Toyota Cressida

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For other uses, see Cressida (disambiguation).

Toyota Cressida

Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1973–1993
Assembly	Toyota City, Japan
Successor	Toyota Vienta (Australia) Toyota Avalon (North America)
Class	Mid-size executive car
Layout	FR layout
Related	Toyota Corona Mark II, Toyota Mark II, Toyota Chaser, Toyota Cresta

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Toyota Cressida

The Toyota Cressida was a mid-size, high-end luxury sedan renamed by Toyota in 1973, first exported from Japan in its second generation in 1977. It was the result of renaming the Corona Mark II in the United States. The same chassis, with slightly different bodies were available in other countries as the Toyota Mark II, Toyota Chaser and Toyota Cresta. The Cressida name was retired in 1993 (1992 in North America), but the chassis and Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names continued production in Japan until the early 2000s.

The Cressida was available worldwide in a variety of forms and engines. Available engines included the 6 cylinder G-series, M-series, and the 4 cylinder R-series gasoline engines, as well as the 4 cylinder L series diesel.

The name Cressida was used from a William Shakespeare play Troilus and Cressida.

[edit] First generation (1977-1980)

First generation

Production	1977–1980
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4 2.6 L 4M-E 2.0 L 18R
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed A43DL automatic
Wheelbase	102.0 in (2591 mm)
Length	178.2 in (4526 mm)
Width	66.0 in (1676 mm)
Height	57.9 in (1471 mm)
Curb weight	2,400 lb (1,089 kg)
Fuel capacity	65 L (17.2 US gal; 14.3 imp gal)[1]

The first generation Cressida (designated MX32) was available as a sedan, wagon, and a coupe version (which was available in Japan but not in all world markets). In Japan, it was sold as the Toyota Mark II. Standard features included air conditioning, automatic transmission (a 5-speed manual was available), power steering, rear seat armrests, AM/FM cassette stereo with amplifier, reclining front seats, and a rear window defroster. The automatic transmission was a four speed overdrive with an overdrive lockout. Power windows were optional. Soundproofing was extensive, and the Cressida was famous for being one of the quietest cars on the road at the time.^{[citation needed]} The 4M-E straight-six was an SOHC unit that was both powerful and quiet. On the New Zealand market, where it was locally assembled and sold in a highly specified 'GL' form, the car used a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine.

1977 Toyota Cressida Coupe

In the United Kingdom, the Cressida was available in both sedan and wagon bodystyles. The only engine available was a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol and there was one trim level, badged De Luxe. Contrary to popular belief, it was not the same as DX specifications on other Toyota cars, but a more upmarket version of the DX trim level. The then-contemporary Toyota Carina sedan and wagon also sold in the United Kingdom at this time also were badged as De Luxe (but rebadged as DX from 1980 onwards).

[edit] Second generation (1981-1984)

Second generation

Production	1981–1984
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Engine(s)	2.8 L 5M-E I6 2.8 L 5M-GE I6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed A43DE automatic
Wheelbase	104.0 in (2642 mm)
Length	186.0 in (4724 mm)
Width	66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height	54.0 in (1372 mm)
Curb weight	3,000 lb (1,361 kg)

The second generation Cressida, the MX63, was a significant redesign from the previous generation. Gone was the coupe version, but a more up-to-date body style was new for the sedan and wagon. Changes from the previous generation included a larger engine, now up to 116 hp (and using electronic fuel injection). The 5M-E would power the 1981 and 1982 models before it was superseded by the 5M-GE, a DOHC engine with a substantially higher power rating, 143 hp (107 kW) in 1983 and 156 hp (116 kW) in 1984.

In 1983, the Cressida was refreshed and gained an independent semi-trailing link rear suspension, rear solid disc brakes, and the 5M-GE engine. The technology came from the Toyota Supra parts bin with minor differences. A 5-speed manual transmission was available, but cars equipped with it were considerably more rare than automatic versions. The electronically-controlled A43DE automatic transmission was another improvement over the previous hydraulically-controlled A43DL transmission and had 3 modes: Power, Normal, and Economy. This iteration was praised for its handling, ride, quiet interior, and most of all, its reliability; the Cressida was quickly gaining a reputation for outstanding ownership.

