The Toyota Mark II is a model name used by Toyota for several decades.
The first series, called the Toyota Corona Mark II was an all new vehicle at its introduction in 1968, that sought to offer a car that was just under Japanese government regulations concerning maximum vehicle dimensions and engine displacement. Using the established platform of the Toyota Corona sedan but slightly larger and wider, it was exclusive to Toyopet Store locations, and offered as a competitor to the newly introduced Nissan Laurel in Japan, and the Nissan Bluebird / Datsun 510 internationally that appeared August 1967, and two years after the Mazda Luce in 1966. Toyota was known at the time as a small, economy car manufacturer and the Mark II allowed Toyota to establish itself as a more mainstream, international automaker. The Corona Mark II was sold as a larger companion to the Corona, while still being smaller than the Crown. The Mark II introduced the world to a comfortable front engine, rear drive vehicle that was larger than older Toyotas while maintaining an affordable price and better fuel economy than vehicles with larger straight 6 and V8 engines.
As the Mark II began to become popular with drivers around the world, Toyota introduced variations of the Mark II with two different model names, both sedans but with different styling and marketing approaches. The sportier Toyota Chaser appeared in 1977, and later in 1980, the high luxury content Toyota Cresta appeared, and both were exclusive together at Toyota Auto Store locations. As other Japanese and international automakers continued to offer vehicles in this size class, the Mark II's popularity peaked in the 1980s. The Mark II was available with engines ranging from a 1.8-litre straight-4 cylinder to a turbocharged 2.5-litre that pushed the 280 horsepower (209 kW; 284 PS) self-imposed limit of the Japanese auto industry.
| Toyota Mark II | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 1968–2004 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Related | Toyota Cressida Toyota Chaser Toyota Cresta Toyota Verossa |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Toyota Corona |
| Successor | Toyota Mark X (Japan) Toyota Camry (internationally) |
Generation 1 (1968–1972) T60/T70 series
| First Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1968 -1972 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door coupé |
| Related | Toyota Corona |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1,490 cc 2R OHV I4 1,587 cc 12R OHV I4 1,591 cc 7R OHV I4 1,707 cc 6R OHV I4 1,858 cc 8R SOHC I4 1,968 cc 18R SOHC I4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) |
| Length | 4,295 mm (169.1 in) |
| Width | 1,610 mm (63.4 in) |
| Height | 1,405 mm (55.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb) |
The Corona Mark II, first offered for sale in Japan September 1968 at Toyopet Store dealerships, was intended as an intermediate model between the large luxury sedan the Crown, sold at Toyota Store dealerships, and the smaller Corona, also available at Toyopet Store. It was a slightly larger vehicle than a Corona with a higher level of equipment offered at the time, sharing some of the same features of the larger Crown, but taking the top position at Toyopet Store locations. At its introduction, the Mark II was third in Toyota's hierarchy of sedans, below the Crown and the all new, hand built, V8-engined limousine called the Toyota Century.
The four-door sedan was designated as the T60 and the 2-door coupé the T70. In 1970 there were minor cosmetic changes in the front grille. The 1,600 cc 7R series engine was replaced by the 1,700 cc 6R series engine. A year later the 1,500 cc2R models were replaced by the 1,600 cc 12R engines. Its competitor was primarily the Nissan Laurel in Japan, released earlier that year in April.
The U.S. exported version for the same model year, often include the more powerful R series motors compared to other regions. While Japan and other markets often had 1.5-litre 2R, 1.6-litre7R/12R to 1.7-litre 6R models as well. Engines were shared with the Corona, with both using the 2R, and the 12Rengine. Transmissions offered were an automatic transmission with 3 speeds for export and 2 speeds in Japan, or a choice of either a 4-speed or 3-speed manual transmission.
RT62 sedans and RT72 coupé features the 1.9-litre 8R four-cylinder engine, unique to the Mark II. The RT63 sedan, RT73 coupé, RT78/RT79 station wagons feature a two-litre 18R four-cylinder engine, also unique to the Mark II. The suspension setup used double wishbone with coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the back with a front-engine rear-drive powertrain format.
The Corona Mark II was longer, at 4,295 mm (169.1 in) over the Corona's length of 162.4 in (4,125 mm) for the sedan, and the coupe, with a width of 1,610 mm (63.4 in) in comparison to 61 in (1,549 mm) for the sedan and coupe. The height of the Mark II is lower at 1,405 mm (55.3 in) over 1,420 mm (55.9 in) for the sedan, but higher at 1,374 mm (54.1 in) for the coupé.
