Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ40)
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If there was ever a vehicle to take off into the depths of the wilderness, it was a Toyota Land Cruiser. This is really the only vehicle that The best of all versions was the FJ40. This version of the Land Cruiser was available from 1974 until 1983 and was near indestructible. This version probably should have been called the Land Bruiser. Notoriously strong and reliable, the FJ40 version of the Land Cruiser belongs on this list without a doubt.
With enough modifications, any vehicle can become an off-road beast. What was so great about the FJ40 version was that it didn’t need those modifications! It came directly from the factory with the components and features that made it a monster. FJ40’s were 2 doors and had a bit more size to them than the Jeep Wrangler. The FJ40’s were best suited to take two people at a time but also had some pop-up jump seats to turn it into a 4 seater. When in 2 seat mode, it provides incredible versatility. That versatility is, of course, a hallmark of the sports utility category.
This SUV was certainly thought of as a truck at the time. But it fits the modern day definition without too much trouble. The FJ40 Land Cruiser wasn’t exactly known for its great features. When it first came out it didn’t even have power steering or air conditioning. Those did come in 1979 but they certainly weren’t the number one reasons.
Despite the age of these FJ40’s, there are still a ton of them running on the road right now. They are so easy to maintain and parts are readily available. Land Cruisers were a popular choice to take the doors and roof off. This turned them into a sunny weather vehicle with immense off-road capability. This is what helped turn them into the greatest desert and outback vehicle anywhere.
