Toyota Mark II
Encyclopedia
The Corona Mark II, first offered for sale in Japan September 1968 at Toyopet Store dealerships, was intended as an intermediate model between the large luxury sedan the Crown, sold at Toyota Store dealerships, and the smaller Corona, also available at Toyopet Store . It was a slightly larger vehicle than a Corona with a higher level of equipment offered at the time, sharing some of the same features of the larger Crown, but taking the top position at Toyopet Store locations. The four door sedan was designated as the T60 and the 2 door coupé the T70. In 1970 there were minor cosmetic changes in the front grille. The 1600cc 7R series engine was replaced by the 1700cc 6R series engine. A year later the 1500cc 2R models were replace by the 1600cc 12R engines. Its competitor was primarily the Nissan Laurel in Japan, released earlier that year in April.
US exported version for the same model year, often include the more powerful R series
motors compared to other regions. While Japan and other markets often had 1.5L 2R (1500cc), 1.6L 7R/12R (1600cc) to 1.7L 6R (1700cc) models as well. Engines were shared with the Corona, using the 2R
, and the 12R
engine. Transmissions offered were an automatic transmission with 3 speeds for export and 2 speeds in Japan, or a choice of either a 4 speed or 3 speed manual transmission.
RT62 sedans and RT72 coupé features the 1.8L 8R (1900cc) 4 cylinder engine, unique to the Mark II. The RT63 sedan, RT73 coupé, RT78/RT79 station wagons feature 2L 18R (2000cc) 4 cylinder engine, also unique to the Mark II. The suspension setup used double wishbone with coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the back with a front engine rear drive powertrain format.
The Corona Mark II was longer, at 4295 mm (169.1 in) over the Corona's length of 162.4 in (4,125 mm) for the sedan, and the coupe, with a width of 1610 mm (63.4 in) in comparison to 61 in (1,549 mm) for the sedan and coupe. The height of the Mark II is lower at1405 mm (55.3 in) over 55.9 in (1,420 mm) for the sedan, but higher at 54.1 in (1,374 mm) for the coupe.
For North America, the Mark II was available with bucket seats for the front passengers, a center console
with a floor mounted manual transmission, electric rear window defroster, and a full size spare tire installed externally and underneath the cargo area on the wagon with rear seats that folded down to a fully carpeted rear cargo area. The Mark II wagon was the largest wagon Toyota offered in North America, next to the Corona and Corolla wagons; the Crown wagon was not sold in North America.
The originally available engine choices include:
In 1973, there were minor changes and updates. The basic trim package wagon was offered with a five-speed manual transmission. Electronic fuel injection
was introduced on the two liter four-cylinder (18R) engine to increase power and lower fuel emissions. The four-cylinder 1,700 cc 6R engine was replaced by the 1,800 cc 16R.
. In 1974 it was marketed in the US as a fully loaded car with few added options. Standard features included a six-cylinder SOHC engine, four-speed manual transmission, front disc brakes, heater defroster, and bucket seats. Some available options were 8-track audio, power steering, air conditioning, and a three-speed automatic transmission.
In 1998, Toyota released a car called Progrès
. The Progrès front end looks sort of like an updated version of the X30/X40 series sedan. For instance, both of them feature a combination of round and squared lighting. The grille and bonnet also has similar shapes, size, and lines.
The Toyota Chaser was released in 1977 as a competitor to the Nissan Skyline sedan. The Chaser was originally just a rebadged Mark II, although later generations received more differentiated styling. The idea of the Chaser was to offer a sportier version of the Mark II, often with more powerful engines and different suspension setups. At a glance they are virtually identical, with slightly differing equipment.
for export markets. It was Toyota's largest sedan and wagon range offered in both North America and Australia. In other markets, the larger Crown remained available.
, or station wagon (mainly marketed as a commercial vehicle in Japan).
This Mark II generation was considered successful spawning commercial, taxi and drivers training vehicles. This made the Mark II familiar to everyone in Japan, as just about everyone who was born in a certain era had their initial experience learning to drive or riding in the taxis based on them. The Mark II was a fairly common favorite alongside the slightly smaller Corona
as a taxi.
