Years before Toyota introduced its luxury Lexus brand in the USA in September of 1989, the most luxurious Toyota sold stateside from 1978 to 1992 was the Cressida. It was an extremely well-built and equipped luxury sedan, but its sales volume was a drop in the bucket compared to the popular Corolla and Camry. Its best sales year was 1985 when 45,286 Cressidas were sold. Two model years later, that number was cut in half with only 21,968 1987 Cressida’s finding new garages. Here’s one of those 87’s that could be the nicest one out there. It’s been extremely pampered and well taken care of for the past 38 years. Located in Tujunga, California, this clean 1987 Toyota Cressida is for sale here on craigslist for $9,800. Thanks to Barn Find buddy, Barney, for spotting this sparkling survivor and sending it our way!
The slick, color sales brochure for the 1987 Toyota lineup shows a Cressida (described as “combining performance and luxury in a first-class touring car’) just like this one in Gray Metallic. And, like the sales brochure photo, this Cressida’s paint is shiny and glossy. Based on the photos, this Cressida is very impressive inside and outside. I’m not spotting rust or any body damage, and the panels are laser straight. The seller says that all aspects of the car works, including the sunroof which “opens, closes, and tilts as well.”
The Cressida’s nicely-appointed interior is well preserved and is a 1980’s-era time machine. The velour burgundy comfy seats do not show wear and no rips or tears are visible. The door panels and headliner are clean and in very good shape as well. The burgundy dash looks great with no cracks and all lights and gauges work (including the A/C and factory Technics sound system).
Under the hood is the Cressida’s 2.8 liter 6-cylinder twin-cam EFI engine. Toyota claimed it “delivers a smooth, powerful 156 horsepower” and has 112,000 original miles. It’s paired with an automatic transmission and the seller states, “the vehicle starts right up every time and the transmission shifts very smoothly like it should.” The Cressida was recently serviced and received a new radiator, water pump, and thermostat. Given its relatively low sales numbers, you didn’t see many of these luxurious Cressidas on the road here in the States back in the day. A neighbor had one and was very impressed with it. I remember him telling me that if Toyota ever got serious about luxury automobiles, it could be a game changer. Two years after this Cressida rolled off the factory floor, Toyota’s Lexus line was introduced, and the Cressida was retired here in the States in 1992. This sparkling gray metallic survivor could be one of the nicest ones left. What do you think?
My family had an 84 Cressida and it was one of the best cars we ever owned. It was plush, but really moved with that 2.8 V6. It was the same engine from the Supra, so the acceleration was impressive for a 4 door sedan. Very luxurious, amazing build quality.
Isn’t that an I-6, as in, all the cylinders are in a straight line?
Yes., correct,an inline 6.
Very smooth,but very thirsty. Sold Toyotas in ’80-81′, when these came out.
Also, kind of cramped.
Would run forever,like most Toyotas from those days, with basic maintenance.
My mother retired in ’85. She wanted to buy herself a new car to celebrate and had I not intervened, she would have bought a Mitsubishi Galant.
I told her for the couple thou more, she was getting a far, far superior and reliable car in the Cressida.
One of the few times she ever listened to me. She drove that car for the next 15 years, completely trouble free.