1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser saw very few changes for the model year, as a redesign was in the works for the following year. The most...
The 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser saw very few changes for the model year, as a redesign was in the works for the following year. The most notable change was the addition of an optional two-person third seat, supplementing the three-person third seat option.
The 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser came as a standard model and the luxurious 40th anniversary Limited Edition. The 1997 Land Cruiser had a 4.5-liter, 212 horsepower six cylinder. A four-speed automatic was the only available transmission. The 1997 Land Cruiser had a permanently engaged four-wheel-drive system. Fuel economy was about 12/14 mpg.
The 1997 Land Cruiser was very popular among outdoorsy types and soccer moms alike. The car handled well off-road and in bad weather, but also had plenty of cargo space for kids and gear alike. However, owners do complain about the poor gas mileage, and say that due to the vehicle's weight, brakes wear out very quickly.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers love the 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser for its rugged reliability, comfort, and impressive off-road performance. Many appreciate its long-lasting durability and how well it holds up over time. However, some drivers have noted issues with fuel economy and the limited number of cup holders, which they find inconvenient."
Excellent truck, Reliability and indestructible are adjectives I would describe this vehicle. Incredible.
March 29, 2025Bought my sweet LandCruiser when in AZ when it was 2yrs young, and it moved to TX with me for 2 years, and the last 7 now in Germany. This vehicle is awesome! I have a hoopty for general around town and to-from work, but every so often i treat myself to driving my baby- he loves to open up on the Autobahn! Had an Opel sedan hit me in a Stau on the Autobahn a few years ago - wiped away the front half of her Opel, and I had a scratched bumper...! Of course, I had her buy me a new towing frame and painted bumper, but my heart was hurt more seeing my LandCruiser injured, than there was damage to him! Minute - insignificant note would be a slight dripping above the driver's left foot rest when it's raining hard, or i'm flying down the Autobahn. And, to the note about poor brake pad wear: it was 7 years before i had to change my first pair...if you understand you're driving a beast, and it takes longer to get stopped, you learn to brake gradually, when possible, and not ride the brakes nor slam them in your daily outings. Otherwise, i've turned down a few offers to sell, because i love my Limited Edition 40th Anniversary LandCruiser that much!
June 13, 2010I met some one, once, who had one like this. He told me that the manufacturer made a mistake building those Land Cruiser. I asked him what he means. He said: "They are too well made, they are too reliable." I agree with that after owning one for 11 years and counting. If you don't check the speedometer, you won't realise that you speeding. Very smooth acceleration, good braking and handling. It is fun to drive and I particulary feel safe driving it.
October 14, 2012What owners say
Excellent truck, Reliability and indestructible are adjectives I would describe this vehicle. Incredible.
March 29, 2025Bought my sweet LandCruiser when in AZ when it was 2yrs young, and it moved to TX with me for 2 years, and the last 7 now in Germany. This vehicle is awesome! I have a hoopty for general around town and to-from work, but every so often i treat myself to driving my baby- he loves to open up on the Autobahn! Had an Opel sedan hit me in a Stau on the Autobahn a few years ago - wiped away the front half of her Opel, and I had a scratched bumper...! Of course, I had her buy me a new towing frame and painted bumper, but my heart was hurt more seeing my LandCruiser injured, than there was damage to him! Minute - insignificant note would be a slight dripping above the driver's left foot rest when it's raining hard, or i'm flying down the Autobahn. And, to the note about poor brake pad wear: it was 7 years before i had to change my first pair...if you understand you're driving a beast, and it takes longer to get stopped, you learn to brake gradually, when possible, and not ride the brakes nor slam them in your daily outings. Otherwise, i've turned down a few offers to sell, because i love my Limited Edition 40th Anniversary LandCruiser that much!
June 13, 2010I met some one, once, who had one like this. He told me that the manufacturer made a mistake building those Land Cruiser. I asked him what he means. He said: "They are too well made, they are too reliable." I agree with that after owning one for 11 years and counting. If you don't check the speedometer, you won't realise that you speeding. Very smooth acceleration, good braking and handling. It is fun to drive and I particulary feel safe driving it.
October 14, 2012You simply can't destroy this beast... love it... comfy and performance is great... with 3 diff locks and a factory winch... full-time four wheel drive... This vehicle is simply amazing. I still believe this is the last of the real 4x4 Land Cruiser... the rest are luxury vehicles.
July 8, 2009Rugged, reliable, comfortable. Shop around, gems are out there!
October 25, 2020I recieved a black 1997 toyota land cruiser that we had had in my family when i turned 16. we got it with about 3,000 miles on it and it now has close to 190,000 and it still runs unbelievably. i recieve compliments about it all the time especially with the off road look with a brush guard and fog lights. overall great truck and would recommend to anyone.
August 12, 2008performance for a 6 cylinder turbo diesel engine is excellent, efficient in city driving and powerful on highway and off road driving. build like the car while last forever very well designed suspension, makes you confident that the vehicle can take you where your going and back. very good resale value. i take pride in driving it around town
July 26, 2008fantastic all round vehicle. Excellent on and off road
August 21, 2007I inherited this car from my grandfather who used to bring it to his farms all the time. It has clocked in at 400k kms already and yet it is still running great. This is my current college car and I'm still being complimented on its looks and outstanding performance in offroad and rugged terrain. <3 this car. Its a diesel so its powerful and the fuel consumption isn't as bad as the gas variants.
May 5, 2010Very durable, rugged, prone to rust in Northern climates, low gas mileage
December 1, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $47,037 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $41,488 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