, pitting the Mark II against the Nissan Laurel sedan. Often available with two-tone paint and more interior convenience options. The Cresta ended up being similar to the export market Cressida, with the Cresta remaining a four-door hardtop.
, as well as the traditional competitor Nissan Laurel sedan. The Mark II continued to remain very viable for fleet sales, government agencies and taxi services.
There are two different variation of the Mark II; the Hardtop and the Standard. Visually they are different on the exterior while the interior remains untouched.
Exterior changes on the Hardtop version includes a slanted nose which requires a new grille, a thinner headlamp assembly that match the slanted nose, frameless door windows, thinner tail lamp, front fenders and bumper. Body panel is stamped different from the standard version.
The Standard version is exactly like the MX-73 Toyota Cressida. It does not have the aggressive slanted front end, conservative body panels and framed windows.
was introduced as Toyota's new North American large sedan.
The Grande G series in 1989 uses the 3.0L 7M-GE engine. Featuring Traction Control and ABS.
In 1990, 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE (280ps) is first introduced on this generation replacing the 1G-GZE. The GT did not have MT transmission available, and were strictly AT.
After 1992, the X80 series continued to be produced for taxi fleet vehicles until 1995, when the Crown Comfort assumed taxi duties.
The X90's were available in six different trim levels. All trims came standard with fully automatic air conditioning and faux wood interior paneling. The base GL was available in either standard or automatic with a choice of a diesel or petrol 4-cylinder engine. The slightly more up-market Groire had the same engine and transmission options as the GL with more standard features over its inferior.
The next four trim levels featured only petrol straight sixes for engines and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Grande was available with either a 2.0L 1G-FE or 2.5L 1JZ-GE and either a four speed automatic or 5-speed manual for 1G-equipped Mark II Grandes. The Grande was otherwise identical to the Groire in terms of options and equipment. The Grande G was available with either the aforementioned 1JZ or a 3.0L 2JZ-GE mated to an automatic transmission and came with ABS and traction control standard.
The Tourer S came with a 1JZ-GE engine, 4-speed automatic and several options either standard (such as ABS and control) or not present (a factory limited-slip differential) in either the Grande or Grande G.
Lastly, the Tourer V had a reinforced body, sport suspension, and a twin-turbo 280 hp 2.5 liter 1JZ-GTE inline 6 engine. It also came from the factory with, traction control, ABS, an optional torsen LSD and optional 5-speed manual transmission. The Mark II Tourer V was a popular choice among tuners, enthusiasts, and drifters
.
The hardtop approach was used on various segments of core Toyota sedans by offering a more upscale hardtop version. These cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by the Toyota Crown
hardtop and sedan, as well as the Mark II (4-door hardtop), Cresta
(4-door sedan) and Chaser
(4-door hardtop and performance enhancements), and the next segment down on the Corona
and Carina
, called the Toyota Corona EXiV
and the Toyota Carina ED
, with the Toyota Corolla Ceres and the Toyota Sprinter Marino
at the lowest segment, which were all offered at reduced prices and tax liability based on the vehicles size. The various versions were sold at different Toyota dealerships dedicated to particular models.
The base GL came with only the 2.4L 2L-TE turbo-diesel I4 mated to a 4-speed automatic. It came with basic features like power windows and door locks and automatic air-conditioning, but sportier options were only available on higher-level trims. However, traction control and ABS were available as options.
The Grande trim levels had a plethora of options and features available not limited to but including tilt-steering, standard ABS, traction control and AWD. The base Grande was powered by either the 2.0L 1G-FE inline 6 mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, the 2.4L 2L-TE mated to a 4-speed auto from the GL or the 2.5L 1JZ-GE turning a 4-speed automatic as well. New for 1996 was the Grande Four: a four-wheel drive variant of the Grande, it was powered by the 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission sending power to all wheels via a center differential. The Grande G's were available with either a 1JZ- or 2JZ-GE and a 4-speed automatic. The "G package" included leather anointments for the steering wheel and seats as well as power front seats. A Grande G Four was also offered with the 1JZ engine, 4-speed auto transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Tourer trim level carried on from the X90 series in both Tourer S and Tourer V. The Tourer S was powered by a naturally aspirated 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic. The Tourer V received some noticeable tweaks from its X90 series counterpart: along with the implementation of ETCS and VVTi, the engine now received forced induction through one large turbocharger as opposed to two smaller ones in a parallel configuration. According to Toyota, this smoothed out the torque curve allowing the engine to deliver more torque at a lower RPM and with VVTi, improved the car's fuel economy.
