Review: Toyota 100-I Landcruiser (1998-02)

Overview

Released in March 1998, the Toyota 100-Series LandCruiser included both the 105-Series and 100-Series LandCruiser models. The 105-Series carried over chassis and powertrains from the 80-Series LandCruiser with coil-suspended solid axles (front and rear) and inline six cylinder petrol and diesel engines (though the 4.2-litre turbo-diesel was a 100-Series vehicle). As such, the 105-Series models were better suited to off-road use. The 100 Series, however, had a wider chassis, independent front suspension (with double wishbones, hydraulic dampers and an anti-roll bar), new engines and rack and pinion power-assisted steering.

The entry-level Standard variant had six seats (with two rows of three) and vertical barn-type rear doors. The RV, GXL and GXV variants, however, had eight seats across three rows and a conventional rear door. Engine choices initially consisted of a 4.2-litre diesel, a 4.5-litre inline six and a 4.7-litre petrol V8. In October 2000, however, a 4.2-litre six cylinder turbo-diesel engine was introduced. The full range is given in the table below.

Engines

For the 100-Series LandCruiser,

The 4.2-litre 1HD-FTE inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, direct injection, an intercooler, single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.8:1; and,
The 4.7-litre 2UZ-FE V8 petrol engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, multi-point fuel injection, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.

For the 105-Series LandCruiser,

The 4.2-litre 1HZ six-cylinder diesel engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, indirect injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 22.4:1; and,
The 4.5-litre 1FZ-FE six-cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

Toyota 100-I Landcruiser specifications
Series	Engine	Variant	Trans.	Years	Peak power	Peak torque
105 Series (HZJ105)	4.2-litre diesel I6 (1HZ)	Standard	5sp man.	1998-02	96 kW at 3800 rpm	285 Nm at 2200 rpm
		RV	5sp man.	1998-02
		RV	4sp auto	1998-00
		GXL	5sp man., 4sp auto	1998-02
105 Series (FZJ105)	4.5-litre petrol I6 (1FZ-FE)	Standard	5sp man.	1998-00	165 kW at 4600 rpm	387 Nm at 3600 rpm
		RV	5sp man.	1998-02
		RV	4sp auto	1998-00
		GXL	5sp man., 4sp auto	1998-02
100 Series (HDJ100)	4.2-litre turbo-diesel I6 (1HD-FTE)	GXL, GXV	5sp man., 4sp auto	2000-02	151 kW at 3400 rpm	430 Nm at 1400-3200 rpm
100 Series (UZJ100)	4.7-litre petrol V8 (2UZ-FE)	GXV	4sp auto	1998-00	170 kW at 4800 rpm	410 Nm at 3400 rpm

Dimensions

The 100- and 105-Series LandCruisers were 4890 mm long, 1940 mm wide, 1890 mm tall and had 2850 mm long wheelbases.

Suspension

The 100-Series LandCruiser had independent, double wishbone front suspension with a torsion bar, telescopic gas-pressurised hydraulic dampers and a stabiliser bar. Furthermore, the live rear axle had five-links, coil springs, gas-pressurised dampers, a panhard rod and stabiliser bar.

The 105-Series LandCruiser had a live front axle with three links, coil springs, telescopic gas-pressurised hydraulic dampers and a stabiliser bar. Furthermore, the live rear axle had five links, gas-pressurised hydraulic dampers, a panhard rod and stabiliser bar.

4WD system

The four-wheel drive (4WD) system for the Toyota LandCruiser included a two-speed transfer case, centre differential and limited slip rear differential. While the Standard variant had a part-time 4WD system with manually locking, free wheeling hubs, all other variants had permanent 4WD.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Toyota 100- and 105-Series LandCruiser included front outboard seatbelt pretensioners. The LandCruiser GXL and RV variants were further equipped with dual front airbags, ABS and load limiting front seatbelts. All models were fitted with four-piston front brake calipers.

From November 1999, the LandCruiser GXV was further equipped with electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. As a result of the introduction of the four-wheel drive traction control, a rear differential lock was no longer fitted.

Features: Standard, RV, GXL and GXV

Features for the LandCruiser Standard included a two speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, a tilt adjustable steering column, two 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser.

The LandCruiser RV was further equipped with four speaker sound system, central locking and power mirrors. Beyond this, the LandCruiser GXL added a CD player, remote central locking, power windows and side steps.

The range-topping LandCruiser GXV was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD stacker, climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. From November 1999, the GXV also featured dual-zone climate control conditioning and front fog lights.

October 2000: LandCruiser update

In October 2000, there was a minor update to coincide with the introduction of turbo-diesel engines:

Standard variants were fitted with a two-tone dashboard and child locks for the rear barn doors;
Non-Standard variants received a small storage box in the front console; and,
The GXL was fitted with contrasting painted bumpers.

Furthermore, all turbo-diesel models were fitted with dual batteries for increased reliability.

1999 LandCruiser Snowy

In June 1999, a limited-run Snowy variant was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric scheme. Compared to the GXL, the Snowy variant added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD stacker and velour trim.

2001 LandCruiser 50th Anniversary

In July 2001, a limited-run 50th Anniversary variant was released. Based on the GXL, the 50th Anniversary featured 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD stacker, air conditioning, velour seat trim, front fog lights, a height adjustable driver’s seat and floor mats. Visually, the 50th Anniversary variants could be identified by their chrome radiator grilles, head light covers and ’50th Anniversary’ badges.

2002 LandCruiser Advantage Limited Edition

In May 2002, an ‘Advantage Limited Edition’ variant was released. Based on the GXL, the Advantage Limited Edition was differentiated by its 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, velour seat trim, cruise control, height adjustable driver’s seat with powered lumbar support, adjustable front head rests, illuminated vanity mirror and courtesy lamps. Visually, the Advantage Limited Edition could be identified by its unique radiator grille, windshield glass top shade band and large side protection moulding.

Review: Toyota 100-II Landcruiser (2002-07)