Toyota Cressida

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Production	1981–1984
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L 5M-E I6; 2.8 L 5M-GE I6
Transmission	5-speed manual; 4-speed A43DE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in
Curb weight	3,000 lb (1,361 kg)

First generation
First generation
Overview
Production	1977–1980
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L I4; 2.6 L 4M-E ; 2.0 L 18R
Transmission	5-speed manual; 4-speed A43DL automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in
Curb weight	2,400 lb (1,089 kg)

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

For other uses, see Cressida (disambiguation).

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 comes from William Shakespeare's play Troilus and Cressida, although Cressida's character originates in Benoît de Sainte-Maure's Le Roman de Troie as Briseida, and the name itself derives from Chryseis of the Iliad. Cressida, in Shakespeare and elsewhere, is a paragon of female inconstancy; Shakespeare's Troilus suggests that, were "all untruths [to] stand by thy stained name, [they'd] seem glorious."

First generation (1977–1980)

The first generation Cressida (designated X30 series) was available as a sedan(X30, X32), estate wagon (X36). A hardtop coupe version (X31) which was available in Japan but not in all world markets. The US got the M series engines. Thus being called MX32 for the sedan. In Japan, it was sold as the Toyota Mark II. Other markets got an R series (RX30, RX32). 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 1977–78 models used the carbureted 4M, while the refreshed '79–80 models used the 4M-E straight-six was an SOHC unit that was both powerful and quiet. This was one of the first Toyotas in the US to use fuel injection. In 1979, the MSRP in the US was $9,190. 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.

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).

Second generation (1981–1984)

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 (87 kW) (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.

This model was again assembled in New Zealand with a two-litre, four cylinder petrol engine and five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.

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 three 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.

New Zealand versions were offered with both two-litre four (mid-range trim) and six cylinder (high trim levels) and the top level was the first Toyota there to have air conditioning as standard.

Third generation (1985–1988)

Third generation

Overview
Production	1985–1988
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L 5M-GE I6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed A43DE automatic 4-speed A340E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	1985-86: Template:Auto in 1987-88: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	1985-86: Template:Auto in 1987-88: Template:Auto in
Curb weight	3,214 lb (1,458 kg)

For 1985, a new Cressida was introduced by Toyota. This was the MX73 (MX72 for wagon). 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" design, though it had grown in size. New options included were an electronic shock absorber control (TEMS), digital instrument cluster.Standard 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. In 1987 the automatic transmission was changed to the A340E that was also used with the 7M-GE and Lexus 1UZ-FE 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).

This was the final generation assembled in New Zealand (some later generations were imported built-up) and there was a choice of two-litre I6 (no a/c) or 2.8-litre I6 with leather upholstery and air conditioning. These models were assembled at what was by then Toyota's Thames assembly plant (formerly Campbell Industries).

Fourth generation (1989–1992)

Fourth generation

Overview
Production	1989–1992
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L 7M-GE I6
Transmission	4-speed A340E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in
Curb weight	3,417 lb (1,550 kg)

The 1989 model year marked the final generation of the American market Cressida, the MX83. The fourth generation Cressida was larger and more rounded than previous generations, but retained a somewhat straight up and up-right boxy look.

The body was updated and the 7M-GE engine was introduced, resulting in power growing from 156 hp (116 kW) to 190 hp (140 kW). 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 (140 kW) and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) 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 MacPherson strut design despite the rear still being a semi-trailing link.

The car came fairly well equipped as power windows, power locks for the doors, cruise control, and automatic transmission were standard. The few options included: anti-lock brakes, one-touch power moonroof, a single disc CD player, and leather upholstery with power adjustments for the driver and front passenger's seats. 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, though this was removed for the later models.

The 1991 model was slightly restyled with the grille, the addition of the new Toyota "T" globe logo, slight interior tweaks, and redesigned aluminium alloy wheels.

Cancellation and Succession

Cressida also played a part in the design of the first Lexus models, most closely resembling the LS 400. However, some of the shared concepts and similarity between the Cressida and early Lexus models in turn led to the decision to eventually discontinue the Cressida, as it would overlap with the North American vehicles sold under the Lexus marque. The 1992 redesign of the Camry and introduction of the XLE V6 model helped covered the Cressida's market as well.

The introduction of the Toyota Avalon in 1995 filled the gap left by the cancellation of the Toyota Cressida in the American market in 1992. The Avalon is front-wheel drive full-size car, powered by a V6 engine, as the third-generation Camry remained in the mid-market but now had grown in proportions to be classified as a mid-size. The Cressida was an upper-level mid-size rear-wheel drive car with a straight-6 engine, as the second-generation mid-market Camry was still classified as a compact car in the early 1990s.

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, was 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 in the full-size bracket).

References

^ Auto Motor und Sport Heft 23 Seite 102 - 109: Kurztest Toyota Cressida. Stuttgart: Vereinigte Motor-Verlag GmbH & Co KG. 1977. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

External links

[AutoMotoruSport197723-1] Auto Motor und Sport Heft 23 Seite 102 - 109: Kurztest Toyota Cressida. Stuttgart: Vereinigte Motor-Verlag GmbH & Co KG. 1977. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)