Unkillable off-road conqueror Toyota Land Cruiser 80 (1989-1997)

The desire to move away from an uncompromising SUV towards a comfortable city car that can easily overcome any bumps led the Japanese to release the Toyota Land Cruiser 80. Development began in 1980, there were many disputes with the designers, but in 1989 the SUV was presented.

The car was produced very successfully until 1997, even in Russia it was very popular, especially considering all the versions imported from abroad. After production was completed, an equally legendary weave entered the market.

Rounded factory body

The car acquired a more rounded shape in the style of Toyota sedans. The old chopped style was abandoned and it bore fruit; its popularity increased greatly. The manufacturer had to satisfy the requirements of eastern buyers, who need the most simple and reliable car, and the requirements of other markets, which require a level of equipment.

The reliability of the body is fabulous, rust appears a little on the rear doors and trunk lid, if it is solid. The body ignores salt; it can only destroy the air conditioner tubes. The body doesn’t care about dirt picked up off-road, the same goes for the powerful frame.

There is a problem with the windshield of the Land Cruiser. It allows water to pass through, which harms the interior electrical system. The problem is present from the factory due to the lack of sealant during installation, so it would be better to reinstall it correctly. The only small detail is the radio antenna, which turns sour when dirty.

SUV dimensions:

• length – 482 cm;
• width – 190 cm;
• height – 190 cm;
• wheelbase – 285 cm;
• ground clearance - 21 cm.

Features of the interior and possible problems in it

The interior of the car will also please us quite a lot. Everything in the cabin is designed very skillfully. The designers paid attention to even the smallest details, as a result, everything you need is at hand. No pseudo-plastic, which is popular nowadays – only high-quality plastic. Its black color gives the car extra seriousness. According to reviews from owners, even almost 3 decades after the vehicle was released and actively used, the plastic does not creak.

The upholstery can be either velor or leather. Moreover, it is the first option that is considered the most durable. True, it cannot be found on utilitarian versions of cars designated with the STD index (in this case, everything is purely vinyl). If we talk about the leather interior, you will see it only in the most expensive trim levels. But don’t worry, because it is quite cool and slippery to the touch, and over the years of use it has become covered with unpleasant cracks.

The Cruiser 80 dashboard is also quite convenient and informative. The driver can monitor such important parameters as the fuel level and the temperature of the power unit. At the same time, there is no room left for the tachometer, which is a significant disadvantage. But this drawback is offset by a conveniently located gear shift lever, and in general, the gearbox itself works very well, without interruptions.

It will also be interesting to read: Inexpensive SUVs: Chinese, Korean and Japanese in the database

If we talk about the interior, it is also worth noting that the tubes that go to the second stove can rot from exposure to salt. To avoid a flood, you should regularly clean the drain channels of the sliding sunroof. If the stove begins to function poorly, as an option, it is worth cleaning the radiator of the heating system - there is no cabin filter in this vehicle.

Comfortable salon

Now you can only be surprised inside by the comfortable chairs and various transformations. There is a lot of free space here, you sit comfortably. In general, the engineers completely completed the task of creating a comfortable SUV. Optionally, additional seats were installed in the rear, making the car 8-seater.

Land Cruiser 80 seats are upholstered depending on the configuration: vinyl, velor, leather. Of course, leather is very attractive, and most cars on the market are like that. The problem is that owners forget to take care of the leather, so it becomes frayed, cracked, etc. The standard of reliability is velor.

There is nothing surprising in front of the driver: a 3-spoke steering wheel, an analog instrument panel, a standard radio, and many buttons for controlling the climate system. Instead of a description, a photograph will say more. By the way, the stove radiator likes to clog from time to time, so don’t forget to clean it.

Depending on the configuration and country of manufacture, the shape of the trunk lid differs. Solid, hinged, divided and other options were installed. The hinged doors gradually interrupted the washer wiring, which the Japanese corrected in 1992. The trunk itself is always an enchanting volume of 832 liters, transforming up to 1368 liters.

Appearance of Toyota Land Cruiser 80

Toyota Land Cruiser 80, 1995
The development of an SUV began in the mid-80s . The engineers faced a difficult task. The fact is that Middle Eastern and Australian buyers valued simplicity and reliability in the previous model, using its technical capabilities to the fullest. And buyers from other countries needed a large, comfortable, fashionable car. Toyota decided to combine these qualities into a single whole.

Land Cruiser 80 with standard nickel-plated roll bar (optional)

Much attention was paid to the appearance of the SUV. Designers from Toyota Araco presented many sketches, the result of which was a clay model. Despite all their efforts, the work was criticized. But the commission liked the sketches of the exterior; it was their authors who had to implement them.

As a result, the appearance of the new Land Cruiser 80 was strikingly different from its predecessor with rounded lines and improved aerodynamics . The front part of the car received a car design, but wide wheels and a huge radiator grille give the appearance an audacity and brutality. The off-road purpose is indicated by roof rails and space for securing travel equipment.

