Goodbye Land Cruiser?
The Toyota Land Cruiser needs no introduction; it is a cultural icon around the world with one of the longest-running nameplates in the U.S being in production since 1957. It has evolved from a small, simple, agile offroader to a big luxurious full-size SUV that stays true to its roots. There have been rumors that Toyota is going to discontinue the Land Cruiser. These rumors started to surface all from an Instagram post from Motortrend's host Johnny Lieberman. It is was continued to be publicized with other media publications on this subject, such as Jalopnik and The Drive. So is this a goodbye to the infamous Land Cruiser? The last hoorah? The last drive? I think not.
The point of me writing this not to tell you what happened or why it will be the biggest tragedy in the world. I am here to tell you we need to raise our glass to the Land Cruiser and celebrate it regardless of what happens it will always be special in our hearts.
There is something about an old rusty Land Cruiser that excites me far more than any brand new car would. I am not sure if it is the uniqueness, the history, or the pure rawness of the car. Or perhaps the adventures and places they have gone. It is something I can appreciate and always smile when I see one. That may have to do with the cultural icon it has become. The Land Cruiser is a car we can all appreciate the history and what it stands for. I mean it says it all in the name, Land Cruiser. We are not in love with the $86k Land Cruiser. We are in love with what it used to be and what it stands for. If Toyota decides never to build another Land Cruiser again, I would not be upset we still have the great Land Cruiser hiding in fields and going on adventures across the world.
I realized I am not sad at all because regardless, the $86k Land Cruiser isn't the truck we all have come to know and celebrate. It is the rusty yellow Fj40 sitting at A Toyota Dealership lot amongst a sea of new Tacoma's and 4runners. The fact of the matter is there will be many old Land Cruisers sitting around ready to go on another adventure.
Here's to the Land Cruiser and all the adventure it stands for.
