Cars from Toyota that you might not know existed
Cars from Toyota that you might not know existed

Cars from Toyota that you might not know existed

February 18, 2025
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Toyota Mark X

The Successor to a Legend

The Mark X was introduced in 2004, taking over from the beloved Mark II. It was designed to appeal to younger drivers, offering a sporty RWD setup, powerful V6 engine options, and a sleek, modern design. The Mark X combines Toyota reliability with engaging driving dynamics, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Best Years & Models

2004-2009 (X120): 2.5L & 3.0L V6 engines, known for their smooth power delivery.
2009-2019 (X130): Updated design, improved handling, and a 3.5L V6 powerhouse option.

Why It’s Special

  • Rear-wheel-drive or AWD for better handling
  • Naturally aspirated high-revving V6 engines
  • A balance between sporty performance and daily comfort

Toyota Crown & Crown Majesta

A True Luxury Icon

The Toyota Crown has been a symbol of Japanese luxury since 1955. The Crown Majesta, introduced in 1991, took things even further, offering higher-end features, more power, and premium craftsmanship. These cars were built to compete with European luxury sedans while maintaining legendary Toyota reliability.

Best Years & Models

Crown (S180, 2003-2008): 1JZ-FSE & 3GR-FSE engines, a great mix of power and efficiency.
Crown Majesta (UZS186, 2004-2009): 4.3L V8 with air suspension for unmatched comfort.

Why It’s Special

  • Luxurious interiors with high-end materials
  • Powerful V6 and V8 engine choices
  • Advanced tech, including adaptive air suspension

Toyota Mark II & Mark II Blit

The Birth of a Legacy

Before the Mark X, there was the Mark II—one of Toyota’s longest-running performance sedans. Produced between 1968 and 2004, it was known for its bulletproof engines, smooth ride, and strong aftermarket support. The Mark II Blit, introduced in 2002, was the wagon version, offering the same performance and reliability with added practicality.

Best Years & Models

JZX81 (1988-1992): Featured the legendary 1JZ-GTE turbo inline-6.
JZX100 (1996-2001): The peak of the Mark II lineup, with VVT-i and improved handling.
Mark II Blit (2002-2007): Wagon variant with 1JZ-GTE and 1JZ-FSE engine options.

Why It’s Special

  • RWD layout with balanced handling
  • Available turbocharged 1JZ-GTE engine
  • Popular choice for drifting, tuning, and even family use (Blit)

Toyota Soarer

The Grand Touring Coupe

The Toyota Soarer is Japan’s answer to luxury grand touring, a perfect blend of comfort, power and timeless design. Sharing its platform with the Lexus SC, the Soarer combines refined styling with the performance and reliability Toyota is known for. From smooth straight-sixes to twin-turbo powerplants, it delivers an effortless driving experience that still turns head today.

Best Years & Models

Z20 (1986-1991): Classic ’80s design with turbocharged 1G and 7M engines, now a retro favorite.
Z30 ( 1991-2000): The most iconic generation, featuring 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GE engine, luxury interior and RWD dynamics.

Why It’s Special

  • Twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE performance with Lexus-grade comfort
  • Ideal for VIP builds or sleek street projects
  • A timeless JDM coupe blending power, refinement and style

Toyota Caldina

The Sleeper Wagon

The Toyota Caldina is a true hidden gem among JDM wagons, a practical family car with the heart of a sport machine. Built on Toyota’s solid platform and sharing components with the Celica GT-Four, the Caldina delivers reliability, space and surprising turbocharged performance in one package

Best Years & Models

ST215 (1997-2002): Powered by the legendary 3S-GTE turbo engine and full-time AWD, essentially a Celica GT-Four wagon.
ST246 ( 2002-2007): Updated styling, improved interior, and the same 3S-GTE engine paired with modern comfort features.

Why It’s Special

  • A turbo AWD wagon with everyday practicality
  • Shares performance DNA with the Celica GT-Four
  • Ideal for enthusiasts seeking a fast, reliable JDM all-rounder

Toyota Chaser

The Sporty Twin of the Mark II

If the Mark II was Toyota’s luxury sedan, the Chaser was its sportier sibling. Built for performance without sacrificing daily comfort, it became a JDM legend thanks to its turbocharged inline-6 engines and tuner-friendly chassis.

Best Years & Models

JZX100 (1996-2001): 1JZ-GTE turbo with VVT-i, perfect for enthusiasts.

Why It’s Special

  • Manual transmission options for a true driver’s experience
  • Lightweight and responsive handling
  • Strong aftermarket support for mods and tuning

Toyota Celsior

Toyota’s Take on the Lexus LS

The Toyota Celsior (sold as the Lexus LS in global markets) was Toyota’s answer to European luxury giants. Introduced in 1989, it was a game-changer, setting new standards in refinement and reliability.

Best Years & Models

UCF10 (1989-1994): Debut model, featuring the iconic 1UZ-FE V8.
UCF30 (2000-2006): More modern features, air suspension, and a refined V8.

Why It’s Special

  • Ultra-smooth ride and quiet cabin
  • Powerful 1UZ & 3UZ V8 engines
  • Exceptional build quality

Toyota Century

The Ultimate Japanese Luxury Sedan

When it comes to prestige and elegance, nothing beats the Toyota Century. Since 1967, it has been the preferred car of CEOs, politicians, and royalty in Japan. Built in limited numbers, it represents handcrafted excellence.

Best Years & Models

G50 (1997-2017): Featured the legendary 5.0L V12 engine—Toyota’s only V12.
G60 (2018-present): Hybrid V8 powertrain while keeping the ultra-luxury DNA.

Why It’s Special

  • Hand-built interiors with the finest materials
  • V12 and Hybrid V8 options
  • Designed for ultimate passenger comfort

Toyota Aristo

The Japanese Sleeper

The Toyota Aristo (sold as the Lexus GS internationally) is a luxury-performance sedan with a hidden secret: it came with the same 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine as the legendary Supra.

Best Years & Models

JZS161 (1997-2005): 2JZ-GTE with VVT-i, making it a true sleeper sedan.

Why It’s Special

  • RWD layout with Supra’s legendary 2JZ engine
  • Comfortable yet insanely powerful
  • Perfect balance of luxury and performance
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