What year did the Toyota Cressida come out?
The Toyota Cressida first appeared in 1976.
The model was introduced as a more upscale mid-size sedan based on Toyota's Corona/Carina lineage, and its production spanned several generations across multiple markets, continuing into the early 1990s with end dates varying by country.
Origins and Market Introduction
The Cressida name was used in Japan, North America, Europe, and other regions to denote a higher-trim variant of the Corona lineage, eventually evolving into a distinct mid-size sedan in some markets. It was designed to pair practical size with more premium features, signaling Toyota's push into a more upscale segment.
Before listing key milestones, here's a quick timeline of when major markets first saw the Cressida.
- 1976: Introduction of the Cressida name in several markets, initially as a Corona-based sedan with upscale trim.
- Late 1970s: US market begins offering Cressida models alongside other mid-size Toyotas.
- Late 1980s to early 1990s: Production continues across generations in different regions, gradually ending in most markets by the early 1990s, with some areas observing later discontinuations.
These milestones illustrate how the Cressida spread globally and how its production ran into the early 1990s depending on region.
Lifecycle and Generations (a broad view)
Across the globe, the Cressida spanned several generations, each refining the platform, styling, and features. The model's lifecycle ended at different times by market, reflecting Toyota's regional product strategies in the late 20th century.
Early era (late 1970s to early 1980s)
In its first phase, the Cressida established itself as a more comfortable alternative to the standard Corona in many markets, setting the template for later upgrades.
Mid-era (mid to late 1980s)
The Cressida adopted refreshed styling, updated interiors, and revised powertrains to keep pace with mid-size sedans of the era, especially in North America and Europe.
Final era (late 1980s to early 1990s)
As Toyota shifted its mid-size strategy toward other platforms, production of the Cressida wound down in many regions during the early 1990s, with some markets ending earlier or later depending on local demand.
The Cressida in Toyota's History
Today, the Cressida is remembered as Toyota's attempt to offer a more upscale, performance-oriented sedan derived from the Corona lineage, bridging the gap between entry-level mid-size models and premium Toyota lines of the era.
Summary
In short, the Toyota Cressida first came out in 1976, evolving through several generations and enduring in multiple markets into the early 1990s before being phased out in favor of other Toyota mid-size sedans. Its global run varied by region, but its debut year remains 1976.
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 car replaced the Cressida?
Avalon
Prior to 1972, the model was marketed as the Toyota Corona Mark II. In most export markets, Toyota marketed the vehicle as the Toyota Cressida between 1976 and 1992 across four generations. Toyota replaced the rear-wheel-drive Cressida in North America with the front-wheel-drive Avalon.
Why did they stop making the Toyota Cressida?
The Cressida was discontinued in America after the 1992 model year — in no small part because Toyota had successfully launched its Lexus luxury division — and its place as the flagship sedan in Toyota's lineup was soon taken by the new-for-1995 Avalon.
How much is a 1990 Toyota Cressida worth?
The value of a used 1990 Toyota Cressida ranges from $1,352 to $4,840, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
