Toyota Crown
JDM Import Guide

The Toyota Crown is one of Japan's longest-running and most respected nameplates — produced continuously since 1955 and representing over half a century of refinement, engineering, and quiet prestige. It never officially came to the US, which is exactly why it's become one of the more interesting JDM imports available today.

For buyers who want a genuine daily driver with presence, excellent parts availability, and serious tuning potential in the right spec — the Crown deserves a hard look.

Japan's Executive Sedan, Your Daily Driver

The Crown was Japan's taxi, police car, and corporate fleet vehicle for decades — which means high-mileage examples were maintained with precision, and the drivetrains are proven to endure. But the trims that matter to importers — the Royal Saloon, Athlete, and Athlete V — are a different story: premium interiors, RWD, inline-six power, and factory specifications you simply can't get elsewhere.

• Genuine executive-level interior quality — wood trim, power everything, quiet cabins
• Rear-wheel drive across most import-worthy trims
• Strong JZ-family engine options — parts share with Supra, Chaser, Mark II
• Exceptional long-term reliability — these are proven platforms
• Growing demand in the VIP and stance scenes — values are moving

Which Crown to Buy

The import-eligible generations span the early 1990s through early 2000s. Each has a different character — here's how to read the lineup.

• S140 · 1991–1995 · Chassis JZS14x The Classic Hardtop
  Frameless hardtop windows, traditional Crown styling. Engines: 1G-FE (2.0L), 1JZ-GE (2.5L), 2JZ-GE (3.0L). 5-speed manual available on some trims. No factory turbo — but the 2JZ-GE block is a popular base for turbo builds. First unibody came with the S150.
• S150 · 1995–1999 · Chassis JZS15x First Unibody — Best 2JZ Platform
  The S150 was the first Crown to use a full monocoque chassis — stiffer, lighter, more refined. Introduced VVT-i on the 2JZ-GE, and this is the version with the "turbo rods" in the 2JZ that make it the preferred base for boost builds. 1JZ-GE VVT-i and 2JZ-GE VVT-i available. No factory turbo in this generation either.
• S170 · 1999–2003 · Chassis JZS17x The Athlete V — Factory Turbo Crown
  The S170 introduced the Athlete trim with more aggressive styling and sport-tuned suspension. The top-spec Athlete V came from the factory with the 1JZ-GTE VVT-i — 280 PS / 379 Nm — in both sedan and wagon (Estate) form. Other trims ran 1JZ-GE, 1JZ-FSE, 2JZ-GE, or 2JZ-FSE. All S170 Crowns are automatic only.

What's Under the Hood

The Crown's engine options span three generations of JZ inline-sixes. The key distinction: the 2JZ in the Crown is always naturally aspirated — the 2JZ-GTE (twin turbo) stayed in the Supra and Aristo. The factory turbo in the Crown lineup is the 1JZ-GTE, available exclusively in the S170 Athlete V.

Crown Athlete V — The Performance Case

The Athlete V is the Crown most enthusiasts are after — and for good reason. Factory 280 PS from a 1JZ-GTE VVT-i, sport-tuned suspension relative to other Crown trims, and a visual package that reads aggressive without being obvious. It came in both sedan and wagon (Estate Athlete V) form, the latter being one of the rarest and most desirable wagon imports available.

What It's Like on the Road

The Crown is built for comfort first — long-wheelbase, quiet cabin, smooth suspension. But that's not the whole story. The Athlete V pulls hard from low rpm, the RWD balance is always present, and the overall driving experience is far more engaging than the Royal Saloon's exterior suggests. Think of it as a sleeper in the truest sense.

• Smooth, long-travel suspension — excellent on highways and long drives
• Quiet cabin with premium materials — genuine luxury, not imitation
• Rear-wheel drive on all import-worthy trims
• Athlete V pulls hard from 2,400 rpm — the torque comes early
• Long wheelbase means more stability, less agility — it's a GT, not a sports car

What They're Selling For

The Crown is still undervalued relative to other JDM inline-six platforms. The Athlete V in particular represents strong value — 280 PS, rare spec, growing demand.

Importing a Crown

S140 models (1991+) are fully eligible. S150 and early S170 models (1999–2000) are now also clearing the 25-year threshold. Budget for these costs on top of the purchase price:

Know Before You Buy

The Crown is a 25–30 year old luxury car. Luxury ages — but these are Toyotas, so the fundamentals are almost always sound.

Parts Are Not the Problem

One of the Crown's strongest arguments as a daily driver is its parts situation. The 1JZ and 2JZ engines are among the most supported JDM platforms on the planet — components are shared across the Mark II, Chaser, Soarer, Aristo, and Supra. Finding parts is not a challenge.

• 1JZ-GTE parts shared with Chaser JZX100, Mark II, Soarer — huge aftermarket
• 2JZ-GE parts shared with Lexus GS300, SC300 — widely available in the US
• Body and interior parts available through Japanese dismantlers