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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesToyota did not simply take a Jeep and rename it. In 1951, it built its own Jeep-type four-wheel-drive truck prototype, the BJ, using Toyota experience and components. The National Police Reserve chose a Mitsubishi-built, licensed Willys Jeep instead; Toyota then redirected the BJ to civilian use, put it into volume production in 1953, and named it Land Cruiser in June 1954.
Did Toyota copy or steal the Jeep?
“Stole” is a catchy headline, but the documented history supports a more specific account: Toyota developed a Jeep-type vehicle in response to a request for four-wheel-drive trucks. Toyota’s history says the BJ drew on earlier Toyota four-wheel-drive experience and parts from its own Model SB truck, including rear-axle components. The available corporate histories do not provide a detailed design comparison establishing that Toyota stole or directly copied a particular Willys model.
The distinction matters because two vehicles were involved in the story. Toyota developed the BJ; the Police Reserve selected a Mitsubishi Jeep, which Toyota describes as a licensed version of the North American Willys Jeep. Toyota says the Mitsubishi vehicle was selected because it had a more extensive track record.
| Vehicle | Documented origin and role |
|---|---|
| Toyota BJ | Toyota-developed Jeep-type prototype, built using Toyota’s earlier four-wheel-drive experience and Model SB truck parts; redirected to civilian use after the Police Reserve’s decision. |
| Mitsubishi Jeep | Licensed North American Willys Jeep selected for the National Police Reserve because, according to Toyota, it had a more extensive track record. |
The available histories establish those origins and roles, not a technical, component-by-component comparison. The procurement decision alone is not evidence that Toyota copied Mitsubishi’s or Willys’ design. Toyota’s corporate history of four-wheel-drive development and its Land Cruiser model history describe the distinction.
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#1 Best Overall
- Toyota Official Licensed
- Openable doors and hood.
- Custom Off-road Wheels with Rubber tires
- Window box, shipped in a corrugated box
- Pre-assembled, not a building kit, not RC
How the BJ developed
1950: Toyota receives a four-wheel-drive vehicle request
Toyota’s corporate history says that in August 1950 the company received a request from the U.S. Armed Forces and Japan’s newly established Police Reserve Force to produce prototypes of a quarter-ton four-wheel-drive truck and a three-quarter-ton four-wheel-drive weapon carrier. The quarter-ton truck was described as “Jeep type.”
1951: The BJ prototype is completed
Toyota completed the quarter-ton prototype in January 1951 after five months of development. The company’s account says engineers drew on earlier four-wheel-drive experience and available parts, including suspension-related parts such as the rear axle from Toyota’s Model SB truck.
Rank #2
- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. True-to-scale detail. Has steerable wheels. Detailed interior, exterior. Officially licensed product. Made of diecast with some plastic parts. Has pull-back action to make the car move. Has opening hood, four doors and rear gate. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Dimensions approximately L-8, W-4, H-3.25 inches.
- Material: Metal
Toyota’s historical specifications for the 1951 BJ list a 3,389 cc Type B engine rated at 82 hp, a 2,400 mm wheelbase, dimensions of 3,793 mm long, 1,575 mm wide and 1,900 mm high, and a stated maximum speed of 100 km/h. These are figures from Toyota’s account, not independent test results.
After the Police Reserve decision: Toyota turns to civilian buyers
The Police Reserve selected the Mitsubishi Jeep rather than Toyota’s BJ. Toyota says the Mitsubishi vehicle’s more extensive track record was the reason. Toyota redirected the BJ toward civilian use, and the company says volume production began in 1953.
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Rank #3
- Create an elite Hot Wheels collection with a Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture vehicle.
- This 1:64th scale die-cast 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser model has premium execution with Real Riders tires and Metal/Metal body and chassis.
- Authentic deco and detailed trim complement the SUV's Calvary Blue body.
- Additional design details include detailed headlights and taillights, a sunroof, and smoke-tinted windows.
- With the detailed stylings of the fan-favorite vehicle, this authentic 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser replica looks great whether on display or when used for play.
Why was it called the Land Cruiser?
“Jeep” was not Toyota’s name to keep using: it was a Willys-Overland trademark. Toyota’s 75-year corporate history explains the naming issue this way: “However, since ‘Jeep’ was a registered trademark of Willys-Overland Motors of the United States, Toyota had to change the vehicle’s name, and made it the Toyota BJ.” Toyota says the formal change to Land Cruiser followed in June 1954.
The name change came after the BJ’s development and the start of civilian volume production. Toyota’s history also records a later redesign: in November 1955 it introduced the redesigned BJ25 series and added the F-engine FJ25 series. Toyota’s corporate history and its Land Cruiser evolution history provide the timeline.
Rank #4
- High-Quality Materials:The Toyota Land Cruiser die-cast car is made of zinc alloy,plastic parts and rubber tires,making it safe for children to play with.It features detailed interior and exterior trim, and is very sturdy.
- Function:No batteries are required, but the vehicle has a powerful pull back feature. Simply pull it back, then release your hand, and the car will go for a long distance. The doors may be opened to view the whole inside of the vehicle. So appealing to children and collectors alike.
- Size:1/36 scale vehicle model with beautiful English packaging,ideal for toddlers to play with and carry. Car collectors will appreciate the perfect small size, which allows them to collect a complete set of cars without taking up too much space.
- Grow From Play:Help children learn more about car ,expand their knowledge ,increase the hand-eye coordination and the reaction speed of the children in the play.
- Ideal Christmas Festival Gift:All of TOKAXI die-cast model cars are attractively packaged in English, making them the perfect Christmas, Birthday, Children's Day, New Year gift for kids, party favors, home decorations, or travel toys for boys and girls.gifts for boys girls.
How the Land Cruiser’s origin became a global milestone
Toyota announced on August 20, 2019, that cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser series had surpassed 10 million units. That is Toyota’s reported total as of the 2019 announcement, not a current sales count. The same announcement dates the series’ launch to August 1, 1951, as the Toyota Jeep BJ. Toyota’s 2019 sales announcement gives the figure and launch date.
In 2021, Toyota also said the BJ became the first vehicle to climb to Mount Fuji’s sixth checkpoint. That is Toyota’s historical claim, rather than an independently established comparison in the sources cited here. Toyota’s 2021 announcement recounts it.
Quick Recap
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