TOYOTA Land Cruiser

Mountain Lion

A sold-out model around the world, the Land Cruiser is on the top rung of off-road reputations. While 4 wheel drive has become a fashion statement in the States, in the rest of the world it is often a necessity. The machine of choice in the darkest heart of Africa has always been the Land Cruiser. Tougher, stronger and the most unbreakable of the off-road ramblers. Toyota has kept all the macho and wrapped a new level of luxury around it.

Fair to ask what one gets for the extra $15 grand compared to your run of the mill Explorer. True body on frame construction means extra strength and toughness. Really beefy wadgets in the suspension soak up true punishment. A 4.5 liter DOHC in-line 6 muscles up big power and enough torque to pull a water buffalo out of the muck. Optional fully locking front and rear differentials to provide the industry's first true 4 wheel drive (so-called 4WD is really only 2WD - one driving wheel per axle). Long term durability. This one is no poseur.

What do you sacrifice for all that ruggedness - in a word, nothin'. The rough edges have all been cushioned and this tractor has become supremely tractable. Huge interior volume means big comfort and all aspects are now in line with the best Toyota automobile standards. Buttoned down, snug, roomy and silent. On the street it's neat, in the rough composed, on the edge unstoppable. Freeway flying sucks up the petrol, but leaves little to be desired luxury wise.

In the techno age, gear is where it's at. For the serious wrangler the Land Cruiser packs the punch and posh to make any trip, on any road a piece of cake. If you need more luxury, try the Lexus version, the LX 450 same guts more leather and about an extra $7 grand.

REXX TAYLOR