The Toyota Mark II is an iconic car model that spanned several generations from 1968 to 2004, primarily manufactured for the Japanese market, though it also had a presence in various export markets, particularly under the name Toyota Cressida. Over the years, the Mark II evolved from a compact sedan to a more refined mid-size vehicle, with each generation bringing unique features, styling updates, and powertrain enhancements. Here’s a simple breakdown of its key generations and developments:
First Generation (1968)
- Introduction: The Mark II was first marketed as the Toyota Corona Mark II, positioned as a step up from the Corona and below the luxury Toyota Crown. It was aimed at competing with the Nissan Laurel.
- Powertrain: Early models were equipped with smaller inline four engines, with displacements ranging from 1.5L to 1.9L.
- Styling: The first generation featured classic 60s styling, offering a more premium option at Toyopet dealerships.
Second Generation (1972)
- Platform Upgrade: The second generation moved to a new chassis and dropped the “Corona” prefix in Japan. The Mark II now offered a more modern, upscale design.
- Styling: The exterior featured “Coke bottle” styling, a popular trend in the 60s and 70s.
- Powertrain: New engine options included the 2.0L inline-six (borrowed from the Toyota Crown) for the first time, which brought smoother power delivery compared to the four-cylinder engines.
Third Generation (1976)
- European Influence: The third generation adopted a more European-inspired design, blending American styling with a British front end.
- Features: Innovations included new wiper controls, rear wipers for sedans, and a modernized interior.
- Competition: It was still competing against the Nissan Laurel, but also now against the Chaser, which Toyota positioned as an alternative to the Nissan Skyline.
Fourth Generation (1980)
- Engine Choices: This generation introduced more power, including turbocharged engines and a larger 2.8L inline-six in the top models.
- Styling: The focus shifted to a more conservative, boxy look. The coupe was discontinued in favor of the Soarer.
- Luxury Features: Features like the new GT trim with a powerful 1G-EU engine and the more refined Grande trim continued to enhance the Mark II’s appeal.
Fifth Generation (1984)
- Global Reach: The Mark II dropped the “Corona” name in Japan, but continued to compete against rivals like the Nissan Bluebird Maxima.
- New Models: The range now included hardtop and sedan variants, with a more aggressive slanted nose on the hardtop versions.
- Turbocharged Engines: The Mark II introduced the 1G twin-turbo engine, making the earlier turbocharged M-TE engine obsolete.
Sixth Generation (1988)
- Luxury Shift: With the introduction of the Toyota Celsior, the Mark II was no longer the top-tier sedan. However, it still offered luxury features in higher trims like the 3.0L 7M-GE engine.
- New Technology: The introduction of traction control, ABS, and the 1JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine made this generation stand out.
Eighth Generation (1996)
- Modern Features: The X100 series brought in more modern features, such as all-wheel drive in the Grande trim and the introduction of Toyota’s VVTi engine technology.
- Sportier Options: The JZX100 Tourer-V trim, which included a manual transmission and sportier features, was particularly popular among enthusiasts.
The Toyota Mark II’s legacy is one of continuous improvement, with each generation offering more luxury, more power, and more technological features. From its early days as a step-up from the Toyota Corona to its final iterations as a refined, luxury sedan, the Mark II always catered to those looking for a well-rounded, reliable, and stylish vehicle.
