What engine does the 1991 Toyota Cressida have?
The 1991 Toyota Cressida uses a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, with the North American versions typically equipped with the 7M-GE variant.
Engine overview
The engine that powered most 1991 Cressida models is a 3.0-liter inline-6 with modern features for the era, including overhead camshafts and fuel injection. Below are the core characteristics and common configurations fans and owners should know.
Before listing the key specifications, here is a concise overview of what defined the 3.0-liter six in the 1991 Cressida.
- Displacement: 3.0 liters (2,964 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-6 (I6)
- Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves
- Fuel system: Multi-point fuel injection
- Typical market designation: 7M-GE (in North American models)
- Transmission pairing: Commonly matched with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission
In summary, the 3.0-liter inline-6 engine represented the standard powerplant for the 1991 Cressida in most markets, delivering smooth, refined performance for a mid-size sedan of its era.
Context and market notes
The Cressida model from this period was positioned as a more upscale alternative to the Camry, with the 3.0-liter inline-6 serving as the backbone of its performance and feel. While service manuals and enthusiasts often refer to the engine by its code (7M-GE for the NA version), variations by region or trim were relatively limited, with the 3.0-liter six remaining the core powerplant for 1991.
Summary
The 1991 Toyota Cressida is powered primarily by a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, most commonly the 7M-GE in the U.S. market, paired with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. This setup defined the model’s balance of reliability and smooth, six-cylinder performance in its era.
Is the 1991 Toyota Cressida reliable?
The 1991 Toyota Cressida is generally known for its reliability, but like any older vehicle, it can face some issues as it racks up the miles. One common problem reported is that the automatic transmission may not shift correctly at high mileages, which can be a bit of a headache for owners.
What engine does a 1991 Toyota Cressida have?
Engine
| Base engine size | 3.0 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 6 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
What is special about Toyota Cressida?
The large family car had roomy accommodation for five adults, and drew power from a fuel-injected twin cam 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine that produced 142 kW, while also being rear-wheel drive. Despite its bland styling, it was great car in its time that carried Toyota's reliability and good engineering.
What engine is in a Toyota Cressida?
The Toyota Cressida was powered by various inline-six engines over its production run, most commonly the 3.0L 7M-GE from 1989 to 1992 and the earlier 2.8L 5M-GE from 1982 to 1988. These were part of Toyota's long-running M engine family and were known for their smoothness and reliability.
This video shows the engine bay of a Toyota Cressida with a 1JZ engine: 58sSpeed and SoundYouTube · May 9, 2025
Key engines
- 7M-GE: A 3.0-liter, straight-six engine that powered the final generations of the Cressida from 1989 to 1992.
- This engine was also used in the Supra of the same era.
- It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and was a well-regarded and smooth-running engine, though cylinder head gasket issues were noted as a potential problem.
- 5M-GE: A 2.8-liter, straight-six engine that powered earlier models.
- This was a 12-valve (2 valves per cylinder) engine with dual overhead camshafts.
- It was equipped with electronic fuel injection and was also found in models like the Celica Supra.
- Other Engines:
- Earlier models used different inline-six engines, such as the 2.8L 5M engine in 1981 models.
- In other markets, some Cressidas were equipped with the 1JZ engine.
This video shows the 18R engine of the Toyota Cressida: 1:26LANDBEASTS AUTOMOBILE CLASSICAYouTube · Aug 31, 2025