For North America, the Mark II was available with bucket seats for the front passengers, a center console with a floor-mounted manual transmission, electric rear window defroster, and a full size spare tire installed externally and underneath the cargo area on the wagon with rear seats that folded down to a fully carpeted rear cargo area. The Mark II wagon was the largest wagon Toyota offered in North America, next to the Corona and Corolla wagons; the Crown wagon was no longer sold in North America.
Generation 2 (1972–1976) X10/X20 series
| Second Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1972-1976 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door coupé |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1,707 cc 6R I4 1,808 cc 16R I4 1,968 cc 18R I4 1,968 cc 18R-G DOHC I4 1,988 cc M I6 2,253 cc 2M I6 (export) 2,563 cc 4M I6 (export) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,645 mm (104.1 in) sedan 2,585 mm (101.8 in) wagon |
| Length | 4,325 mm (170.3 in) 4,350 mm (171.3 in) wagon |
| Width | 1,625 mm (64.0 in) |
| Height | 1,380 mm (54.3 in) sedan 1,425 mm (56.1 in) wagon |
| Curb weight | 1,080 kg (2,381 lb) sedan |
The second generation Corona Mark II was based on a new X series platform abandoning the compact Corona T series chassis. X20s are 2-door sedans, while the X10s are sedans and wagons. The inline six-cylinder "M" series engine was borrowed from the S60 series Crown, in order to compete better with the Nissan Bluebird / Datsun 610 in North America, and the Nissan Laurel in Japan. The styling used on the second generation was dramatically different from the first, showing similarities to the S60 series Crown. The version sold as a wagon in export markets was marketed as a van, intended for commercial usage, in the Japanese domestic market. It was originally only available with the smallest 1.7-litre inline-four. All Mark II engines were of an overhead camshaft design, with the sporting GSS even featuring a twin-cam design. X10 through 13 are sedans, 16 and 17-series numbers were reserved for vans, 20 through 23 for coupés, and 26 through 29 for wagons. The only exception to this scheme is the 18R-U engined RX15, introduced in June 1976, which received the same chassis code whether fitted in the hardtop or the sedan.
Engine choices included:
- I4 1,707 cc 6R(RX10/RX16V/RX20/RX26: 95 PS (70 kW))
- I4 1,808 cc 16R(RX11/RX17V/RX21/RX27)
- I4 1,968 cc 18R (RX12/RX22/RX28)
- I4 1,968 cc 18R-G DOHC (RX22 GSS)
- I4 1,968 cc 18R-U (RX15, low emissions version)
- I6 1,988 cc M (MX10/MX20/MX27)
- I6 2,253 cc 2M (MX12/MX22/MX28, export only)
- I6 2,563 cc 4M (MX13/MX23/MX29, export only)
In August 1973, there were minor changes and updates. The basic trim package wagon was offered with a five-speed manual transmission. Electronic fuel injection was introduced on the two-litre four-cylinder (18R) engine to increase power and lower fuel emissions. The four-cylinder 1,707 cc 6R engine was replaced by the 1,808 cc 16R. The 1.8 was discontinued in October 1975, leaving only two-litre engines of four or six-cylinders in the Japanese market. Even after the introduction of the next Mark II, production of the second generation continued through November 1976.
Generation 3 (1976–1980) X30/X40 series
| Third Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1976 -1980 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door coupé |
| Related | Toyota Chaser Toyota Cressida |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,645 mm (104.1 in) |
| Length | 4,615 mm (181.7 in) |
| Width | 1,680 mm (66.1 in) |
| Height | 1,455 mm (57.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,215 kg (2,679 lb) |
The third generation was introduced with a more upscale, European type design. The lines are a combination of the previous generations American styling with a British looking front end. In 1978, this model generation was the last cars that feature the Toyopet name, which was dropped in 1980. The Grande trim was added to models with six-cylinder engines. This generation continued to offer Japanese buyers an alternative to the Nissan Laurel sedan, and the new Nissan Bluebird based Nissan Maxima in North America, with the new Chaser as an alternative to the Nissan Skyline in Japan. The Mark II was split into two other sedans so that they could sell different versions of the Mark II at multiple dealerships Toyota had established in the 1980s.
Some models had six cylinder engines, optionally with electronic fuel injection, borrowed from the larger Crown. For the Japanese market, all Japanese models engines were upgraded with Toyota's TTC-C technology to comply with the Japanese Governments Clean Air Act of 1975. In late October 1977 the 3T-U engine was upgraded to pass the 1978 emissions standards with the aid of a lean-burn design.
