1986 Toyota Cressida review from North America

None so far (see general comments)

Boxy? For sure. But from a distance, still very classy. Charcoal gray. Does that color ever go out of style? I don't think so. But you have to relish and cherish it.

This is a "rescue" car for me. First, I rescued it from a small-time dealer for less-than Blue Book. The car had small dings and dents, but drove well.

My family member who drove hit some hard times -- (ahem!) -- and the car recently sat out all winter in the elements. The brakes were completely shot, a metaphor, perhaps.

No battery power, two tires bald, tree sap all over it.

To make a long story short (edit as you please), I towed it out of "storage hell," had the brakes repaired, battery, etc, washed it, stared at it a long time -- just stared it down, if you will -- and then drove it 272 miles on faith -- hills of San Francisco, freeways, dirt, mud (remember, it's rear-wheel drive!) stop-and-go, etc.

Bottom-line: This car rides like a dream!

The ventilation accouterments are relatively primitive, but the air they delivered was very adequate in 80s heat driving.

Leather seats very, very comfortable. These seats may or may not be of Ricardo Mantolban-Corinthian Leather caliber, but they do breathe.

Now, all I have to do is repair the numerous small tears.

Tears, too.

On the freeway, handling was superb. I couldn't beliee this car was -- what? -- 17 years old?

Car overall very "tight" -- not one interior squeak (hello GM and Ford). And I used to drive cabs in a big city, so I know squeak!