1988 Toyota Cressida 2.8 from North America

Summary:

The best car I ever bought!

Faults:

The first and really the only problem was the factory alternator went. I replaced that with a rebuilt one I found locally for $75 with a one year warranty. Changed all of the belts, plugs and oil and Zoom.

I test drove this car (this model) when it was new in 1988 and I fell in love with it. Twenty plus years later, the paint is a little faded, has a bunch of scratches, but the interior is mint and everything electrical still works!!! The only exception is the radio which was replaced with a Pioneer.

I bought this car to save on my insurance, which wanted $4k for the Dodge Durango 5.8 I used to drive. I'll miss the truck this winter, but not the gas prices. I found one on Craig's List!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 2008

1988 Toyota Cressida Executive 2.8L Inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Best car you will ever buy!!!

Faults:

Replaced waterpump @ 198,000km.

Car is leaking oil.

General Comments:

This my absolute favourite Toyota I have owned. I have owned 4 Corolla's, 1 Tercel and 1 MR2 turbo, however this is by far my favourite.

I bought the car about half a year ago and got an amazing deal on it. The paint is a bit dull and it has a little bit of rust. The transmission didn't want to shift into second gear on a cold engine when I first got it - replaced the transmission fluid and now the tranny shifts like brand new.

This car truly drives amazing. The 2.8 liter 6 cylinder engine has plenty of power for everyday driving, and runs unbelievably quiet and smooth. The transmission shifts very very smooth, the power steering has exactly the right feel to it, the ride is smooth and the interior is amazingly comfortable.

My Cressida has heated mirrors, digital dash, headlight washers, automatic headlights, sunroof, power windows, power mirrors, etc, etc. Absolutely every option (except the AC which needs to be recharged) still works.

Though this car is getting pretty old already, I don't think I will ever sell it.

I guess if I had to list one complaint about this car, it would be the gas mileage. I'm getting about 16mpg during winter (keep in mind I'm letting the engine warm up about 5 minutes before I drive it).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2008

20th May 2009, 16:06

I have a 87 Toyota Cressida & it's about the best running 6 cyl. 2.8 I've ever driven.

Everything work's excellent & I get about 17 mpg. around town & 20 on the hi-way.

I would not be afraid to drive this car coast to coast, & it's not for sale. Luv this car.

Sincerely; J.E.Pearce.

1988 Toyota Cressida GLX-i 2.8 DOHC Inline 6 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Buy one if you see one!

Faults:

-Needed a new Alternator (after 220,000km+)

-Needed a new Steering Column (after 210,000km+)

General Comments:

-Very comfortable for a 16 year old car (there's been times where, on interstate trips I've slept like a baby in it)

-Very reliable for an older car (Had very little trouble with it since I bought it, and generally spend very little money on maintenance/upkeep)

-Quick acceleration (Especially with ECT mode, this car can even outrun quite a few of the newer cars on the road)

-Great Handling and Braking (Handles very well in all kinds of weather on all kinds of roads)

-Great Fuel Consumption (on a trip to Melbourne from Sydney, being just over 1000km, with a full load, plus passengers at an average speed of 100km/h the car used up only a tank of fuel, or approximately 65 litres)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2004

1988 Toyota Cressida 2.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

I will keep this car and put money into restoring it to it's best condition and maybe add some more

Faults:

The A/C is out of juice, but that can be recharged.

The oil gasket leaks, but that doesn't affect performance. The only thing about that is that you have to regularly check the old and it guzzles more gas.

The interior is falling apart, dash is cracked, but that's from the many years of abuse.

The paint job needs a touch up.

The hood doesn't stay up on is own now.

The fuses for the radio and some no essential electronic component blow out.

Too many interlocking components which make for hard installation of new parts, like speakers and stereo.

Stock alarm system goes off if the car is unlocked from the driver side by a key.

Ignition is loose, key can be pulled out when car is still on.

General Comments:

This car was my first car and it's wonderful. It requires little care and is super reliable. All the problems are common with most cars over 100000 miles. There's plenty of power left in this old boy, I can still dust some of those new civics or integras on the streets, and the is also ECT for added power and performance. The interior is very luxurious and convenience with many accessories. There's power locks, windows, seats, and mirrors and automatic headlights. The is cruise control and standard ABS. 4 wheel disk brakes. The gauges are digital so is the stereo and with Alpine speaker stock. A huge trunk and the interior is also very roomy with a sun/moon roof. This car is truly a luxury sedan and it's especially incredible because it was produce over a decade ago.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2002