The X110 series discontinued the hardtop version in favor of the standard version.
During this time, Toyota has discontinued the Chaser and Cresta nameplate and created the Verossa. Toyota has also eliminated the Tourer S and Tourer V and instead called their sportier version 2.5 Grande iR-S and 2.5 Grande iR-V, respectively. iR meaning Intelligent Rapidly. Other models include the 2.0 Grande, 2.5 Grande, 2.5 Grande G, 2.5 Grande G-tb, 2.5 Grande G Four, 2.0 Grande Four and the 2.0 Grande Four "S package" all of which is their luxury lineup.
Minor changes was made in 2002. New headlight, grill and a redesign bumper freshen up the front end while a new taillight design and new chrome trim for the trunk handle finish up the rear end. The introduction of the 2.0L iR grade was added along side the iR-S and iR-V. The G-tb model was discontinued in favor for the 2.0L iR model. Another model introduced by Toyota for the Mark II is their special edition, Regalia, which marks the 35th Anniversary of the Mark II nameplate.
was introduced in 2002, replacing the front wheel drive Mark II Qualis. The Mark II Blit features a different front end and a slightly more sporty interior package. There are 5 trims, the 2.5 iR-V, the 2.5 iR-S, the 2.0 iR, the 2.5 iR-S Four and the 2.0 iR Four.
By the time the Mark X was launched in 2004, the Mark II Blit continued on with the iR and iR-S model. The iR-V model was discontinued because of strict emission standards.
US exported version for the same model year, often include the more powerful R series
Toyota R engine
The Toyota R family was a series of straight-4 gasoline engines. Designed for longitudinal use in such vehicles as the Celica and Hilux and in production from 1953 through 1995, use faded out as many of Toyota's mainstream models moved to front-wheel drive...
motors compared to other regions. While Japan and other markets often had 1.5L 2R (1500cc), 1.6L 7R/12R (1600cc) to 1.7L 6R (1700cc) models as well. Engines were shared with the Corona, using the 2R
Toyota R engine
The Toyota R family was a series of straight-4 gasoline engines. Designed for longitudinal use in such vehicles as the Celica and Hilux and in production from 1953 through 1995, use faded out as many of Toyota's mainstream models moved to front-wheel drive...
, and the 12R
Toyota R engine
The Toyota R family was a series of straight-4 gasoline engines. Designed for longitudinal use in such vehicles as the Celica and Hilux and in production from 1953 through 1995, use faded out as many of Toyota's mainstream models moved to front-wheel drive...
engine. Transmissions offered were an automatic transmission with 3 speeds for export and 2 speeds in Japan, or a choice of either a 4 speed or 3 speed manual transmission.
RT62 sedans and RT72 coupé features the 1.8L 8R (1900cc) 4 cylinder engine, unique to the Mark II. The RT63 sedan, RT73 coupé, RT78/RT79 station wagons feature 2L 18R (2000cc) 4 cylinder engine, also unique to the Mark II. The suspension setup used double wishbone with coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the back with a front engine rear drive powertrain format.
The Corona Mark II was longer, at 4295 mm (169.1 in) over the Corona's length of 162.4 in (4,125 mm) for the sedan, and the coupe, with a width of 1610 mm (63.4 in) in comparison to 61 in (1,549 mm) for the sedan and coupe. The height of the Mark II is lower at1405 mm (55.3 in) over 55.9 in (1,420 mm) for the sedan, but higher at 54.1 in (1,374 mm) for the coupe.
