1997 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon review from Fiji Islands

The digital clock doesn't work - replaced the fuse but no improvement. Dealer says that I need to purchase a new system.

The auto function of the A/C doesn't work, so you have to adjust the A/C manually. Dealer estimates a repair to be 2 grand. I have decided not to spend that money when the A/C could still work manually.

Replaced the rear shocks, bushings, ball joints, steering rack, costing me 2 grand in total as the parts had to be specially ordered from Japan.

Front right foglamp bulb keeps blowing off. Found the problem to be attributed to a melted bulb holder replaced. Cannot find the holder locally, so waiting to be ordered.

This car is 10 years old, and I bought it from an old couple who purchased the car brand new in 1997 for $107,000 - unbelievable! I purchased the car for $20,000.

The car was well looked after and had only done 80,000k in 10 years.

The car is big and suits tall drivers, it comes well equipped for its age : electric seats both front and back, dual A/C controls, dual stereo control for front and the back passenger with an extraordinary sound quality that makes you think you are in a concert hall. The car even has auto headlights that come on when the light intensity dims.

I bought the car because of its size and the comfort. It's not bed of roses when it comes fuel consumption, it does about 18 litres per 100km in the city traffic and about three litres less on the highway, in economy mode that is. I still don't find any difference in the economy and the driving pattern between the power and economy mode on the transmission.

The seats and ride quality is outstanding. This car was built for comfort and for the top executive. The car I must admit can be costly to maintain because most of the parts are not available locally, but it's very reliable. The build quality is exceptional considering its age; there are no rattles or squeaks, and it still is pleasure to drive.

Driving Experience.

The engine is a 3.0 litre, the same engine adapted from the SUPRA and SOARER. It's very quiet even at speeds in excess of 140km/hr. The power in this car is something I'm still coming to be accustomed to, believe me not many people know about the power in this car. I was so stunned when I first took it on the highway to find that the acceleration just keeps coming and coming. Before you know it, you're already hitting 160, but it just keeps coming.

I have driven a 93 ACCORD VTEC and a 05 Holden Commodore 3.6 Litre. Both cars on the highways at high speed, but there is nothing compared to the acceleration and kick down in the Crown. While I admit that the Honda and Holden have much much better grip than the Crown, bear in mind that the latter is not a sports car but a luxury car.

This car has about 170KW of power as claimed by its Toyota Brochure back in 1997. The handling is not that great and you really have to be extra careful in sharp bends as the car tends to understeer a bit.

This car is very reliable and still sounds and drives great after 10 years. I had the car detailed and now I just use it when I want to go for special occasion.

I recently bought a brand new Toyota Prado VX, and while I admit that the Prado is nice to drive because of its handling and road presence, the Crown is something you would pass on to your descendants and still know that they would appreciate it like you did.

I hope my review will suffice. Thank you and may God Bless you all.