Toyota Cresta

Mid-size luxury car
Motor vehicle
  • Toyota Mark II/Cressida
  • Toyota Chaser
ChronologySuccessorToyota Verossa

The Toyota Cresta (Japanese: トヨタ・クレスタ, Hepburn: Toyota Kuresuta) is a mid-size car built by Toyota. It was launched in 1980 and shared the chassis with the Mark II/Cressida, sold at Toyopet Store dealerships in Japan. The goal of the Cresta was a higher level of luxury in comparison to the Mark II, while the Chaser was the performance-oriented version of the Mark II, but sold at different dealerships. Often available with two-tone paint and more interior convenience options, with the result ending up being more similar to the Cressida sold in export markets. The Cresta was produced for five generations, and production stopped in 2001, when it was merged with the Chaser to form the short lived Verossa.

The Cresta represented a marketing approach of providing a luxurious version of older, established vehicles, by offering a four-door hardtop body style, combined with luxury amenities, powerful engines, enhanced ride quality and performance. Similar vehicles offered were the Corona EXiV, Carina ED, Corolla Ceres and Sprinter Marino. This was offered during the early 1980s before "the bubble economy" took affect, and sales diminished.

The name "cresta" is Vulgar Latin for "crest", which means a plume of feathers, or other decoration, worn on or displayed on a helmet; the distinctive ornament of a helmet.

X50-X60 series (1980–1984)

Motor vehicle
Toyota Cresta
Overview
Model codeX50 X60
Production1980–1984
AssemblySusono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji)
(Kanto Auto Works)[1]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door hardtop
LayoutFront engine, RWD
Related
  • Toyota Mark II
  • Toyota Chaser
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,645 mm (104.1 in)
Length4,640 mm (183 in)
Width1,690 mm (67 in)
Height1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Curb weight1,065–1,225 kg (2,348–2,701 lb)

The first Cresta was introduced April 1980 and was available exclusively at the renamed Toyota Vista Store (formerly Toyota Auto Store) sales channels across Japan, joining the X40 Chaser. The Cresta was positioned as a high-level luxury sedan just below the established, traditional luxury sedan, the Crown. The sales goal of the Cresta was to provide buyers with a luxury sedan, but not incur tax consequences for exceeding dimension regulations, the vehicle was limited to an engine size at 2000cc as well as dimensions under 4.7 m (15.4 ft) long, 1.7 m (5.6 ft) wide, and 2 m (6.6 ft) high, and allowing another Toyota dealership network to offer a luxury-sports oriented product originally exclusive to Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations.

The Cresta was introduced with halogen headlights to provide a modern European appearance, and was available with a full range of luxury amenities and conveniences. The SOHC 2.0 L M-EU straight six engine was used with an automatic transmission only, which was shared with the Crown, as well as the 2.0L 1G-EU straight six engine, also used in the Crown. Trim levels, and the use of straight six engines, used names meant to suggest luxury overtones, such as Super Lucent, Super Touring, Super Deluxe, Super Custom, and Custom, names that were similarly used on the Crown. The previously used trim package name "Grande" used for the Mark II did not transfer to the Cresta. Upper level trim levels used two-tone paint schemes to further the Cresta's elevated status towards a younger demographic. This image branding was further enhanced when the Toyota Soarer performance luxury coupé was introduced in February 1981, and the Cresta's appearance was updated to make its appearance similar.

Ride quality and handling characteristics were given priority, and MacPherson struts were used at all four wheels, borrowing the rear suspension from the Crown and Soarer, using semi-trailing arms with four links.

The Cresta entered a growing list of luxury sedans under the "dimension regulations", and Nissan competitor was the Laurel and was joined by the Mitsubishi Eterna Sigma

1982–1984 Toyota Cresta Super Lucent Twin Cam

This new luxury approach was well received with buyers. In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1 vehicle"; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), a clandestine effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan for international markets.[2][3] This led to the creation of an all new, full size luxury sedan designed for export markets, called the Lexus LS.

X70 series (1984–1988)

Motor vehicle
Toyota Cresta
Toyota Cresta Super Lucent
Overview
Model codeX70
Production1984–1988
AssemblySusono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji)
(Kanto Auto Works)[4]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront engine, RWD
Related
  • Toyota Mark II
  • Toyota Chaser
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,660 mm (105 in)
Length4,650 mm (183 in)
Width1,690 mm (67 in)
Height1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb weight1,380 kg (3,040 lb)

The X70 series was introduced March 8, 1984, with styling cues shared with the platform sharing Mark II and the all-new Toyota Soarer, with the Cresta now offered as a 4-door, 4-window sedan with a distinct, creased rear window. The X70 Mark II was offered as a 4-window hardtop body style similar to the Chaser, alongside a 6-window style sedan.