Railings

All that remained was to decide what the trunk door - hang the spare tire on it or hide it away. In the end, we decided to keep both versions.

The 80th series was produced with both hinged tailgates and hinged ones

SUVs assembled for sale in the Middle East had the Toyota emblem on the engine compartment lid and were designated by the abbreviations GX-R and VX-R.

Perpetual motors

More details
The entire line of engines consists of in-line 6-cylinder units with excellent reliability. Technically, this is a simple design, but at that time it was the advanced technology that Toyota surprised with.

List of internal combustion engines:

• 3F-E – 4-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 156 horsepower and 289 H*m of torque;
• 1FZ-FE – 4.5-liter gasoline engine, offered in versions of 205 or 215 horsepower with 373 H*m of torque;
• 1HZ – 4.2-liter naturally aspirated diesel engine. The engine produces 135 horsepower and 279 units of torque;
• 1HD-T is a turbocharged 4.2-liter diesel engine, available in three versions: 160, 165, 167 horses.

Most of the engines are new except for the 3F-E, which was installed on the previous generation. Here the thickness of the cylinder walls was increased, and the elements not subject to load were made of plastic, which made the design lighter. Surprisingly, the Arab Land Cruiser 80 with the same engines had slightly different spare parts.

Reliability

In terms of reliability, these are truly timeless designs. It is recommended to take a closer look at gasoline engines, as they last longer and are cheaper to maintain. Even a banal oil change, which needs to be done regularly, is cheaper because the engine holds 8 liters, instead of 11 for a diesel engine. Nowadays it is difficult to electronically diagnose a motor; it ignores modern devices. If you refuel an AI-95 gasoline unit, the life of the fuel system will exceed 200 thousand.

The chain of a gasoline engine is eternal. The owner is required to have rare maintenance, cleaning the radiator (to prevent overheating) every 40,000 km. After 200 thousand you need to change the pump and drive another hundred until the first capital.

The diesel engine is also good, but you will have to deal with contamination of the fuel system. The injection pump will need to be repaired from time to time, for which it is difficult to find a technician. The fuel equipment of the atmospheric diesel engine of the eightieth Land Cruiser is prepared for Russian diesel fuel. Extending the life of the fuel injection pump is simple: replace the fuel filter, periodically drain the water, and it will continue to run.

A turbocharged diesel engine, or rather its turbine, lasts a long time provided that the air filter is frequently replaced and cooled after stopping. The injectors are rather weak, even with periodic cleaning they last 130,000 km, but this is on a turbocharged engine, the system of which is not prepared for Russian diesel fuel.

What will have to be changed?

After about 150 thousand km. mileage requires replacing the silent blocks of the suspension. This must be done even if the parts do not look too worn out. Otherwise, after a while you will notice that the car begins to drag from side to side. If you are lucky enough to buy a Land Cruiser 80, on which the previous owner recently changed not only the silent blocks, but also the rods with shock absorbers, you can relax. These parts are durable and require replacement every few years.

If oil is leaking from the steering gearbox, there is nothing to fix. It’s more expensive to sort through, it’s better to buy a new one than after another 10 thousand km. again scold the Japanese manufacturer and all its relatives.

The power steering pump may fly. There are different reasons. For example, the owner forgot to change the fluid, or overextended the steering wheel at extreme points.

All wheel drive only

The engines were paired with a 5-speed manual transmission with synchronized reverse gear, or a 4-speed Aisin A440F automatic transmission. All SUVs have four-wheel drive, but the way it operates is different.

The base was equipped with a Part-Time plug-in all-wheel drive, which had the inscription “H2-H4-N-L4” on the transfer lever. This is a rear-wheel drive design that can be used to connect the front axle of the Land Cruiser 80 with a lever, moving it to the “H4 or L4” position, or by pressing a button, or by turning the hub coupling.

Full-Time – permanent all-wheel drive, connected via viscous coupling or directly. The transfer lever is designated by the letters “HNL”. Cross-axle differential locks were optional. Most models have this type of drive, rarely with locks.

Connected all-wheel drive is bad, because rear-wheel drive is dangerous to drive in winter, and the connected front axle should be used only when necessary. The all-time four-wheel drive will require repair in a couple of years. The design is reliable, subject to periodic oil changes. Every 150 thousand it is advisable to change the insides of the front axle, although economical owners make do with replacing oil seals, support bearings and CV joints.

High highway speed wears out the front axle much more. Over time, the cardan and crosspieces will need to be replaced, although if you do not neglect plenty of lubrication, replacement will not be needed soon.

Specifications

The dimensions of the Land Cruiser 80 exceeded the dimensions of the old version. The SUV has grown not only in length and width, but has also gained greater ground clearance . Let's take a closer look at the dimensions of the Land Cruiser 80:

• length - 4820 mm ;
• width − 1830;
• height − 1850;
• clearance – 220;
• wheelbase − 2850;
• Fuel tank volume – 95 l. ;
• trunk volume – 830 (1370) l. ;
• front overhang – 720 mm ;
• rear overhang – 1100 mm ;
• maximum load capacity 840 kg .