For North America, the Mark II was available with bucket seats for the front passengers, a center console
Center console (automobile)
The center console in an automobile refers to the control-bearing surfaces in the center of the front of the vehicle interior...
with a floor mounted manual transmission, electric rear window defroster, and a full size spare tire installed externally and underneath the cargo area on the wagon with rear seats that folded down to a fully carpeted rear cargo area. The Mark II wagon was the largest wagon Toyota offered in North America, next to the Corona and Corolla wagons; the Crown wagon was not sold in North America.
Generation 2 (1972-1976) X10/X20 series
The second generation Corona Mark II was based on a new X series platform abandoning the compact Corona T series chassis. X20's are referring to the 2-door sedans, while the X10's are the sedans and wagons. The inline six-cylinder "M" series engine was borrowed from the S60 series Crown, in order to compete better with the Nissan Bluebird / Datsun 610 in North America, and the Nissan Laurel in Japan. The styling used on the second generation was dramatically different from the first.The originally available engine choices include:
- I4 1,700 cc 6R
- I4 2,000 cc 18R
- I4 2,000 cc 18R-G DOHC
- I6 2,000 cc M
- I6 2,300 cc 2M
In 1973, there were minor changes and updates. The basic trim package wagon was offered with a five-speed manual transmission. Electronic fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
was introduced on the two liter four-cylinder (18R) engine to increase power and lower fuel emissions. The four-cylinder 1,700 cc 6R engine was replaced by the 1,800 cc 16R.
In America
The Crown line of cars was no longer marketed in North America due to poor sales. This left a gap in Toyota's North American line up, offering only smaller compact cars. The second generation Corona Mark II fortunately increased in size. The Corona Mark II would be one of the few sensible options for families transitioning from larger American Detroit cars in the midst of the oil crisis1973 oil crisis
The 1973 oil crisis started in October 1973, when the members of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries or the OAPEC proclaimed an oil embargo. This was "in response to the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military" during the Yom Kippur war. It lasted until March 1974. With the...
. In 1974 it was marketed in the US as a fully loaded car with few added options. Standard features included a six-cylinder SOHC engine, four-speed manual transmission, front disc brakes, heater defroster, and bucket seats. Some available options were 8-track audio, power steering, air conditioning, and a three-speed automatic transmission.
Generation 3 (1976-1980) X30/X40 series
The third generation was introduced with a more upscale, European type design. The lines are a combination of the previous generations American styling with a British looking front end. In 1978, this model generation was the last cars that feature the Toyopet name. The Grande trim was added to models with six-cylinder engines. This generation continued to offer Japanese buyers an alternative to the Nissan Laurel sedan, and the new Nissan Bluebird based Nissan Maxima in North America, with the new Chaser as an alternative to the Nissan Skyline in Japan. The Mark II was split into two other sedans so that they could sell different versions of the Mark II at multiple dealerships Toyota had established in the 1980s.In 1998, Toyota released a car called Progrès
Toyota Progres
Toyota Progrès was a Toyota mid size luxury sedan which was sold in Japan from 1998 to 2007. The engine which the Toyota Progrès used is an inline 6 cylinder of 2.5L or 3.0L with VVT-I...
. The Progrès front end looks sort of like an updated version of the X30/X40 series sedan. For instance, both of them feature a combination of round and squared lighting. The grille and bonnet also has similar shapes, size, and lines.
Chaser
Cressida
The Corona Mark II was renamed the Toyota CressidaToyota Cressida
The Toyota Cressida was a mid-size sedan marketed by Toyota from December 1976 to February 1993 through four generations. It was the flagship sedan of Toyota in the United States. The same chassis with slightly different bodies was available in other countries as the Toyota Mark II, Toyota Chaser...
for export markets. It was Toyota's largest sedan and wagon range offered in both North America and Australia. In other markets, the larger Crown remained available.
Generation 4 (1980-1984) X60 series
The fourth generation Corona Mark II was launched in 1980. It was still badged as the Corona Mark II but many of the advertisement at the time simply refer to it as the Mark II. Power by either the 1G-EU, Turbo charged M-TEU, 5M-EU and fuel injected version of the 18R-G was available in the GT. A diesel version was also available. In 1982 the twin-cam 1G-GEU engine was added. In 1983 the automatic transmission was changed to an electronic controlled four-speed. The two-door coupé version was not replaced as the fourth generation was only available with four doors, either as a sedan, hardtopHardtop
A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. It has been used in several contexts: detachable hardtops, retractable hardtop roofs, and the so-called pillarless hardtop body style....
