The Cressida was Toyota's flagship sedan until Lexus took over that duty. Toyota offered four generations between 1976 and 1993. This is the final "X80" generation that debuted in 1988.
These are notable for their slender Camry-like proportions, 6-cylinder power and rear-wheel drive, rare on a Toyota today. With cars like the Cressida, the Japanese offered something the Americans and Germans didn't: luxury and comfort that was affordable and built well. It was this advantage that left a distinctly positive impression on consumers' minds.
The Cressida's body is classic late 80s Japan, heavily influenced by (and influential on) the Lexus LS400 which was developed alongside and launched shortly after. It smooths out the hard edges that were dominant at the start of the decade, but still has a carefully restrained and minimalist look that was lost by the late 90s. Note the slim pillars for maximum visibility in and out. We also love the crisp alloy wheels and factory body-colored mud flaps with rubber ends. The '91 facelift only enhanced matters.
Inside, occupants are treated to soft plastics and a driver-oriented dashboard. The pre-airbag steering wheel is funky and refreshing, and the cloth seats look cozy and keep things feeling simple and frugal. Passengers in the rear can enjoy their own headrests. Although we dock a couple points for those wacky automatic seat belts, the amazing array of buttons on the center console more than make up for it.
Underneath the hood is a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine good for a very healthy 190 horsepower, making sure this will be a smooth and strong cruiser on and off the highways. These Cressidas also shared a double-wishbone rear suspension with the Supra. 23 miles per gallon fuel economy was also decent.
Just 9,415 Cressida were sold in the U.S. in 1991. This particular example has just 77,132 miles on the clock and seems to have been extremely very well kept. The seller says it has had just one owner from new and no dents, damage, or rust. They say everything works, including the power antenna and it runs and drives fine.
Sleek looks, V6 power, rear-wheel drive, cheap parts and stellar reliability make this one desirable cruiser. The low miles and good shape are just icing on top. Never has the melding of comfort and practicality been so well executed.
Available here on ebay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where an amazing 39 bids have put the price at $3,605 so far with 5 days still left.
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