By the time the J80-series Toyota Land Cruiser debuted for 1991, the Land Cruiser had already been tackling rough terrain all over the world for 40 years. Even so, the J80 was a considerable leap forward, as Toyota moved the Land Cruiser in a more luxurious direction with air conditioning, airbags, ABS and a leather interior. And while the Land Cruiser wasn’t cheap, buyers could literally purchase two Land Cruisers for the cost of a single Range Rover.

Fit and finish were refined, with gauges that looked like they came from a Lexus, and improved sound-proofing insulated passengers from road and wind noise. An optional third seat upped passenger capacity from five to eight and split in the middle to fold up against the sides.

The new Land Cruiser FJ80 had coil spring front suspension and a fulltime 4WD system with a locking central differential for extreme conditions. Power door locks and windows were standardized for 1992, and intermittent wipers were also fitted.

The big news arrived in 1993. Testers had grumbled about the 155 bhp engine struggling to move the 4600-pound wagon and it was replaced by a new 212 bhp 4.5-liter powerplant. As a result, 0-60 mph dropped from 14.1 seconds to 12 seconds, though gas mileage remained in the 11-13 mpg range. Towing capacity was now 5000 pounds. A new option offered front and rear differential locks and antilock brakes – now with front and rear discs. ABS was also available separately. Side door impact beams were added.

Few changes occurred in 1994 and early 1995 models were carryovers. However mid-year saw the introduction of dual airbags, and ABS became standard. Lexus offered its own version of a Land Cruiser for 1996, called the LX450. It was the first Lexus SUV. The Model 80 was replaced by the J100 in 1998 as the 6-cylinder engine gave way to a Lexus V-8. Although FJ80 production was concluded in Japan in 1997, the Toyota factory in Venezuela continued to make the model until 2007.

In 1997 “40th Anniversary Limited Editions” were offered in the U.S. and 4,744 buyers snapped them up. They were available in Antique Sage Pearl or Emerald Green. These included keyless entry, badges, embroidered floor mats automatic climate control, two-tone brown leather interiors. Locking differentials were commonly fitted with running boards and roof racks. There was also a “Collector’s Edition” with gray side molding, black pearl badges and embroidered mats.