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Toyota Cresta GX90 1.8 i 16V SC (120 Hp)
Overall Rating
Toyota Cresta:
The Toyota Cresta is a mid-size luxury car built by Toyota. It was launched in 1980 and shared the chassis with the Mark II/Cressida and Chaser and was the top-level car at Japanese dealership Toyota Vista Store. 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 goal of the Cresta was to offer a more luxurious package than the Mark II, while the Chaser was the performance-oriented version of the same platform, but sold at different dealerships....(Read more on Wikipedia)
GX90 Overview:
Toyota Cresta (GX90). With 162 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1250 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Toyota Cresta GX90 was primarily a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicle produced before Euro NCAP testing became widespread for such models. Therefore, no official Euro NCAP rating is available. Safety features are typical for its era, including ABS on some trims, but lack modern active safety systems.
1.8 i 16V SC (120 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.8L 4S-FE engine provides adequate power for daily commuting and city driving, but feels underpowered for spirited acceleration or sustained highway speeds, especially with a full load.
Fuel Economy
Likely the most fuel-efficient option in the GX90 lineup, offering reasonable economy for its time, though not exceptional by modern standards. Best suited for those prioritizing running costs over performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional Toyota reliability and build quality
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for its class
- • Smooth ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Rear-wheel-drive platform offers engaging driving dynamics
- • Wide range of engine options, including powerful inline-sixes
- • Classic JDM styling with a strong enthusiast following
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be poor, especially with larger engines
- • Dated safety features compared to modern vehicles
- • Parts availability can be challenging outside of Japan
- • Not officially sold in many international markets
- • Interior design is functional but lacks modern amenities
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(GX80: 1988 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Cresta |
| Generation: | GX90 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i 16V SC (120 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1992 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 162 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 4S-FE More details about the engine 4S-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 1839 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.6 l |
| Coolant: | 6.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.7 kg/Nm, 129.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1250 |
| Max. weight: | 1525 |
| Max load: | 275 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4750 mm mm |
| Width: | 1750 mm mm |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2730 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1485 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1495 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 S |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Toyota Cresta!