The Toyota Crown, a name synonymous with Japanese luxury and reliability, has a long and storied history spanning decades. Choosing the right year model can be crucial for enjoying the Crown's legendary qualities while avoiding potential pitfalls. This guide offers a detailed look at the best and worst years of the Toyota Crown, helping you make an informed decision.
Toyota Crown: A Quick Overview
The Toyota Crown has evolved significantly since its inception. Understanding the different generations and their specific characteristics is key to selecting the right model. This guide will explore the most desirable years, considering factors like reliability, features, and overall value, while also highlighting years that might present more challenges.
| Generation | Best Years (Considerations) | Years to Potentially Avoid (Reasons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st-4th (1955-1974) | N/A (Classic car considerations only) | N/A (Classic car considerations only) |
| 5th (1974-1979) | N/A (Classic car considerations only) | N/A (Classic car considerations only) |
| 6th (1979-1983) | N/A (Classic car considerations only) | N/A (Classic car considerations only) |
| 7th (1983-1987) | 1985-1987 (Improved fuel injection, more refined interior) | 1983-1984 (Early production issues, less refined engines) |
| 8th (1987-1991) | 1989-1991 (Improved suspension, more powerful engine options) | 1987-1988 (Early production hiccups, less advanced features) |
| 9th (1991-1995) | 1993-1995 (Refined interior, enhanced safety features, better reliability) | 1991-1992 (Initial production run, potential for early issues) |
| 10th (1995-1999) | 1997-1999 (More powerful engines, improved safety and comfort features) | 1995-1996 (Early models may have some minor reliability concerns) |
| 11th (1999-2003) | 2001-2003 (VVT-i engines, improved fuel economy, enhanced features) | 1999-2000 (First-year models, potential teething problems) |
| 12th (2003-2008) | 2006-2008 (Facelifted models, improved reliability, enhanced features) | 2003-2005 (Early models may have more reported issues) |
| 13th (2008-2012) | 2010-2012 (Minor updates, improved fuel efficiency, enhanced technology) | 2008-2009 (Initial production run, some reported electronic issues) |
| 14th (2012-2018) | 2015-2018 (Refreshed design, improved safety features, enhanced engine options) | 2012-2014 (Early models may have some minor infotainment system issues) |
| 15th (2018-2022) | 2020-2022 (Improved hybrid system, enhanced safety features, refined interior) | 2018-2019 (First-year models, potential for early software glitches) |
| 16th (2022-Present) | 2023-Present (Latest generation, advanced technology, modern design) | N/A (Too early to determine long-term reliability) |
Detailed Explanations
1st-4th Generations (1955-1974): These are classic cars. Considerations should focus on restoration quality, historical accuracy, and the availability of parts. These generations are not typically considered for daily use due to their age and technology.
5th Generation (1974-1979): Similar to the earlier generations, the 5th generation is primarily of interest to classic car enthusiasts. Maintenance and parts availability are key considerations.
6th Generation (1979-1983): Another generation primarily for classic car collectors. Finding well-maintained examples can be challenging.
7th Generation (1983-1987): The later years (1985-1987) of this generation benefited from improved fuel injection systems, leading to better performance and reliability. The interiors were also slightly more refined compared to the earlier models.
8th Generation (1987-1991): Models from 1989-1991 saw improvements in suspension, offering a smoother ride. More powerful engine options were also available, making them more desirable.
9th Generation (1991-1995): The 1993-1995 models featured a refined interior and enhanced safety features compared to the earlier years. Reliability was also generally considered to be better.
10th Generation (1995-1999): The 1997-1999 Crown models boasted more powerful engines and improved safety and comfort features. These enhancements make them a more compelling choice than the earlier models.
11th Generation (1999-2003): The 2001-2003 models are desirable due to the introduction of VVT-i engines, which improved fuel economy and performance. They also offered enhanced features compared to the initial models.
12th Generation (2003-2008): The facelifted models from 2006-2008 are generally considered the best of this generation. They feature improved reliability and enhanced features, making them a more attractive option.
13th Generation (2008-2012): The 2010-2012 models received minor updates, including improved fuel efficiency and enhanced technology. These refinements make them a slightly better choice than the earlier models.
14th Generation (2012-2018): The 2015-2018 models feature a refreshed design, improved safety features, and enhanced engine options. These upgrades make them a more desirable choice within this generation.
15th Generation (2018-2022): The 2020-2022 models benefit from an improved hybrid system, enhanced safety features, and a refined interior. These enhancements make them the most desirable within this generation.
16th Generation (2022-Present): As the latest generation, these models feature advanced technology and a modern design. However, it's too early to determine their long-term reliability definitively.
Years to Potentially Avoid:
- Early Production Years (e.g., 1983-1984, 1987-1988, 1991-1992, 1995-1996, 1999-2000, 2003-2005, 2008-2009, 2012-2014, 2018-2019): These years often have early production issues or less refined features compared to later models in the same generation. While not necessarily "bad," they may require more maintenance or offer a less satisfying ownership experience.
- Models with Reported Electronic Issues (e.g., 2008-2009): Some years have specific issues reported by owners, such as electronic problems. Researching common issues for each year is crucial before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota Crown generation is the most reliable? The 11th (1999-2003) and 12th (2003-2008) generations are often cited as being highly reliable, especially the later years of each generation.
Are Toyota Crowns expensive to maintain? Generally, Toyota Crowns are known for their reliability, but maintenance costs can vary depending on the model year and the type of repairs needed.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Crown? Check for regular maintenance records, signs of rust, and any reported issues specific to the model year. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.
Are older Toyota Crowns good daily drivers? While older Crowns can be reliable, they may lack modern safety features and fuel efficiency, making them less suitable for daily driving compared to newer models.
Which Toyota Crown generation has the best fuel economy? The more recent generations with hybrid powertrains (15th and 16th) offer the best fuel economy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right year of Toyota Crown depends on your priorities and budget. Later years within each generation typically offer improvements in reliability, features, and performance. By carefully considering the information provided in this guide, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the legendary qualities of the Toyota Crown. Remember to prioritize models with a good service history and consider a pre-purchase inspection for any used vehicle.