Toyota Crown car: specifications, engines and owner reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:43

Toyota Crown is a whole family of cars that has been in production for forty-five years. In total, eight generations of the sedan were created, not including two generations of the improved Crown Exclusive. Along with the Camry and Corolla models, this car was the favorite vehicle of many caring drivers, and its latest generation called the Carina E in three body styles still impresses with its comfort and attractive appearance.

History of Appearance

"Toyota Crown" is one of several variants of the name of a car model that is quite popular in Toyota, which can be found in different versions for a long period, since the end of the Second World War and until now. The name Corona (Latin) means the same as the words Crown (English) and Camry - crown.

The production of the rear-wheel drive model began in 1957, and the car itself became the second largest after the notorious Crown. It was this rear-wheel drive platform that later became the basis of a whole generation of Mark II cars, originally called the Toyota Crown Mark II. I would like to note that from the very first generation, the Crown has been one of the main models designed to conquer the world market on a par with the Crown. In addition, variants with a modified body and other alternative names (Karina, Karina E and others) were created on the platform of the already front-wheel drive Korona.

First and second generations

The very first "Crown" rolled off the assembly line in 1957. It was a rear-wheel drive sedan on the Crown platform, and it used a significant part of the technology from the "big brother". The first generation car was capable of a top speed of 105 km/h, and the front suspension was independent. The body of the Toyota Crown was load-bearing, so the weight of the car did not exceed one ton.

The second generation of the model, better known in export variations as the Tiara, almost put an end to Toyota's expansion into North America. The fact is that less than 350 copies were sold in the United States over a period of one year, which forced the management of the automaker to stop deliveries. The reason for this failure was the relatively low dynamics and maximum speed, despite the rear-wheel drive and light body.

Third and fourth generations

The third version of the Toyota Crown, still underpowered by engines, nevertheless appeared on the US market in 1964, and the body line was expanded with two-door hardtop, three-door minivan and five-door station wagon options. The creation of these variations was not without the intervention of the famous Italian designer Battista Farina. At that moment, the company decided to focus on the quality of the car, arranging rigorous tests of the model, during which several Crowns covered more than one hundred thousand kilometers. A larger version of the "Crown" with the name "Mark II" was released in 1968 in the form of a separate platform, later used by the automaker to create other rear-wheel drive models.

The fourth generation of the car was marked by the creation of more comfortable driving conditions. Improvements included changes not only in the cabin, but also in powertrains, which significantly increased the attractiveness of the model in the North American markets. It is worth mentioning that the appearance has not changed much in relation to the third generation

Fifth and sixth generations

When the fifth generation appeared, the company faced certain difficulties. This time, the problem was the rather successful competitive cars of other Japanese automakers, in particular the Subaru DL and the Honda Accord. "Toyota Crown", the price of which was relatively high, plus everything lost in stability on the road due to the rear-wheel drive layout, while competitors' cars hadfront wheel drive.

The sixth generation marked the end of Coron exports to the US market. Due to the difficult conditions of competition, the company had to develop a completely new car that could take the palm. Actually, then the well-known Camry appeared, which became an icon of the class.

Seventh and eighth generations

Finally "Toyota Crown" has changed beyond recognition! In 1987, the seventh generation of the sedan was released, which lasted the longest on conveyors and markets. The updated sedan has finally received front-wheel drive, thanks to which space has been significantly added to the cabin. It was this model that became the first Korona car that entered the Russian market and won the hearts of many fans. The most common body type was a five-door liftback, and in the engine lineup there were economical gasoline "rowers" with a volume of 1.6 or 1.8 liters. It was also possible to meet a two-liter diesel.

The eighth and final generation of the Toyota Crown was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in Europe in 1992 under the changed name Carina E. This model very quickly became popular in Europe and the Russian Federation due to the excellent interior design and a very presentable exterior, successfully competing with Volkswagen, Opel and other European auto concerns. The car did not change in size, and the engines remained the same, and the main difference from the seventh model was a deeper restyling of the body. For smooth and pleasant body shapes, the "Crown" of the eighth generation was dubbedbarrel.

Toyota Crown Exclusive

In 1985, Toyota decided to expand the circle of potential car buyers by making a youth line in the sedan body. It was the Korona platform that served as the basis for the creation of such models as the Korona Exiv and Karina ED. In total, two generations were produced, which are popularly called the "four-door" Celika "". The cars had excellent dynamics and low fuel consumption due to the small engine size. Outwardly, "ED" and "Eksiv" looked quite sporty and attractive, which gave them the right to life. I would like to add that at that time the company did not skimp on car equipment, so these models were equipped with ABS and 4WS systems.

Despite the great competition and the complexity of the implementation of some engineering ideas, "Toyota Crown" proves the practicality and durability of Japanese cars so far. Many copies of "Crowns" in various variations can currently be found on the streets not only in the Russian Federation, but also in many European countries. It is worth adding that it was the "Crown" that became an example, which to this day is equal to other automakers. And on the platform of the line that left the assembly line, the well-known Avensis and several other models are currently being perfectly produced.