The X70 series continued to enjoy the popularity enjoyed by the first generation Cresta. The Cresta continued to be offered alongside the performance oriented Chaser at Toyota Vista Store and visually the Cresta remained as the top-level car, in a role shared with the Toyota Store exclusive Crown which had been completely refreshed in 1983.

Power side view mirrors were now installed western style at the leading edge of the front doors instead of on the front fenders above the front wheels to provide a more modern appearance, and retracted electrically for confined parking spaces. The 2.2-litre diesel engine used in the first generation was upgraded to one with 2.4 litres displacement.

MacPherson struts continued at all four wheels, with semi-trailing arms with four links. This easily accommodated Toyota's TEMS semi-active electronically controlled suspension system installed on the GT Twin Cam trim package.

Styling upgrades and engine changes were introduced in 1985. The twin turbo 1G-GTEU was introduced in October 1985, with the trim level designation GT Twin Turbo. As a result of the twin turbo introduction, the M-TEU engine was no longer offered. Foglights imbedded in the front bumper were made standard equipment, with another minor styling upgrade August 1986.

Cresta GT Twin Turbo (rear view)

X80 series (1988–1992)

Motor vehicle
Toyota Cresta
1990 Toyota Cresta 2.5GT TWIN TURBO
Overview
Model codeX80
Production1988–1992
AssemblySusono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji)
(Kanto Auto Works)[5]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront engine, RWD
Related
  • Toyota Mark II
  • Toyota Chaser
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1.8 L 4S-Fi I4 (1988-1990)
  • 1.8 L 4S-FE I4 (1991-1992)
  • 2.0 L 1G-FE I6
  • 2.0 L 1G-GTE twin-turbo I6 (1988-1991)
  • 2.0 L 1G-GZE supercharged I6 (1988-1991)
  • 3.0 L 7M-GE I6
  • 2.5 L 1JZ-GE I6 (1992)
  • 2.5 L 1JZ-GTE twin-turbo I6 (1992)
  • 2.4 L 2L-T diesel turbo I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,680 mm (106 in)
Length4,690 mm (185 in)
Width1,695–1,710 mm (66.7–67.3 in)
Height1,375 mm (54.1 in)
Curb weight1,220–1,480 kg (2,690–3,260 lb)

The third generation was introduced in March 8, 1988, with a transition away from straight edges previously used by Toyota products of the period and remained only as a hardtop sedan. Benefiting from the popularity of the model update for the Toyota Soarer, the Cresta visually appeared as a four-door Soarer, and used the same interior colors and exterior paint selections. The trim package names used for this series were "Super Custom", "Super Custom Extra", "Super Deluxe", "Super Lucent", "Exceed", "Super Lucent G" and the "2.5 GT Twin Turbo".[6]

The top-of-the-line model, called "Super Lucent G" had two variants. The base variant "Super Lucent" included a supercharger equipped 2.0 L 1G-GZE straight six engine, while the "Super Lucent G" included the 3.0 L 7M-GE straight six that was also used in the Soarer. The top trim package "Super Lucent G" also increased in width, thereby incurring additional yearly taxed due to it no longer being classified as a "small car" according to dimension regulations. All engines were now upgraded to DOHC for improved efficiency.[6][7]

The suspension remained unchanged, using MacPherson struts continued at all four wheels, with semi-trailing arms with four links. TEMS was now offered on the renamed top-level trim package 3.0 Super Lucent G which was shared with the same time period Crown and Soarer. The Cresta and Chaser were no longer the top-level cars at Toyota Vista Store when the Toyota Aristo was introduced in 1991, combined with the economic affects starting with the eventual collapse of the "bubble economy", sales were affected.

The 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE found in the GT oriented grades were shared with the Chaser. Special anniversary trim levels such as the "Exceed" trim were introduced in May 1990, with a body refresh introduced later that year.

Toyota Cresta (X80, rear view)

X90 series (1992–1996)

Motor vehicle
Toyota Cresta
Toyota Cresta 2.5 Super Lucent
Overview
Model codeX90
Production1992–1996
AssemblySusono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji)
(Kanto Auto Works)[8]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
Layout
Related
  • Toyota Mark II
  • Toyota Chaser
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 4-speed automatic
  • 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,730 mm (107 in)
Length4,750 mm (187 in)
Width1,750 mm (69 in)
Height1,390 mm (55 in)
Curb weight1,390 kg (3,060 lb)

The X90 Cresta debuted in 1992 with significant styling and mechanical changes over the X80. The car increased in size and gained some new trim levels similar to its sister cars, the Mark II and Chaser. With the introduction of the Third Generation Soarer, the exterior of the Cresta no longer shared an appearance while the interior shared some similarities. As before, engines were carried over from the past generation albeit without the 7M or supercharged 1G I6's. In 1994, following mid-model refreshes, Toyota changed the front grille and taillight design. Under Japanese exterior dimension regulations, this series was no longer regarded as a "compact car" due to the increased length and width, while the previous generation came in two distinct width dimensions so as to stay compliant.

