It’s difficult today to find reasons to get enthused about the vehicles Toyota chooses to sell in the U.S. Looking back at their lineup in 1988 shows a company with a much different focus than they have now, which is somewhere between maximum fuel efficiency and maximum sales volume. Certainly admiral goals, but don’t expect the enthusiast crowd to be singing your praises. This 1990 Toyota Cresta 2.5 GTI here on eBay is a recent JDM import and points to a time when Toyota made cars that were driver-focused and a hoot to drive.
This Cresta is a handsome sedan, made even better by its OEM / optional BBS wheels. Who says they’re just for BMWs? The seller points out that this example is not only highly unusual to find in the U.S. but also an anomaly for being such a well-preserved and stock example. They are favorites of the drift crowd in Japan and have a tendency to be modified and otherwise destroyed for the purpose of drift competitions and more. Blame the powerful 1JZ-GTE motor for its popularity with wannabe racers.
That wonderful turbocharged six-cylinder is normally associated with the sporty Supra, but it also found its way into otherwise sedentary Japanese commuter sedans. This is the kind of fun that doesn’t happen anymore with modern manufacturers. Blame the bean counters, or emissions police, or whomever, but putting powerful motors into sleepy sedans has led to some of the greatest cars ever built. Think M5, AMG, etc.
The seller notes that the interior remains in excellent condition, benefiting from years of plastic covers on the seats and door panels. All interior electronics function as they should, and the three-spoke steering wheel looks fantastic. The mileage is low as a reporter 28,900 and the reported issues seem to be very small in nature and inconsequential to the next owner. The asking price seems very fair, and not having to swallow the costs of importing and ocean transport is a win for the next owner. What do you think of this four-door sports car?
This would be a hoot with a manual transmission swapped in from a wrecked Supra, though sourcing a RHD pedal assembly might be a headache. Even as- is, it would be interesting and fun. With the exception of the Cressida, in the States we could only get such clean Japanese styling with FWD.
@Jeff Most all Lexus cars are RWD (rear wheel drive).
I’d say they have pretty clean Japanese stying.
Two box design doesn’t look good. Hope it comes with a bag for your head if you are in it, so no one will see you.
Can I borrow your bag? LOL
Sweet looking Toyota. For some reason, not many JDM Japanese cars are allowed in the USA. They can be sold in Canada, but not the USA. Why the hell not?
Canada has less-restrictive import rules. The main difference is that we can import cars that are 15 years or older; Americans have to wait until the same cars are 25 years old. We get all the cool JDM stuff ten years earlier.
Why the restrictions? Why should we have to wait 25+ yrs to purchase a JDM Japanese car? That’s never made any sense.
@Gay Car Nut — Most likely protectionism for US manufacturers. Canada does not have any domestic auto companies. They do manufacture cars, but all of the companies are American.
George, Ontario also has Toyota and Honda plants.
I loved all the Cressidas I have had in the past! I can’t imagine how fast this one would be though with 2 turbos! Wowsa
I was in Japan in the early 90’s and took a tour of the Toyota company headquarters 14 story showroom. I found all the cars that Toyota exports throughout the world. It’s amazing how many great and fast cars we’ll never see here in the states.
I’ve always loved JDM Japanese cars. It’s a damn shame that they’re not sold in the USA.
Proto Lexus, not my cup of tea. Se la vie
I used to love Lexus when it made its debut back in the early 90s. Not anymore.
@ George – Protection? From what?
Rear wheel drive??!! They had even in this country a 2 door Camry(& i dont mean the Solara) into the ’90s. So, why isn’t the above hi po car 2 door & 2 door ONLY!!??
Very nice, just has been relisted on Ebay :
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392153260338?ViewItem=&vxp=mtr&item=392153260338
Too bad it’s not LHD…and how do you source parts BTW?
I’d buy the car as it is. I’d change the speedometer to MPH/km/h, but most things, I’d keep as stock original as possible.