1991 Toyota Soarer GT-TL review from Australia and New Zealand
"Stylish, fast and comfortable GT from Japan"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Car was very cheap when I got it so there were a few things wrong with (as to be expected) : CD player was not working (13 years old!!), a few interior niggles such as a crack in the door trim, crack in the air vent surround, drivers seat does not automatically move forward when the button is pressed and the AC control screen has heat damage. Car has been fine mechanically since I got it, but the turbos will be getting to the end of their natural life (intend to upgrade anyway) : It is important to maintain regular oil changes however (as with any Turbo car).
General comments?
The cheapest horsepower around!! I got this car for $7000 and it has one of the finest in-line six cylinder engines ever made. For a heavy car, it really gets up and boogies! Certainly a match for most cars on the road today. The 180kmh limiter is a bit harsh when it kicks in, but is probably just as well! The auto is super smooth on changes, even under power, and never hunts for gears. The handling is not too great (heavy car with skinnyish tires) but was designed as a trade off between Luxury and performance: it has the right mix for me. My car has TEMS which adds to the sportiness of the ride a fair bit. Fuel economy depends on how you drive it: You can quite happily drive all day without getting into boost and get good economy, when you do floor it however, it does tend to drink fuel a bit.
The factory sound system is great (my car came with the optional amp and sub-woofer) and even better with a new headunit. The styling is rather understated, but I think this is in line with the whole philosophy of the car... All in all a brilliant car that has aged well, but depreciated badly, meaning they are cheap as chips now...
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 1991 - Soarer 1JZ-GTE Twin turbo Where luxury meets performance - best value for money |
![]() ![]() | 1991 - Soarer UZZ30 4.0 Quad Cam V8 Best car I've ever owned |
All 1991 Toyota Soarer reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Straight 6, Twin turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 158000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 160000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 11th May, 2004 |

