1985 Toyota Cressida 2.8L I6

Summary:

A solidly built 80s classic

Faults:

Alternator (aftermarket) was bad when I bought it.

Steering rack was bad when I bought it due to the previous owner not replacing split rubber boots.

General Comments:

Absolutely love it!

Bought a rust-free example in Texas for only $300. Replaced the alternator and worn-out steering rack, and drove my 29 year old gem home in air conditioned comfort, 1200 miles without a problem. Comfortable, quiet and reasonably sporty for its day... The car is very solid with NO squeaks, rattles or noises common to American cars of that age.

A true 80s classic that I'll be enjoying for many, many years to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th August, 2014

1985 Toyota Cressida

Summary:

If it runs great, buy it!

Faults:

The heating and air didn't work.

Transmission wouldn't disengage, causing vehicle to stall.

General Comments:

This would have been a great car if the previous owner had taken better care of it.

The Barreta has quick acceleration and loads of power, a real pleasure to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2004

3rd May 2004, 11:26

If this is supposed to be a review of the Cressida, why are you referring to the "Baretta"?

1985 Toyota Cressida 2.8 L6 DOHC

Summary:

Advanced for its day with standard equipment that is still hard to get on newer cars

Faults:

The only thing "wrong" with the car is the Air Flow Meter wire harness is somewhat loose. Easily fixed. Valve Stem Seals are probably somewhat leaky as it puffs just a touch of smoke on startup.

General Comments:

I was fortunate in finding a Sport model which was offered with the W-58 five speed manual and limited slip differential. The vehicle had also been lowered an inch or two. This car with the lowering springs and a good set of Kumho Supra Ecsta 712 tires outperforms every vehicle I have driven except for the BMW M3 and the Audi TT Coupe. The 5M-GE is peppy enough to make driving fun especially with the five speed and the limited slip. Upgrade parts are somewhat difficult to find, but for a daily driver or even a car that will get up and go when you need it to this car is a great deal for the money they now sell for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2004

25th Mar 2004, 18:58

Exactly which items of "standard equipment" on your Cressida are you referring to?

14th Jul 2008, 01:10

This car had lots of standard equipment. I had a similarly equipped 1987 Nissan Maxima, it had dual power seats, power mirrors, driver's seat lumbar support, cruise control, factory-installed security system, alloys, rear defroster, conveniently positioned information cluster, power windows, door locks, 3-way shock adjustable suspension, cloth bucket seats. The features listed may not seem like much but were very advanced during that day considering that most of those features were options, if they were offered at all for that matter. These cars were built at a time when dependability and quality were still important. Now-days, production is outsourced to factories in the US, Canada and Mexico and a purchase now is a lucky draw.

23rd Feb 2010, 21:21

We test-drove one of these once, a wagon. It had a nasty paint job, sagging rear springs, and many broken accessories. It didn't look good. That was, it didn't look good until my Dad, who was test-driving, put the pedal to the metal. The car sagged back on it's worn springs and was at 80 km/h in the blink of an eye! Our other car at the time was a Ford Taurus, and even a big, lazy lump like the 3.8L V6 couldn't match that kind of performance. These cars have great engines.

1985 Toyota Cressida 1.8L V6-DOHC

Summary:

An incredible ride

Faults:

The sun-roof does not work.

General Comments:

It is a fast, powerful and reliable car. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a good and comfortable ride.

It can be used either like a family car or a sporty car, because due to the power and stability of the car it can run against any other vehicle.

Considering the engine size it is an economic car, I get between 22 and 28 miles per gallon on highway and between 15 and 20 miles per gallon in city driving.

Honestly, I do not think a car like this will be built anymore. So if you have the chance of getting one do not think it twice and go for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th September, 2002

2nd Apr 2006, 20:35

Just got it it's an 85 with 236200miles yes that's right runs like a champ for its age,i like those 195/60/15 tires and all around disk brakes

3rd Apr 2006, 10:15

Wish people would stop writing into these boards about Cressidas since it's making me mad I haven't got one!

Seriously, I am really happy to see so many positive reviews about a single model that has withstood the ravages of time.

Maybe my next car...

12th Apr 2007, 17:30

I'm also lucky enough to own the 5 speed version of this car. As of now it sits in my garage ready for it's new clutch. I highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a dependable as well as stable ride. I have had multiple offers for it & I won't ever sell.

Currently I'm driving a Chevy & a Ford & I hate both, they don't run right & die for no reason at all. I will never ever buy anything, but Japanese from now on. I've driven the Cressida with absolutely no clutch left & it still goes down the road.

1985 Toyota Cressida 2.8L inline-6

Summary:

Going to last for a lifetime!!!

Faults:

A/C won't work.

Small amp in the radio recently died.

General Comments:

Great car. They still make it under its original name "Mark II" Twin Turbo. I would buy another one if Toyota still imported the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2001