Suspension and steering

There is an all-around dependent spring architecture with continuous bridges, which is attached to the frame. Steering knuckles with canonical bearings were installed at the front. Even adjustable shock absorbers were optionally installed.

The suspension is indecently reliable, it has enormous travel, which helps on serious off-road conditions. For example, silent blocks live for 180 thousand kilometers, the oil seals of the turning ball will last 150 thousand kilometers. Shock absorbers and springs live under 130,000 km. You can call the frame unbreakable, but you should understand that if you want to “conquer Everest,” you can break everything.

Problems occur in the steering of the Eightieth Land Cruiser. There is a gearbox installed here, which begins to leak over time, and knocking noises appear at 150,000 km. Only replacement helps, since the bulkhead is enough for 10 thousand - a waste of money. The power steering is reliable, but infrequent fluid changes and holding it in extreme positions provoke pump leaks.

The braking system, despite the rear drums, is sufficient. Problems happen due to lack of maintenance.

Transmission and speed

"Eighty" can have 2 gearbox options:

1. full-time 4WD;
2. part-time 4WD.

The first one is complete and works constantly, the second one is connected.

The “weak spot” of the Cruiser 80 is its front axle. Every 150-180 thousand km you will have to completely change its filling (including drives). Some limit themselves to “half measures”: changing seals, bearings and “grenades”. But it won't last long.

Important: in workshops, the owner who has traveled more than one and a half hundred thousand kilometers is recommended to replace the front axle gearbox.

Windshield corrosion.

The actual speed of the TLC SUV is from 150 to 165 km/h. But with such operation, the front axle will “burn out” much earlier than expected.

Price and options

The SUV is still actively sold on the secondary market; there will be no problems finding one, because the car is reliable. Price is a difficult question, since most models are sold for 600,000 rubles, but there are often models for 800 thousand and even more than a million rubles . Expensive versions are in perfect, almost museum condition, or seriously prepared for off-road use.

The configurations of the old Kruzak are important for determining the country of destination of the model:

• STD, GX, VX – Russia and all other foreign markets except North America;
• G – Middle East, including the UAE;
• VX-R, GX-R – Middle East and China;
• VX-Limited – Japan;
• DX, RV, GXL, Sahara – Australia;
• LX – Venezuela.

Character of the car

Toyota Land Cruiser 80 belongs to the class of professional jeeps. This car handles confidently both on perfectly smooth asphalt and on wild off-road terrain.

This became possible thanks to the powerful frame on which the body is mounted. This frame will withstand any shock or impact while driving. Additional stability is provided by strong axles on which the wheels are mounted.

Among the types of engines for the 80th Cruiser, there are also those that will withstand not the highest quality fuel. Looking at all the listed characteristics, experts unanimously say that this is truly one of the most reliable cars in the world.

Conclusion

Tank! This proposal fits the description of the reliability of an SUV. Of course, everything depends on maintenance; with good care, the design lasts 350,000 km before more or less serious problems occur, and some negligent owners encounter them after 200 thousand kilometers. There are even positive jokes in the direction of reliability, addressing the owners - “Instead of waiting for the silent block to break down in 5-10 years, change the car already.”

It is useless to give recommendations for purchase, check the actual condition, mileage is clearly a non-signaling factor, plus it is easy to twist.

As a main car, it feels too old, despite the cool family comfort and wonderful feeling of float on the highway. Although, why not - a durable, comfortable design that will not leave you anywhere. The last argument attracts off-road fans, because there is a whole sea of ​​tuning for the Toyota Land Cruiser 80. The suspension can withstand 32 wheels, a snorkel and various power elements are often installed, which makes it an unrealistic conqueror of mud.

Salon Land Cruiser 80

There are three factory configurations of the Land Cruiser 80: simple STD , richer GX and maximum VX . Let's look at each of them.

The basic version has a minimum of comfort, but maximum reliability. There are no electrical adjustments and there is no tachometer . If necessary, the interior is easy to clean from dirt; its decoration is made of cheap but practical leatherette.

Interior equipment VX (differed from GX in small things like a richer radio)

The average GX variation features a fabric interior and carpet underfoot. There is everything you need here, including air conditioning .

Toyota Land Cruiser 80 European version VX

The most expensive Kruzak VX series, among other things, had a lifting trunk door , was equipped with cruise control and an automatic transmission . Buyers could choose the upholstery material - leather or velor. There was a place for a tachometer .

Three rows of seats Toyota Land Cruiser 80

The luggage compartment with the rear sofa folded increases from 830 to 1370 liters .

Luggage compartment of a Toyota Land Cruiser 80 with the third row of seats removed.

Restyling in 1996 supplemented the initial Toyota equipment with airbags, ABS, and a new instrument panel.

Salon of STD equipment before and after restyling