The X90 Cresta was offered in 4 primary trim levels throughout its run (the SC, Suffire, Super Lucent and Tourer),[9] each with their own options and even more specific trim categorizations. All cars shared common longitudinal layout architecture as well as certain options standard, like automatic climate control and side-impact bars, and a driver-side airbags in 1995. The base trim level SC had very little in terms of options; it was powered by either a petrol or diesel engine mated to a 4-speed automatic. The next level Suffire had the same options available (or lack thereof) as the SC plus an optional 5-speed manual.[9]

The Super Lucent however was a much different story: this trim offered 3 different straight 6 engines from 2.0L-3.0L mated to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic with options like a moon roof or a factory LSD. Further differentiating Super Lucent models was the "G" package, which featured options like ABS, 15-inch wheels, Cruise control, Digital Instrument cluster, and leather interior. Permanent 4WD, called All-Trac was offered as an option in 1993 to stay competitive with the Nissan Laurel Club S. The various sized engine displacements gave Japanese buyers choices as to which annual road tax obligation they were willing to pay.

The Tourer trim levels all featured a 2.5L 1JZ straight 6, but with a few differences. The Tourer S had a naturally aspirated engine and only a 4-speed automatic whereas the Tourer V's came with a pair of turbochargers and the option of an R154 5-speed manual. All Tourers had front- and rear-stabilizer bars but only the Tourer V's came with traction control, ABS and an LSD standard. Tourer V's were very popular amongst enthusiasts and drifters due to their stiff chassis, price point compared to other RWD/Turbo Toyota's, and power-to-weight ratio.

Toyota Cresta (X90, rear view)

X100 series (1996–2001)

Motor vehicle
Toyota Cresta
Toyota Cresta 2.5 Exceed G
Overview
Model codeX100
Production1996–2001
AssemblyMiyawaka, Fukuoka (Miyata)
(Toyota Motor Kyushu)[10]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
Layout
Related
  • Toyota Mark II
  • Toyota Chaser
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,730 mm (107 in)
Length4,760 mm (187 in)
Width1,755 mm (69.1 in)
Height1,420 mm (56 in)
Curb weight1,420 kg (3,130 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorToyota Verossa

In 1996 the X100 series was released. Although the dimensions are extremely similar to the X90 series, the X100 series Cresta boasts an extra 90 kg (200 lb) in weight, in part because of stricter safety regulations. The Cresta continued to be offered as the second-level sedan below the Toyota Aristo, and in 1998 Toyota Vista Store locations were renamed NETZ Store.

Predecessor to the Toyota Verossa, the new Cresta X100 series started its differences from the X90 series with an updated front and rear end. The new generation Cresta also lost its previous generation's 1.8L 4S-FE I4 engine option.

The Cresta, along with the Chaser, ceased production in 2001 (the Mark II saw one more generation, the X110, before production ceased in 2004) to make way for its replacement, the Toyota Verossa.

The Cresta came in four different trim levels: SC, Exceed, Super Lucent, and Roulant.[11]

1998 Cresta

In popular culture

The car is notable for featuring in the anime and manga Great Teacher Onizuka, in which it is owned by Hiroshi Uchiyamada, whose car gets destroyed multiple times after a series of mishaps.

References

  1. ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
  2. ^ Dawson, Chester (2004). Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit. John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte Ltd., Singapore. p. 4. ISBN 0-470-82110-8.
  3. ^ May, Matthew E. (2006). The Elegant Solution: Toyota's Formula for Mastering Innovation. New York: Free Press. p. 43. ISBN 0-7432-9017-8.
  4. ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
  5. ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
  6. ^ a b "Toyota Cresta August 1988 to September 1992". Carsensor.net. Recruit Co. Ltd. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Toyota Cresta February 1989 to December 2000". Car From Japan. CAR FROM JAPAN Co., Ltd. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  8. ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
  9. ^ a b "Toyota Cresta October 1992 - August 1996". Carsensor.net. Recruit Co. Ltd. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  10. ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
  11. ^ "Toyota Cresta September 1996 to June 2001". Carsensor.net. Recruit Co. Ltd. Retrieved 3 May 2024.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Toyota Cresta.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Toyota X series.
  • Toyota Cresta Technical Wikipedia (@ JZX World – jzx100.com)
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