, or station wagon (mainly marketed as a commercial vehicle in Japan).
This Mark II generation was considered successful spawning commercial, taxi and drivers training vehicles. This made the Mark II familiar to everyone in Japan, as just about everyone who was born in a certain era had their initial experience learning to drive or riding in the taxis based on them. The Mark II was a fairly common favorite alongside the slightly smaller Corona
Toyota Corona
The Toyota Corona is an automobile manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota between 1957 and 2002. Traditionally, the competitor from Nissan was the Nissan Bluebird. The word Corona is Latin for "crown"...
as a taxi.
Cresta
The Toyota Cresta was launched in 1980. Based on the same chassis as the Mark II, they are very similar. The goal of the Cresta was Toyota's first intermediate 4 door hardtop luxury sedan to compete with the Nissan Laurel hardtopHardtop
A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. It has been used in several contexts: detachable hardtops, retractable hardtop roofs, and the so-called pillarless hardtop body style....
, pitting the Mark II against the Nissan Laurel sedan. Often available with two-tone paint and more interior convenience options. The Cresta ended up being similar to the export market Cressida, with the Cresta remaining a four-door hardtop.
Generation 5 (1984-1988) X70 series
The 1984 model dropped the Corona name in Japan and simply called it the Mark II. This generation Mark II had a lot of rivals including the Nissan LeopardNissan Leopard
The Nissan Leopard is a line of luxury sports cars built by Japanese carmaker Nissan. The Leopard began life in 1980 and was discontinued in 1999. Leopards were initially based on the Japanese market Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel and the American Datsun 910/Nissan Maxima, then later based on the...
, as well as the traditional competitor Nissan Laurel sedan. The Mark II continued to remain very viable for fleet sales, government agencies and taxi services.
There are two different variation of the Mark II; the Hardtop and the Standard. Visually they are different on the exterior while the interior remains untouched.
Exterior changes on the Hardtop version includes a slanted nose which requires a new grille, a thinner headlamp assembly that match the slanted nose, frameless door windows, thinner tail lamp, front fenders and bumper. Body panel is stamped different from the standard version.
The Standard version is exactly like the MX-73 Toyota Cressida. It does not have the aggressive slanted front end, conservative body panels and framed windows.
Station wagon/Van/Estate (1984-1997)
The X70 station wagon was produced from 1984 to 1997. That's 13 years with only a few minor revisions over the years. In most markets, sales of this wagon was stopped when the next model of the sedan was introduced but they continued to be sold in Japan for use as delivery vehicles. It was finally superseded by the front wheel drive Mark II Qualis that was based on the Camry Gracia.Generation 6 (1988-1992) X80 series
First released in August 1988, the height of the car is lower than the previous generation. It's about the same height as the second generation Mark II. The Australian Cressida was withdrawn from sale in early 1993 on the X80 series so as not to compete against the new widebody Camry-Vienta, and Lexus ES300 and LS400. The North American Cressida was replaced by the first designed-for-America Toyota AvalonToyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size car produced by Toyota in the United States, and is the flagship sedan of Toyota in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Middle East. It was also produced in Australia from 2000 until July 2005 when it was replaced in November 2006 by the Toyota Aurion...
was introduced as Toyota's new North American large sedan.
The Grande G series in 1989 uses the 3.0L 7M-GE engine. Featuring Traction Control and ABS.
In 1990, 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE (280ps) is first introduced on this generation replacing the 1G-GZE. The GT did not have MT transmission available, and were strictly AT.
After 1992, the X80 series continued to be produced for taxi fleet vehicles until 1995, when the Crown Comfort assumed taxi duties.
