What is the name of the Toyota Cressida?
The name of the model is Cressida, and the full marketing designation used by Toyota is Toyota Cressida. The name itself draws from the Trojan princess Cressida in classical literature, and the car was produced in multiple generations from 1976 to 1992.
Origins and branding
The Cressida name was chosen to give the vehicle a distinct, upscale image in export markets, while its lineage is connected to Toyota's Mark II family in Japan.
Key naming facts include:
- Model name: Cressida
- Branding: Toyota Cressida as the marketed name in many markets
- Etymology: named after the Trojan princess from classical literature
- Global span: produced 1976–1992 across generations
These points illustrate how Toyota positioned the Cressida name in different regions and eras.
Etymology
The name Cressida, used by Toyota for this model, originates from literature and Shakespeare, lending a timeless, classic image to the car.
Global usage
In export markets such as North America, the car was sold as the Toyota Cressida, while in Japan it was associated with the broader Mark II lineup under different market nomenclature. This reflects how a single model can carry different branding in different regions.
Summary
The Toyota Cressida is named for the Cressida designation, and the model is marketed as Toyota Cressida in many markets. The name reflects a literary heritage and a strategy of regional branding that accompanied the model through its production from 1976 to 1992.