In 1998, Toyota released a car called Progrès. The Progrès front end looks somewhat like an updated version of the X30/X40 series sedan. For instance, both of them feature a combination of round and squared lighting. The grille and bonnet also has similar shapes, size, and lines.
Chaser
The Toyota Chaser was released in 1977 as a competitor to the Nissan Skyline sedan. The Chaser was originally just a rebadged Mark II, although later generations received more differentiated styling. The idea of the Chaser was to offer a sportier version of the Mark II and sold at a different Japanese Toyota dealership called Toyota Auto Store, often with more powerful engines and different suspension setups. At a glance they are virtually identical, with slightly differing equipment.
Cressida
The Corona Mark II was renamed the Toyota Cressida for export markets. It was Toyota's largest sedan and wagon range offered in North America. In New Zealand, a two-litre four cylinder sedan version replaced the six cylinder Crown in local assembly after the 1970s oil crises prompted the government to impose a 60% sales tax on cars with engines larger than two litres. A few fully built up Crowns were subsequently imported. In other markets, the larger Toyota Crown also remained available.
Generation 4 (1980–1984) X60 series
| Fourth Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1980-1984 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan/hardtop 4-door station wagon |
| Related | Toyota Cresta Toyota Chaser Toyota Cressida |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 4/5-speed manual 3/4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,645 mm (104.1 in) |
| Length | 4,640 mm (182.7 in) |
| Width | 1,690 mm (66.5 in) |
| Height | 1,425 mm (56.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,225 kg (2,701 lb) |
The fourth generation Corona Mark II was launched in 1980. It was still badged as the Corona Mark II but many of the advertisement at the time simply refer to it as the Mark II. Power by either the 1G-EU, Turbo charged M-TEU, 5M-EU and fuel-injected version of the 18R-G was available in the GT. A diesel version was also available. In 1982 the twin-cam 1G-GEU engine was added. In 1983 the automatic transmission was changed to an electronic controlled four-speed. The two-door coupé version was not replaced and the fourth generation was only available with four doors, either as a sedan, hardtop, or as a station wagon (mainly marketed as a commercial vehicle in Japan).
This Mark II generation included commercial, taxi, and drivers training vehicles. The Mark II was common alongside the slightly smaller Corona as a taxi.
Generation 5 (1984–1988) X70 series
| Fifth Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1984-1988 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Related | Toyota Cresta Toyota Chaser Toyota Cressida |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cylinder 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.0L 6-cylinder 2.4L 4-cylinder diesel |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 3-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm (104.7 in) |
| Length | 4,650 mm (183.1 in) |
| Width | 1,690 mm (66.5 in) |
| Height | 1,415 mm (55.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,280 kg (2,822 lb) |
The 1984 model dropped the Corona name in Japan and simply called it the Mark II. This generation Mark II had a lot of rivals including the Nissan Leopard, as well as the traditional competitor Nissan Laurel sedan. The Mark II continued to remain very viable for fleet sales, government agencies and taxi services.
There are two different variation of the Mark II; the Hardtop and the Standard. Visually they are different on the exterior while the interior remains untouched.
Exterior changes on the Hardtop version includes a slanted nose which requires a new grille, a thinner headlamp assembly that match the slanted nose, frameless door windows, thinner tail lamp, front fenders and bumper. Body panel is stamped different from the standard version.
The Standard version is exactly like the MX-73 Toyota Cressida. It does not have the aggressive slanted front end, conservative body panels and framed windows.
Station wagon/Van/Estate (1984–1997)
The X70 station wagon was produced from 1984 to 1997. That's 13 years with only a few minor revisions over the years. In most markets, sales of this wagon was stopped when the next model of the sedan was introduced but they continued to be sold in Japan for use as delivery vehicles. It was finally superseded by the front-wheel-drive Mark II Qualis that was based on the Camry Gracia.
Generation 6 (1988–1992) X80 series
| Sixth Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1988-1992 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan/hardtop |
| Related | Toyota Cresta Toyota Chaser Toyota Cressida |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107.5 in) |
| Length | 4,690 mm (184.6 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,375 mm (54.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,480 kg (3,263 lb) |
First released in August 1988, the height of the car is lower than the previous generation. It's about the same height as the second generation Mark II. The Australian Cressida was withdrawn from sale in early 1993 on the X80 series so as not to compete against the new widebody Camry-Vienta, and Lexus ES300 and LS400. The North American Cressida was replaced by the first designed-for-America Toyota Avalon was introduced as Toyota's new North American large sedan.
