Toyota developed Land Cruiser as a jeep specifically on order from US government during Korean War. Initial units were based on Willy jeeps and resembled Land Rovers famously known Series1. From its humble need oriented beginnings in 1951 to 2012, Land Cruiser series has become Toyotas longest running active brand. BJ, FJ and 20 series Land Cruiser looked and acted more like jeeps than full fledge SUVs.
It was only until the launch of 50 series that established land cruiser as a multi purpose, every day SUV. Toyota also calls it their first real station wagon. 50 series was produced from 1967 to 1980. Like its predecessors it also established its authority as the most reliable and durable off road vehicle. It was offered only in 3.9 and 4.2 litre petrol engine capacities with 3 or 4 speed manual gearbox configurations. 50 series was launched only in 4 door station wagon body style.
60 series also lived up to Land Cruiser repute; it is also known as Toyota Samurai and was produced from 1980 to 1990. Like previous generations of Land Cruisers it demonstrated superior off road skills but it was critiqued for having a poor departure angle compared to Range Rover. However it proved itself more reliable against its British contemporary. Toyota introduced 4 speed manual along with 4 speed auto and 5 speed manual transmission options in 60 series. Additionally a series of petrol, diesel and turbo diesel engines ranging from 3.4 to 4.2 litre capacities were also offered.
70 series was introduced in 1984, Toyota increased number of engine capacities ranging from 2.4 to 4.5 litre petrol, diesel and turbo charged diesel engines. Toyota also launched it in 2 door pickup and 4 door wagon body styles. However, only 5 speed manual gearboxes was offered in this series. Some famous Toyota Land Cruiser engine codes that have been used by Japanese manufacturer are as follows 3F E Engine; this 4 litre 12 valve 6 cylinder petrol engine was based on Injection technology and was produced from 1984 till 1991. Another version of same engine was produced from 1991 till 1995. 1FZ FE Engine; it was 4.5 litre 24 valve 6 cylinder petrol engine produced from 1992 till 1998. 3UZ FE Engine; this massive 4.7 litre petrol engine was a V8. It had 48 valves and was based on VVT I technology. Its production continued from 2002 till 2007.