FJ60/62 to FJ80

[ColoradoFJ60]

Just curious at why the decision was made to convert the Land Cruiser into kind of a luxo vehicle?

If I look at my 60, it is so barebones compared to my 80. How was that decision made?

 

[Doc]

Market share.

How many folks in the US are driving bare-bones anything? Not many. Lots more soccer moms and mall cruisers out there.

 

[MTNRAT]

The 80 was created to showcase an unbelievably superior suspension system. Also man is it nice to drive 1000 miles in comfort and wheel hard and drive that 1000miles back, again in comfort.
Cheers,
Sean

 

[cruiserman]

The only luxo about it is the leather. Underneath is the same rugged rig with better reliability, power, and suspension.

 

[elum]

from what I had read in other sources... the 80 was Toyota's attempt to take the 60/62 and make a more "refined" product that could compete with what the American car companies were offering... I.E. Grand Cherokees, Suburbans, etc...

 

[Mike S]

Just curious at why the decision was made to convert the Land Cruiser into kind of a luxo vehicle?

If I look at my 60, it is so barebones compared to my 80. How was that decision made?

When I first looked at 60's, I'd just sold my '72 FJ40. The 60 was a luxury truck. It had power steering, A/C, and carpets, fer chriissakes!

Most things are relative, but if the soccer mom referred to above is buying the 80 series because it is cushier than a mini-van, then the Rubicon has been crossed. It's a luxury vehicle.

As for 'better than a 60' depends on what points of reference you're using.

M

 

[Exiled]

Are you referring to the US market? Because in Japan the 60 series was available in GXL trim, which was pretty luxo, even compared to the 80 series.

I think the 80 series is the natural evolution of the 60 series, with indeed, a much better suspension and modern components geared towards reliability and comfort, which has been a trend in the automotive world for decades (nobody was clamoring for a return to non-syncho shifters, non-boosted brakes and clutches, and manual steering).

The closest the 60 and the 80 series come to each other is when you look at a late model STD-trim FJ62 and an early STD-trim FJ80. Other than the suspension and a slightly more rounded body on the newer truck, there wasn't a whole lot of difference.

 

[OZCAL]

Most 80s in Australia, and I'd reckon most in the world, are far from the luxury vehicles they are in the states. Besides my middle of the road GXL package, there is the no-flares, manual tranny, rear barn door version. I think it has vinyl upholstery and rubber floormats instead of carpet. Many are stinky rattly diesels. They are the Ford F-150 of trucks over here.