US Federal law required the North American version saw the introduction of automatic seat belts which consisted of a motorized shoulderbelt that was deployed in the closed position when the door was closed and the ignition on.

[edit] Third generation (1985-1988)

Third generation

Production	1985–1988
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Engine(s)	2.8 L 5M-GE I6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed A43DE automatic 4-speed A340E automatic
Wheelbase	104.5 in (2654 mm)
Length	1985-86: 188.0 in (4775 mm) 1987-88: 187.8 in (4770 mm)
Width	66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height	1985-86: 54.0 in (1372 mm) 1987-88: 54.1 in (1374 mm)
Curb weight	3,214 lb (1,458 kg)

For 1985, a new Cressida was introduced by Toyota. This was the the MX73. The 5M-GE engine was mostly unchanged from the 1984 model year but gained a knock-sensor, which detected pre-ignition and adjusted timing accordingly when a lower-grade fuel was used. The bodystyle was all-new, larger, and more aerodynamic than previous generations. Interestingly, like its main competitor at the time, the Nissan Maxima, it was given the "compact" designation, though it had grown considerably in size. New options included were an electronic shock absorber control, digital instrument cluster, woodgrain trim, and secondary radio controls that were placed right by the steering wheel for easier access while driving. The automatic transmission retained its Normal/Power selector as many other Toyotas would, but later in production, the Economy selection was dropped; it was almost never used because of how low the shift points were.^{[citation needed]} In 1987, the automatic transmission was changed to the A340E that was also used with the 7M-GE engine at the time. The 1988 model was not offered with a manual transmission and the wagon was discontinued in 1987. By 1988, power output was at 161 hp (120 kW).

[edit] Fourth generation (1989-1992)

Fourth generation

Production	1989–1992
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Engine(s)	3.0 L 7M-GE I6
Transmission(s)	4-speed A340E automatic
Wheelbase	105.5 in (2680 mm)
Length	189.6 in (4816 mm)
Width	67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height	54.5 in (1384 mm)
Curb weight	3,417 lb (1,550 kg)

The 1989 model year marked the final generation of the American market Cressida when the body was updated and the 7M-GE engine was introduced, resulting in power growing from 156 to 190 hp (140 kW). The 1989-1992 model Cressida was larger and more rounded than previous generations, but retained a somewhat straight up and up-right boxy look. More standard features a new "semi lock" transmission that did not engage out of park unless the driver put their foot on the brake pedal and the new, more powerful 3.0 liter 7M-GE engine. This engine produced 190 horsepower and 185 ft. lbs of torque. As with previous generations, technology was shared with the Toyota Supra. In addition to the powertrain, the brake and suspension technology were modified versions of the Supra. The front suspension used the MacPhersion strut design despite the rear still being a semi-trailing link. This model is what is known as the MX83, the last Cressida sold in North America. The car came fairly well equipped. Power windows, door locks, cruise control, automatic transmission were standard. Options were few: anti-lock brakes, one-touch power moonroof, a single disc cd player, and leather seats with power driver's & passenger side. It also offered a full-sized spare wheel and tire. The 1989 model introduced a powered remote control for the HVAC controls which slid out of the dashboard. This was removed for the later models. The 1991 model was slightly restyled with the grille, steering wheel, and wheels being redone.

[edit] Outside North America

In Japan, the Mark II, Chaser and Cresta continued beyond 1992, but the Cressida name was retired. The X chassis code for Cressidas remained under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names for several years. The Chaser and Cresta went on for two more generations until 2000. The Mark II was succeeded by the Mark X in 2004, although the Mark II Blit, a wagon variant, is still sold.

In Australia, the Cressida was sold from April 1977 to February 1993, when it was replaced by the Vienta (and later the Avalon). Many people bemoaned the fact^{[citation needed]} that the Vienta was front-wheel drive, because rear-wheel drive is popular for large sedans in the Australian market.

Today, the Cressida is a popular tuning car around the world,^{[citation needed]} due to being rear-wheel drive and having a powerful engine. Most often, the Cressida is now used in drifting competitions or street racing with an aftermarket suspension and turbocharged Toyota engines.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Toyota Cressida photo gallery at Toyota Nation
• The Original Toyota Cressida Forum - International
• Toyota Cressida Enthusiasts Forums
• Australian 2JZ-GTE Powered MX83 Cressida
• Australian Toyota Enthusists Website