The Grande G series in 1989 uses the 3.0L 7M-GE engine. Featuring Traction Control and ABS.
In 1990, 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE (280ps) is first introduced on this generation replacing the 1G-GZE. The GT did not have MT transmission available, and were strictly AT.
After 1992, the X80 series continued to be produced for taxi fleet vehicles until 1995, when the Crown Comfort assumed taxi duties.
Generation 7 (1992–1996) X90 series
| Seventh Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1992-1996 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, RWD/AWD |
| Related | Toyota Cresta Toyota Chaser |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4 2L-TE turbo-diesel I4 1.8L 4S-FE petrol I4 2.0L 1G-FE petrol I6 2.5L 1JZ-GE petrol I6 3.0L 2JZ-GE petrol I6 2.5L 1JZ-GTE twin-turbo petrol I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107.5 in) |
| Length | 4,750 mm (187.0 in) |
| Width | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | 1,390 mm (54.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,390 kg (3,064 lb) |
First released in October 1992, the Mark II was revised during the period. It received a new front bumper (including grill), rear bumpers and tail lights and some weight mainly do to regulations. Under Japanese exterior dimension regulations, this series was no longer regarded as a "compact car". Buyers who wanted a sedan that remained under the guidelines was now served by the 1990 SV30 series Toyota Camry. Toyota added a new sedan, called the Toyota Scepter with the major difference being a front-wheel-drive powertrain.
The X90 series was available in six different trim levels. All trims came standard with fully automatic air conditioning and faux wood interior paneling. The base GL was available in either standard or automatic with a choice of a diesel or petrol 4-cylinder engine. The slightly more up-market Groire had the same engine and transmission options as the GL with more standard features over its inferior.
The next four trim levels featured only petrol straight sixes for engines and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Grande was available with either a 2.0L 1G-FE or 2.5L 1JZ-GE and either a four-speed automatic or 5-speed manual for 1G-equipped Mark II Grandes. The Grande was otherwise identical to the Groire in terms of options and equipment. The Grande G was available with either the aforementioned 1JZ or a 3.0L 2JZ-GE mated to an automatic transmission and came with ABS and traction control standard.
The Tourer S came with a 1JZ-GE engine, 4-speed automatic and several options either standard (such as ABS and control) or not present (a factory limited-slip differential) in either the Grande or Grande G.
Lastly, the Tourer V had a reinforced body, sport suspension, and a twin-turbo 280 horsepower (210 kW) 2.5-litre 1JZ-GTE inline 6 engine. It also came from the factory with, traction control, ABS, an optional torsen LSD and optional 5-speed manual transmission. The Mark II Tourer V was a popular choice among tuners, enthusiasts, and drifters.
Generation 8 (1996–2000) X100 series
| Eighth Generation | |
|---|---|
1999 Mark II
| |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1996-2000 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, RWD/AWD |
| Related | Toyota Cresta Toyota Chaser |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4L 2L-TE turbo-diesel I4 2.0L 1G-FE petrol I6 2.5L 1JZ-GE petrol I6 2.5L 1JZ-GTE turbocharged petrol I6 3.0L 2JZ-GE petrol I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107.5 in) |
| Length | 4,760 mm (187.4 in) |
| Width | 1,755 mm (69.1 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,480 kg (3,263 lb) |
Like its predecessor, the X100 series Toyota Mark II was available in multiple trim levels. New for this production run was the introduction of all-wheel drive to Grande and Grande G as well as the use of Toyota's new VVTi system on its engines. Also new was the standardization of ABS and a new electronic traction control system. The Groire trim level was also dropped for this production run.
The base GL came with only the 2.4L 2L-TE turbo-diesel I4 mated to a 4-speed automatic. It came with basic features like power windows and door locks and automatic air-conditioning, but sportier options were only available on higher-level trims. However, traction control and ABS were available as options.
