Was the Toyota Century sold in the US?
No, the Toyota Century was not sold in the United States. The Toyota Century is a luxury sedan that has been produced by Toyota exclusively for the Japanese domestic market since 1967. It is Toyota's flagship model and is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, but it has never been officially exported or sold outside of Japan.
About the Toyota Century
The Toyota Century is a full-size luxury sedan that has been produced by Toyota since 1967. It is Toyota's most prestigious and expensive model, designed to compete with other high-end luxury cars like the Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and BMW 7 Series. The Century is known for its traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive chrome grille and elegant, understated styling.
Under the hood, the Century is powered by a V12 engine, which was a rarity for a Japanese domestic market car. This powerful engine, combined with the car's luxurious interior and attention to detail, has made the Century a status symbol in Japan.
Why Wasn't the Century Sold in the US?
- Limited Production and Exclusivity: The Toyota Century has always been produced in very limited numbers, with only a few thousand units made each year. This exclusivity was part of the car's appeal in Japan, and Toyota likely wanted to maintain that image by not exporting it globally.
- Lack of Demand: The high price and traditional Japanese design of the Century meant it likely would not have had strong appeal or demand in the US market, where larger, more ostentatious luxury cars were more popular.
- Regulatory Challenges: Importing the Century to the US would have required it to meet various safety and emissions regulations, which could have been costly and complicated for Toyota.
While the Toyota Century has never been officially sold in the United States, it has developed a cult following among enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its unique blend of luxury, craftsmanship, and Japanese heritage. However, the car's limited availability and high cost have kept it out of the reach of most American consumers.
Was the Toyota Century sold in America?
Unlike the previous generation, the G60 Century is no longer available outside of the Japanese market due to the G50's failure to sell overseas.
Will the 2025 century be sold in America?
An unnamed Toyota spokesperson told Automotive News that Century vehicles would only be available at certain Lexus dealerships in the country and that the luxury vehicles would not carry the Lexus name.
Why don't they sell the Toyota Century in the US?
According to the employee quoted in the initial report, it could be years before you see a Century for sale in the United States, as Lexus will have to lay the sales and surface infrastructure groundwork necessary to support a new model line.
Can you buy a Toyota Century in the US?
No, you cannot buy a new Toyota Century in the US at this time, as it has never been officially sold there. However, there are indications that Toyota may eventually bring the brand to the US, likely through a limited number of select Lexus dealerships, although a definitive timeline is not yet available.
Current status
- No official US sales: The Toyota Century has historically been exclusive to the Japanese market and has never been an official US model.
- Potential future availability: Recent trademarks for the Century name in the US, and reports of the brand being a new, high-end nameplate above Lexus, suggest that a US launch is being considered.
- Limited release likely: If it does come to the US, it will likely be in very limited quantities, sold through select Lexus dealerships, and without the Lexus name on the vehicle.
What this means for buyers
- Importing is an option: Some enthusiasts have imported these vehicles through third-party JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) importers, but this is not the same as buying a new car through an official dealership.
- No official support: You would not be able to get official US warranty service or support for a Century that was imported this way.