Generation 7 (1992-1996) X90 series
First released in October 1992, the Mark II was revised during the period. It received a new front bumper (including grill), rear bumpers and tail lights and some weight mainly do to regulations. Under Japanese exterior dimension regulations, this series was no longer regarded as a "compact car". Buyers who wanted a sedan that remained under the guidelines was now served by the 1990 SV30 series Toyota Camry. Toyota added a new sedan, called the Toyota Scepter with the major difference being a front wheel drive powertrain.The X90's were available in six different trim levels. All trims came standard with fully automatic air conditioning and faux wood interior paneling. The base GL was available in either standard or automatic with a choice of a diesel or petrol 4-cylinder engine. The slightly more up-market Groire had the same engine and transmission options as the GL with more standard features over its inferior.
The next four trim levels featured only petrol straight sixes for engines and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Grande was available with either a 2.0L 1G-FE or 2.5L 1JZ-GE and either a four speed automatic or 5-speed manual for 1G-equipped Mark II Grandes. The Grande was otherwise identical to the Groire in terms of options and equipment. The Grande G was available with either the aforementioned 1JZ or a 3.0L 2JZ-GE mated to an automatic transmission and came with ABS and traction control standard.
The Tourer S came with a 1JZ-GE engine, 4-speed automatic and several options either standard (such as ABS and control) or not present (a factory limited-slip differential) in either the Grande or Grande G.
Lastly, the Tourer V had a reinforced body, sport suspension, and a twin-turbo 280 hp 2.5 liter 1JZ-GTE inline 6 engine. It also came from the factory with, traction control, ABS, an optional torsen LSD and optional 5-speed manual transmission. The Mark II Tourer V was a popular choice among tuners, enthusiasts, and drifters
Drifting (motorsport)
Drifting refers to a driving technique and to a motorsport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed...
.
The hardtop approach was used on various segments of core Toyota sedans by offering a more upscale hardtop version. These cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by the Toyota Crown
Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown is a line of full-size luxury sedans by Toyota. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, originally designed to serve as a taxi...
hardtop and sedan, as well as the Mark II (4-door hardtop), Cresta
Toyota Cresta
The Toyota Cresta was a rear wheel drive 4-door hardtop sedan built by Toyota and launched in 1980 that shared a chassis with the Mark II/Cressida, sold at Toyopet Store dealerships. The goal of the Cresta was a higher level of luxury in comparison to the Mark II, and the Chaser was the performance...
(4-door sedan) and Chaser
Toyota Chaser
The Toyota Chaser is a mid-size car produced by the Toyota Motor Company, Japan. Most were 4-door sedans, with the 2-door coupe discontinued after the first generation...
(4-door hardtop and performance enhancements), and the next segment down on the Corona
Toyota Corona
The Toyota Corona is an automobile manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota between 1957 and 2002. Traditionally, the competitor from Nissan was the Nissan Bluebird. The word Corona is Latin for "crown"...
and Carina
Toyota Carina
Released in Japan August 1977, the next-generation Carina was available in Germany in December 1977 and in other European countries during 1978. In most markets it was fitted with the same 1,588 cc 2T engine as its predecessor. In the Carina, an output of was claimed...
, called the Toyota Corona EXiV
Toyota Corona EXiV
The Corona EXiV was an automobile by Toyota Motor Company. Released in 1989, it was the sporty Toyota Corona and a sister car to Toyota Carina ED. EXiV stood for EXtra impressiVe....
and the Toyota Carina ED
Toyota Carina ED
The Toyota Carina ED was a Japanese compact car created in 1985 as a companion to the 1984 Carina sedan. It was positioned as the 4-door Celica, with a similar focus on luxury found on the Corona EXiV. Its design sought to emulate the hardtop styling of large American sedans, resulting in a small,...
, with the Toyota Corolla Ceres and the Toyota Sprinter Marino
Toyota Sprinter Marino
The Toyota Sprinter Marino is a four-door hardtop version of the Toyota Sprinter Trueno produced between 1992 - 1998 for sale in the Japanese Domestic Market. The Toyota Corolla Ceres is a slightly restyled version of the Sprinter Marino, as was common practice by Japanese automakers in the 1980s...
at the lowest segment, which were all offered at reduced prices and tax liability based on the vehicles size. The various versions were sold at different Toyota dealerships dedicated to particular models.
