The Land Cruiser 80 series was unveiled in October 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show and launched in early 1990. It had swing-out back doors, which were replaced by a tailgate and hatch in 1994. The Land Cruiser was nicknamed the Burbuja (Bubble) in Colombia and Venezuela due to its roundness. 

The J80 was initially offered in two versions in these countries: the fully loaded VX and an entry-level model that included a vinyl interior with optional air conditioning. In 1996, the entry model was upgraded to a medium equipped model named Autana, including cloth upholstery, standard air conditioning, and power driver seat. The name is a reference to the Tepui mesa Autana, a spectacular plateau, and cave system along the Guiana Shield craton. Land Cruiser sales reached 2 million vehicles.

Today, we complete restorations for all FJ80 series Land Cruisers, keeping them in peak condition for years to come.

1990 – The 80 series station wagon was introduced, replacing the 60 series. All 80s sold in North America and Europe now have a full-time four-wheel drive system. In Japan, Africa, and Australia, a part-time system was still available. 80s produced between 1990 and 1991 had an open center differential which was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO. From 1992 onward, vehicles with anti-lock brakes had a viscous coupling that sent a maximum of 30% torque to the non-slipping axle. The differential was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO.
1990 – A new generation of diesel engines were introduced, adding to the engines available in the 80 series. The 80 series came with either a (3F-E) six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, a six-cylinder SOHC naturally aspirated diesel engine, (1HZ), or a 1HD-T direct injection turbo diesel.

1991 – By mid-1991 the (3F-E) was introduced to the Australian market, a fuel injected version of the 3F.

1993 – An advanced 24-valve, 4.5 L six-cylinder petrol engine, 1FZ-FE was introduced. Larger brakes were added from October 1992 and the total wheelbase was made slightly longer. Front and rear axle lockers (code k294) appeared as an option. The High Pinion Electric Locking front differential become available in US models. In May 1993 Toyota began using R134 refrigerant in the air conditioning system. Serial numbers lower than JT3DJ81xxxxx38947 use R12 refrigerant.

1994 – A limited edition Land Cruiser Blue Marlin (FZJ80R) was introduced into the Australian market. They have 4.5L straight 6 petrol motors with double-overhead cams, automatic or manual transmission and 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) at 4600 rpm. The car is blue from the Blue Marlin fish and they have the Blue Marlin logo throughout the car. Some of the features that the Blue Marlin included were altimeters, power windows, disk brakes, leather gear knob and steering wheel, central locking, leather trim, chrome handles and sidesteps, 16″ alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, anti-lock brakes (ABS), power steering, CD and cassette players, flares, and a limited edition bull bar. Only 500 were made.

1995 – Driver and passenger airbags were introduced as were adjustable shoulder-belt anchors and an anti-lock braking system. The “T O Y O T A” badge was replaced with the modern Toyota logo (which is sometimes described as a “bean with a hat” aka “the sombrero”).

1996 – In the Dakar Rally, a pair of Land Cruisers finished first and second in the unmodified production class. All American and British 80s adopted anti-lock brakes and airbags as standard equipment. The Land Cruiser was withdrawn from Canada this year and was replaced by the Lexus LX 450.

1997 – A limited run of Land Cruiser 80s was built specifically for collectors and therefore called the Land Cruiser Collector’s Edition. The Collectors Edition sported Collectors Edition badging, “Collector’s Edition” embroidered floor mats, automatic climate control, wheels with the “D” windows painted dark grey and special grey side moldings, and black pearl badging. The Collectors Edition was only available for the 1997 model year and the package was added to many of the available body colors.

1997 – 4,744 FZJ80 Land Cruisers were sold in the United States as “40th Anniversary Limited Edition” models. They were available in 2 colors; Antique Sage Pearl (often referred to as River rock, Pewter, or Grey) and Emerald Green. The 40th Anniversary models included apron badges, a serial number badge on the center console, black pearl exterior badges, “40th Anniversary Limited Edition” embroidered floor mats, automatic climate control, two-tone tan, and brown leather interiors, and wheels with the “D” windows painted dark gray. Many were manufactured with the optional electric front and rear locking differentials, keyless entry, port-installed roof racks, and running boards. There are some examples that did not have many of these extras. This is the last year for the electric locking front differentials.

2008 – Last 80-Series vehicle was built in Venezuela which was the only country producing the vehicles after production ended in Japan in 1997.