Everything You Need To Know About The Toyota Cresta

Named after the Spanish word “Cresta”, meaning crest. The Cresta lineup was based on the chassis of Mark 2/Cressida and was produced from 1980 to 2001. The car was sold alongside the high-performing Chaser. Japanese buyers enjoyed its lower price tag because of its small dimension and equally diminutive engine, which helped Toyota Circumvent the stringent Japanese Aito tax laws, prevalent at that time. Aside from its historical status, the Cresta was one of the few cars to come out of Japan with drift-spec sway bars and chassis tuning from the factory.

But Japan had Toyota Crown!!!

Yes, the Crown was way more luxurious than the Cresta but it was primarily aimed at the older demographic with enough resources to purchase the tax-laden Toyota Crown. The goal of the Cresta was to target younger and upcoming Japanese folks, who wanted the near similar Crown experience, sans the heavy taxes. To achieve this Toyota made the sedan s under 4.7 m (15.4 ft) long, 1.7 m (5.6 ft) wide, and 2 m (6.6 ft) high to avoid the dimension taxes along with an engine that was only 2000 cc strong. To further affirm the Cresta’s Posh status the car was only sold via exclusive Toyota Vista dealerships.

What’s so unique about the Toyota Cresta?

Aside from Toyota’s ingenious plan of Evading taxes and selling Cresta from exclusive dealerships, Halogen headlamps were given and the Cresta lineup was available in 5 trim levels. Lucent, Super Touring, Super Deluxe, Super Custom, and Custom.

• X50-X60 series (1980–1984)

The first gen models were available in duo color paint jobs for higher trim levels along with a single automatic gearbox and 4 engine options, a 1.8 Liter Inline 4, and 3 versions of 2.0 Liter inline 6 that it shared with the Crown.

• X70 series (1984–1988)

The front fascia was changed for the 2nd gen, fog lamps were now embedded into the bumper, and power mirrors were installed on the doors as opposed to the front fender to give Cresta a more modern look. A new Turbo trim was introduced along with diesel engine options. A total of 6 engines were offered mated with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.Namely-1988 cc 1G-EU I6, 1988 cc M-TEU turbo I6, 1988 cc 1G-GEU DOHC 24V I6, 1988 cc 1G-GTEU twin-turbo DOHC 24V I6, 2446 cc 2L diesel I4, 2446 cc 2L-T turbodiesel I4.

• X80 series (1988–1992)

Various styling cues were introduced like altered rooflines and special edition models., the most notable upgrade being the introduction of the Super Lucent G variant that came with a supercharged 1G-GZE engine.

• X90 series (1992–1996)

Major changes ensued for the fourth generation in general. Chief among them were-

1. Newly Introduced dimension regulations meant the Cresta was no longer a compact car.
2. The front and rear lamps were redesigned.
3. The SC and Suffire trims were equipped with bare essentials but the latter had an option of a 5-speed manual.
4. The sporty Super Lucent trim came with 3 inline 6 engines and an optional moon roof and LSD.
5. G-Package was introduced with ABS,15-inch wheels, leather upholstery and cruise control along with an AWD (optional)
6. The Tourer trim came standard with sway bars and was further divided into two, the base trim had a naturally aspirated engine with an automatic gearbox while the S version had a Turbocharged unit with a 5-speed manual along with traction control and ABS and LSD.

• X100 series (1996–2001)

Toyota Cresta 1996 was 90 kg heavier due to enhanced safety regulations, along with minor aesthetic changes. Both Toyota 1996 Cresta and Chaser were discontinued to make way for Toyota Verossa, before the coup de grace, four trims were offered SC, Exceed, Super Lucent, and Roulant.

Why is Cresta rising in popularity?

Thanks to the irritatingly dumb 25-year law, buyers can legally import the Cresta into the US market. If you are looking for Toyota Cretsa for sale, the X90 series Tourer V model is a particular favorite of the drift and tuner community due to its ideal weight-to-power ratio, chassis-level stock enhancements, and standard performance-oriented nature that allows for really clean drifts and sideways action. The models equipped with optional LSD are generally preferred and can easily sell for around $10000 to $30000 depending upon the condition.