Oldest Make by Toyota

If you are a Toyota fan, you have probably heard of the Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser is an iconic SUV with an interesting history. With over 70 years of production, the Land Cruiser has helped Toyota sell more than 10 million vehicles worldwide. Did you know the Land Cruiser is actually the oldest model by Toyota that is still being produced today?

How the Land Cruiser started

It all started during the Korean War. Toyota made military, police, and fire vehicles. Although not named Land Cruiser, the early model Toyota BJ soon became it. Why was the name changed? At the time the ‘J’ in ”BJ” stood for Jeep. Jeep was trademarked by Willys, so due to a conflict, Toyota re-named the vehicle line Land Cruiser. In 1955-1960, the first civilian version of the vehicle was released, called the 20 Series Land Cruiser. The 20 series featured a more rounded body with a spacious cabin, increasing overall mobility. That model started the revolution of the Land Cruiser. Along with it being one of the first vehicles sold in the United States by Toyota.

Oldest make of Land cruiser the Toyota BJ

Land Cruiser 20 Series

  Where the Land Cruiser is now

Although still in production today, due to poor sales in 2021 Toyota withdrew selling any further models of the Land Cruiser. They are still in production, though, outside of the States, and there is a rumor they might make a return. Here are some things you can expect in new models if they do based off the 2023 Land Cruiser. Overall modernization of the exterior/ interior of the vehicle, a new twin turbo V-6 engine, lighter weight due to a lighter chassis, and a folding down third row . With other models like the GR Sport and ZX featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.3 liter V-6 diesel engine with 305 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

What do you think about Toyota withdrawing the Land Cruiser? Would you be interested in one if they brought it back? Let us know in the comments.

2023 Land Cruiser GR Sport

2023 Land Cruiser ZX