The Grande trim levels had a plethora of options and features available not limited to but including tilt-steering, standard ABS, traction control and AWD. The base Grande was powered by either the 2.0L 1G-FE inline 6 mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, the 2.4L 2L-TE mated to a 4-speed auto from the GL or the 2.5L 1JZ-GE turning a 4-speed automatic as well. New for 1996 was the Grande Four: a four-wheel-drive variant of the Grande, it was powered by the 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission sending power to all wheels via a center differential. The Grande G versions were available with either a 1JZ- or 2JZ-GE and a 4-speed automatic. The "G package" included leather anointments for the steering wheel and seats as well as power front seats. A Grande G Four was also offered with the 1JZ engine, 4-speed auto transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Tourer trim level carried on from the X90 series in both Tourer S and Tourer V. The Tourer S was powered by a naturally aspirated 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic. The Tourer V received some noticeable tweaks from its X90 series counterpart: along with the implementation of ETCS and VVTi, the engine now received forced induction through one large turbocharger as opposed to two smaller ones in a parallel configuration. According to Toyota, this smoothed out the torque curve allowing the engine to deliver more torque at a lower RPM and with VVTi, improved the car's fuel economy.
Mark II Qualis
So as to continue to offer Mark II customers the option of purchasing a station wagon at Toyopet Store locations, Toyota introduced the Toyota Mark II Qualis which was identical to the Camry-based station wagon called the Camry Gracia. The Gracia was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations next to the Camry.
Generation 9 (2000–2004) X110 series
| Ninth Generation | |
|---|---|
| |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kanto Auto Works |
| Production | 2000-2004 |
| Assembly | Iwate, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | Front engine, RWD/AWD |
| Related | Toyota Verossa |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0L 1G-FE petrol I6 2.5L 1JZ-GE petrol I6 2.5L 1JZ-FSE direct inject petrol I6 2.5L 1JZ-GTE turbocharged petrol I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm (109.4 in) |
| Length | 4,735 mm (186.4 in) (sedan) 4,775 mm (188.0 in) (wagon) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.3 in) (sedan) 1,760 mm (69 in) (wagon) |
| Height | 1,460 mm (57.5 in) (sedan) 1,485 mm (58.5 in) (wagon) |
| Curb weight | 1,530 kg (3,373 lb) (sedan) 1,885 kg (4,160 lb) (wagon) |
This last generation of Mark II hosted several new technologies for Toyota. The new 2.5L with the designation of 1JZ-FSE is the first application of Direct Injection for mass production on a Toyota passenger vehicle. This version of the JZ series engine features a redesign head to optimize fuel economy and performance. Along with the 1JZ-FSE, the 1G-FE, 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE are available and all with VVT-i technology. This generation of Mark II also host a new feature call Navi AI-shift, which uses GPS signals and shifts the automatic transmission into the appropriate gear.
The X110 series discontinued the hardtop version in favor of the standard version.
During this time, Toyota has discontinued the Chaser and Cresta nameplate and created the Verossa. Toyota has also eliminated the Tourer S and Tourer V and instead called their sportier version 2.5 Grande iR-S and 2.5 Grande iR-V, respectively. iR meaning Intelligent Rapidly. Other models include the 2.0 Grande, 2.5 Grande, 2.5 Grande G, 2.5 Grande G-tb, 2.5 Grande G Four, 2.0 Grande Four, and the 2.0 Grande Four "S package" all of which is their luxury lineup.
Minor changes was made in 2002. New headlight, grill and a redesign bumper freshen up the front end while a new taillight design and new chrome trim for the trunk handle finish up the rear end. The introduction of the 2.0L iR grade was added alongside the iR-S and iR-V. The G-tb model was discontinued in favor for the 2.0L iR model. Another model introduced by Toyota for the Mark II is their special edition, Regalia, which marks the 35th Anniversary of the Mark II nameplate.
Japanese market station wagons and MPVs (2002–2007)
The Mark II Blit was the replacement of the Toyota Mark II Qualis, and shared a platform with the Mark II rear wheel drive sedan. The Blit was introduced in January 2002 after the Crown Estate and Caldina wagons ended production starting in June 2007 due to consolidation efforts. The Blit was a return to the Mark II platform with rear wheel drive with optional AWD and not a wagon version of the front wheel drive Camry. The Blit used straight-6 engines with an optional turbo that was discontinued in May 2006. The engines used were the 2.0 L 1G-FE, 2.5 L 1JZ-FSE, 2.5 L 1JZ-GE, and 2.5 L turbocharged 1JZ-GTE.
The Mark II Blit was exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealership Toyopet Store continuing to offer the Mark II in a station wagon. People-carrying duties were shared with the front-wheel-drive Toyota Opa at Toyopet Store locations who were previously buyers of the Camry Gracia front-wheel-drive wagon.
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