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Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

LAND CRUISER COLORADO

Short of class, but very good in every other way

Used Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado 4x4 1996 - 2002

Word of the Colorado's many strengths and excellent build quality has clearly spread to the used market, so prices remain high.

In most other respects, the Colorado is right on the money for running costs. The V6 petrol is more fuel-efficient than a V8 Discovery, for example, and the D4-D diesel is only very slightly worse than the Disco's Td5 diesel engine.

Similarly, routine servicing on the Land Rover is a little more expensive than on a Land Cruiser and insurance is pretty much identical on the two, with most Colorados in group 14 or 15.

The only possible fly in the ointment is that unscheduled repairs could be quite dear. Warranty Direct tells us that, although Toyota labour rates are no worse than average, repair costs on Toyotas in general, and on Land Cruisers in particular, are higher than average.

Short of class, but very good in every other way

At any given point in the Colorado's life, there was only ever one diesel and one petrol engine. However, our favourite is the D4-D diesel that was introduced in January 2001. It was stronger and more fuel-efficient than the TD it replaced, so it was much more suitable for a typical Colorado owner than the V6 petrol.

What's more, if you want a three-door, you have to choose a diesel engine - the V6 petrol engine only ever came with the five-door body. That said, we think the five-door is the better choice, because it's considerably more versatile.

No matter which trim you choose, you won't be short-changed. Even the basic FX (available only with the diesel engine and without the seven-seat option) includes air-con and electric windows, but we'd spend a little more to get a CD changer and other luxuries on our favourite GX trim.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement.

A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

Large SUV

All Land Cruisers have a reputation for solid dependability, and the Colorado is no exception. Although Warranty Direct has no figures on this precise model, the only words of caution are that cracked cylinder heads on the diesel engines can cost as much as £2500 to fix, and that a faulty fuel safety cut-off can cause misfires on the petrol models.

There have been no recalls on this model, and we don't expect any problems to appear in the future. Not only has Toyota done consistently well in JD Power reports, the company's other 4x4s have also performed strongly.

Certainly, if the reports from owners online are anything to go by, you should have nothing to fear. Although faults are not completely unknown, the majority of owners report absolutely no problem with their cars.

The Colorado is one of the best rivals for a Land Rover Discovery, and much the same size. Like the Disco, it's very strong off-road, with standard high- and low-ratio gears, but pretty handy on Tarmac, too. It rides well most of the time, better even than a Land Rover in certain situations and much better than a Mitsubishi Shogun.

Unlike many rivals, it has rack and pinion steering, which gives better feedback. That said, more modern rivals such as the BMW X5 are better buys if most of your driving is on-road.

The Colorado's cabin may look pretty drab, but it's as roomy and well-built as the very best. Even the three-door model has more than enough room for five, and the five-door is even more practical, with two optional seats in the boot, giving it some MPV-style flexibility.

Used Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado 4x4 1996 - 2002 reliability

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Used Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado 4x4 1996 - 2002 review

All Land Cruisers have a reputation for solid dependability, and the Colorado is no exception. Although Warranty Direct has no figures on this precise model, the only words of caution are that cracked cylinder heads on the diesel engines can cost as much as £2500 to fix, and that a faulty fuel safety cut-off can cause misfires on the petrol models.,There have been no recalls on this model, and we don't expect any problems to appear in the future. Not only has Toyota done consistently well in JD Power reports, the company's other 4x4s have also performed strongly.,Certainly, if the reports from owners online are anything to go by, you should have nothing to fear. Although faults are not completely unknown, the majority of owners report absolutely no problem with their cars.

What to look for when buying a Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado 1996 - 2002, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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