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| Note to Readers: This and my other Foreign and Military Toyota 4x4 pages are currently undergoing a much needed update and renovation. When complete, I plan to research and locate more information to add to these pages. If you'd like to contribute photos of your own or additional information or corrections, please EMAIL me anytime. Thank you. |
| Latest Update: April 26, 2005 |
| Introduced in 1996 and branching off of the 70 series line as an all new independent model, the Prado appears similier to the LC100, but there's little the two have in combination except name plate. The Prado is smaller and is based on it's own IFS chassis. This model is not sold in the United States. |
| Note: The following text is largely from Toyota, during it's 50th anniversary of the Land Cruiser, with several modifications, corrections and additions from myself. |
| In May of 1996, one model of the 70-series, the Prado, underwent a major makeover and emerged as the 90-series Prado, a completely independent series. When based on the 70 series, the Prado was designed to be a much heavier duty alternative to the 4Runner/Surf, but a lighter duty and cheaper alternative to the Land cruiser 80 models. In 1996, the Prado broke away from the 70 series line and underwent a complete redesign, independent of any of the Land Cruiser models. The new Prado introduced an all new chassis design that used a front suspension and chassis similar to the brand new 4Runner/Surf. In fact, both models may actually be based on the exact same chassis and platform (although I’m not positive on this.) The Prado would be marketed in most countries, except the U.S. were it wasn't sold at all, as an upscale alternative to the 4Runner/Surf. Aiming for supremacy in all classes, Toyota developed the 90-series Prado as its final weapon against its main competitor, the Mitsubishi Pajero. In addition to the standard body, there was a wide-body version, a sporty 3-door model and a 5-door model. The 90-series Prado had a wide and low form, and looked very similar to the Mitsubishi Pajero. Even the engine had similar specs, with the choice of both petrol and diesel. The power train was full time 4x4, with a 2 speed transfer case. The specs and the lineup of the 90-series included major changes, but the most striking change was the new - independent front suspension. A first for the Land Cruiser, but not the last, as Toyota later incorporated another IFS design into the new flagship 100 series. In April of 1997 the 3.4 petrol V-6 was added, making it more desirable to some buyers. More luxury upgrades were added in June and July of 1997, along with styling changes and options to deliver a little better performance off-road, such as Active Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. A newly developed diesel engine was added in response to demands for lower fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and less noise and vibration. The 90-series Prado came in a distinctive wide-body style, a sporty 3-door version and a 5-door model in addition to the standard size body. Its two rows of seats, all of which lay flat, made it an ideal vehicle for camping. Meanwhile, it went further in luxury styling: specs included wood-like paneling on the instrument panel, an Optitron speedometer and tachometer. The right and left sides of the instrument panel were clearly separated by the center panel. This was a car built for world markets, where the steering wheel could be moved to the right or left with a minimum exchange of parts. The headlamps on the early 3-door short model were round, but were modified to a square shape like the 4-door long model in 1999. The 2-door and 4-door body share many parts in common, with the front section being identical. The 4-door model had two variations, with either two or three rows of seats. The 2-door model had a split rear seat to accommodate different cargo configurations. In June of 1999, fairly significant styling changes were introduced, with changes in the front grille, front bumper, door trim, combination gauge design, and the addition of multi-reflector headlamps. A newer version was introduced earlier in 2003 as all new completely redesigned model. The new model holds some slight styling cues of the original 90 series, but includes even more luxury, far more power, in the form of the 4.7 liter V- 8, and slightly larger in size. This new model will be sold in the United States, badged as a Lexus GX470. See below for pictures. Today, the new model is no longer referred to a 90 series. |
| For more information or to visit a Prado message board in Australia, please check out the following two websites. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/90series/ http://www.geocities.com/prado_95/index.html |
| Technical views. Click on images for larger views |
| General Prado Pictures Click on images for larger views. |
| Prados from Toyota's website and brochures |
| Off Road Prado Pictures Click on images for larger views. |
| Prado pictures from various overseas websites. |
| 90 series Prado replacement. Introduced Spring, 2003. In U.S. is called a Lexus GX470. |
| Since this is a distinctive model that's now been out for several years, I will create it's own page as time allows. Check back. |
| The new Toyota Land Cruiser, receiving its World Premier, is the highlight of the Toyota stand at Paris Mondial de l' Automobile 2002. Toyota's new Land Cruiser is aimed at the core of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market and replaces the current Land Cruiser 90 in Toyota's comprehensive SUV range. Like all previous Land Cruiser models, the new Toyota Land Cruiser offers full off-road capability - but, in response to the growing leisure market, the latest model adds superb on-road driving pleasure with new standards of premium car quality and comfort. The new Toyota Land Cruiser is at the heart of the SUV market while the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 - itself revised for the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile - targets the luxury market for those seeking the ultimate in off-road performance. |
| These pictures are from Toyota Germany, where they use left hand drive. This is the new 90 series Landcruiser, but it's called other names in other markets. Sometimes just called the new Landcruiser. In North America, it will be introduced as an all new model and badged the Lexus LX470 and will only come with the 4.7 liter V-8. As to the fate of the current model, this is not clear. The current model may continue to sell in some markets for the time being. |
| Copyright © 2003-2005 Brian McCamish, All Rights Reserved - Only content that is specifically owned by me is copyright to me. Most of the content in this section and related pages are owned by others and are therefore copyright to the original owners. Note about the photos on this site: Every effort has been made not to include other's photos without the proper permission and credits, however, if you see any photos which belong to you and that I don't have permission to use, I apologize. If you send me an Email, I will remove the photos immediately or give proper credit, which ever you wish. |