Generation 8 (1996-2000) X100 series
Like its predecessor, the X100 series Toyota Mark II was available in multiple trim levels. New for this production run was the introduction of all-wheel drive to Grande and Grande G as well as the use of Toyota's new VVTi system on its engines. Also new this year was the standardization of ABS and a new electronic traction control system. The Groire trim level was also dropped for this production run.The base GL came with only the 2.4L 2L-TE turbo-diesel I4 mated to a 4-speed automatic. It came with basic features like power windows and door locks and automatic air-conditioning, but sportier options were only available on higher-level trims. However, traction control and ABS were available as options.
The Grande trim levels had a plethora of options and features available not limited to but including tilt-steering, standard ABS, traction control and AWD. The base Grande was powered by either the 2.0L 1G-FE inline 6 mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, the 2.4L 2L-TE mated to a 4-speed auto from the GL or the 2.5L 1JZ-GE turning a 4-speed automatic as well. New for 1996 was the Grande Four: a four-wheel drive variant of the Grande, it was powered by the 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission sending power to all wheels via a center differential. The Grande G's were available with either a 1JZ- or 2JZ-GE and a 4-speed automatic. The "G package" included leather anointments for the steering wheel and seats as well as power front seats. A Grande G Four was also offered with the 1JZ engine, 4-speed auto transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Tourer trim level carried on from the X90 series in both Tourer S and Tourer V. The Tourer S was powered by a naturally aspirated 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic. The Tourer V received some noticeable tweaks from its X90 series counterpart: along with the implementation of ETCS and VVTi, the engine now received forced induction through one large turbocharger as opposed to two smaller ones in a parallel configuration. According to Toyota, this smoothed out the torque curve allowing the engine to deliver more torque at a lower RPM and with VVTi, improved the car's fuel economy.
Generation 9 (2000-2004) X110 series
This last generation of Mark II hosted several new technologies for Toyota. The new 2.5L with the designation of 1JZ-FSE is the first application of Direct Injection for mass production on a Toyota passenger vehicle. This version of the JZ series engine features a redesign head to optimize fuel economy and performance. Along with the 1JZ-FSE, the 1G-FE, 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE are available and all with VVT-i technology. This generation of Mark II also host a new feature call Navi AI-shift, which uses GPS signals and shifts the automatic transmission into the appropriate gear.The X110 series discontinued the hardtop version in favor of the standard version.
During this time, Toyota has discontinued the Chaser and Cresta nameplate and created the Verossa. Toyota has also eliminated the Tourer S and Tourer V and instead called their sportier version 2.5 Grande iR-S and 2.5 Grande iR-V, respectively. iR meaning Intelligent Rapidly. Other models include the 2.0 Grande, 2.5 Grande, 2.5 Grande G, 2.5 Grande G-tb, 2.5 Grande G Four, 2.0 Grande Four and the 2.0 Grande Four "S package" all of which is their luxury lineup.
Minor changes was made in 2002. New headlight, grill and a redesign bumper freshen up the front end while a new taillight design and new chrome trim for the trunk handle finish up the rear end. The introduction of the 2.0L iR grade was added along side the iR-S and iR-V. The G-tb model was discontinued in favor for the 2.0L iR model. Another model introduced by Toyota for the Mark II is their special edition, Regalia, which marks the 35th Anniversary of the Mark II nameplate.
Mark II Blit (2002-2007)
The rear wheel drive Mark II BlitToyota Mark II Blit
The Mark II Blit was the replacement of the Toyota Mark II Qualis, and shared a platform with the Mark II rear wheel drive sedan. The Mark II Qualis was a rebadged Camry Gracia wagon, with front wheel drive. The Blit was introduced January 2002 after the Crown Estate and Caldina wagons ended...
was introduced in 2002, replacing the front wheel drive Mark II Qualis. The Mark II Blit features a different front end and a slightly more sporty interior package. There are 5 trims, the 2.5 iR-V, the 2.5 iR-S, the 2.0 iR, the 2.5 iR-S Four and the 2.0 iR Four.
By the time the Mark X was launched in 2004, the Mark II Blit continued on with the iR and iR-S model. The iR-V model was discontinued because of strict emission standards.