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Tags: 2008 toyota land cruiser tcc thecarconnection the car connection test drive review

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TheCarConnection test drives the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
In Montana's Big Sky region, where we tested the Land Cruiser as part of a Toyota-sponsored press event, the automaker has set up one of the most technically demanding off-road courses we've ever experienced, with some boulder-clambering, deep trenches that brought wheel-articulation extremes, and situations so off-kilter that we teetered on two wheels - with nary a groan from the body.

At one time, we were left to descend a steep slope of loose boulders, with the rain starting to fall. We wondered at one time if we'd gotten ourselves in too precarious of a situation, but as we took shallow breaths the Crawl Control system didn't flinch, operating the stability control system and anti-lock brakes - its sound oddly percussive - getting us securely through. Miraculously, the system feathered the brakes on each wheel, allowing some slip on the rocks but not too much so as to compromise stability. It took a lot of faith in the system, as if we'd fishtailed even the slightest, a rollover would likely have been the outcome.

One of the hardest parts about using Crawl Control is that you have to suppress conventional wisdom and keep your foot off the brake and accelerator pedals. You're still responsible for steering, but as we experienced the system we thought that you're actually less likely to get into trouble with it; as the system was maintaining momentum and traction, we were able to focus more on taking the right path. Tap the brake pedal or bring the speed above about 6 mph, and the system disengages.

When off-roading, the Land Cruiser's firm ride can be jarring, yet the suspension has very impressive articulation when needed. The steering rack also feels very stout, with none of the shudder or noise that many of the newer car-based SUVs make. While, frankly, some of the crossovers we're encouraged to take off-road feel close to being totaled after being pushed to the outer range of their ability, the Land Cruiser we drove on the course felt like it could do it again and again for years. Read Article
TheCarConnection test drives the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser



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drew630drew630 - 9/28/2007 12:49:49 PM
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The Land Cruiser is still body on frame right?

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lenkunlenkun - 9/28/2007 12:55:16 PM
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I believe it's a laser welded box or ladder frame with rivets and magnisium firewall and cross members. The pillars are high strength tensile steel.

The platform used is based on their MegaCruiser which is only sold in Europe and Asia. They reskin it to sell them here in the states to meet the demand of plush luxury features and also to avoid the image of being a gas guzzler like the Hummer.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 9/28/2007 9:52:09 PM
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drew630, I sure hope it's body-on-frame construction because a rubber-mounted body on a separate frame is the best way to isolate road noise. The heavier the frame the better as that lowers the center of gravity while adding to sprung weight which improves ride comfort. All those new-fangled unibody vehicles may improve fuel consumption and manufacturing cost but they are more expensive to fix after a crash and are not as safe or comfortable as the more traditional vehicles I look for.


drew630drew630 - 9/29/2007 9:43:52 AM
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Ok, thanks. I was a little confused when the article started to compare its off-road abilities to crossovers.


jon21jon21 - 9/28/2007 2:28:53 PM
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Nice review for the new LandCruiser.

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delandelan - 9/28/2007 6:44:23 PMView My AgentSpace
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I'm a little unclear of the distinction between the Land Cruiser and the Sequoia. Can someone help.

Landcruiser...great SUV by the way....

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 9/30/2007 4:21:40 PMView My AgentSpace
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The Sequoia is cheaper and uglier.


huu76huu76 - 9/29/2007 1:04:45 AM
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Wow, 5.7L V8 and it is rated ULEV-II, the BMW328xi is rated ULEV-II.

The way I see it, one was originally built for real offroading while the other was built for mass market.
Jeep = Landcruiser = Landrover DII = G500 = H1
Aspen = Sequoia = Freelander = ML = H3

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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/29/2007 1:32:27 PM
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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 5, 2007 ... The BMW Group today announced that a compelling new Environmental Defense report shows that the manufacturer's automobiles have improved average fuel economy by 14% and dramatically reduced CO2 emission rate by 12.3% -- more than any other major automaker. The next best reduction of any other automaker was 3%. The report praises the BMW Group's achievement and notes that BMW did not sacrifice sales growth while improving its fleet’s fuel economy and carbon emission rates. In fact, during the study’s period of analysis (1990 – 2005), the BMW Group enjoyed a more than fourfold increase in U.S. sales.

and note that this is over a period of 15 years. toyota was next best at 3%. not too shabby for a company that makes almost entirely performance-oriented cars don't you think?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/29/2007 1:30:34 PM
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sounds like an impressive car when it comes to off-roading!

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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/29/2007 1:35:11 PM
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and if you're going to do any offroading, this and the range rover are the only real options.

of course, 99% of these will never leave pavement. so this car will be judged by most buyers on looks and on-road comfort....

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I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/29/2007 3:46:12 PM
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90 of the USA owned vehicles maybe

For the rest of these vehicles you an be rest assured that they will see REGULAR off road action

These Land Cruisers are in serious demand in the Middle East & Africa.
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