still in good condition.

Worst Features

Shakey driver side mirror due to age, window motors are weakening other than that just make sure you perform the base lining after you get one.

Vehicle

1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 40th Anniversary Limited 4dr SUV 4WD

Review

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.

Best Features

The look, 4-way adjustable seats, reliability, driving it, off road capabilities, people's comments of my car, safety, can hold 7 people in a pinch.

Worst Features

If you are a tall person, this may not be the car for you. There is not a lot of "leg room" in the front seat. I hear that there is an adjustment that can be done for more leg room, but... I also wish my 97 had a little more tow capacity. It is 5000 lbs. But I am willing to sacrifice. 98 and later models get to 6500.