Toyota Crown - Is that the LS?
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
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From: California
Toyota Crown was the top (second to Centrury?) of the line then and geared towards the domestic (Japan) market and most of Asia where roads and parking lots were/are narrower than America's. This was the evolution of the model line post war Japan. They never took off in Europe mainly because they were not small enough-and more importantly not sporty enough.
My guess is the LEXUS was a reaction to the fantastic success of the ACURA division of Honda in the United States aside from the S-Class of MB; and that the LS was really a take off from the large car specs of the then American big car colossus- CADILLAC. Large dimensions; soft ride and luxury pretensions. As an experiment in 1989, Toyota was not sure that Lexus would be a success- all they know is they had to sell more big premium cars in the US.Litlle did they know that their cars have shaken up the whole car world.
So I'm not quite sure how the Celsior brand has watered down the Crown in tems of stature. But it seems like that they've realized the market truly accepts the Lexus brand and is strong enough to relegate the Crown as a Toyota and uplift the Celsior further as the Lexus (soon)
My guess is the LEXUS was a reaction to the fantastic success of the ACURA division of Honda in the United States aside from the S-Class of MB; and that the LS was really a take off from the large car specs of the then American big car colossus- CADILLAC. Large dimensions; soft ride and luxury pretensions. As an experiment in 1989, Toyota was not sure that Lexus would be a success- all they know is they had to sell more big premium cars in the US.Litlle did they know that their cars have shaken up the whole car world.
So I'm not quite sure how the Celsior brand has watered down the Crown in tems of stature. But it seems like that they've realized the market truly accepts the Lexus brand and is strong enough to relegate the Crown as a Toyota and uplift the Celsior further as the Lexus (soon)
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
My uncle in Europe since has a 1972 Toyota Crown. It is as small as a 1980s Corolla and has a 1.6 liter engine, solid rear axle, decent looking original paint, etc. Still tools around in it, but he has a 2 liter Toyota Avensis for "real" trips.
Last edited by panos; Feb 17, 2004 at 04:48 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Thats strange. I remember the USA Toyota Crowns of the early 1970s being about the size of a 92-96 Toyota Camry. Not really a small car. Perhaps the cars in Europe were different?
Originally posted by panos
My uncle in Europe since has a 1972 Toyota Crown. It is as small as a 1980s Corolla and has a 1.6 liter engine, solid rear axle, decent looking original paint, etc. Still tools around in it, but he has a 2 liter Toyota Avensis for "real" trips.
My uncle in Europe since has a 1972 Toyota Crown. It is as small as a 1980s Corolla and has a 1.6 liter engine, solid rear axle, decent looking original paint, etc. Still tools around in it, but he has a 2 liter Toyota Avensis for "real" trips.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,750
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From: - Japan -
Originally posted by dj.ctwatt
[B]I had an earlier post about this topic, and have extensively studied both cars. If you do some good research, you will find out that the Crown has both a smaller wheelbase and a smaller size all around than the LS430. /B]
[B]I had an earlier post about this topic, and have extensively studied both cars. If you do some good research, you will find out that the Crown has both a smaller wheelbase and a smaller size all around than the LS430. /B]
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,750
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From: - Japan -
Originally posted by eblue
Toyota Crown was the top (second to Centrury?) of the line then and geared towards the domestic (Japan) market and most of Asia where roads and parking lots were/are narrower than America's. This was the evolution of the model line post war Japan. They never took off in Europe mainly because they were not small enough-and more importantly not sporty enough.
Toyota Crown was the top (second to Centrury?) of the line then and geared towards the domestic (Japan) market and most of Asia where roads and parking lots were/are narrower than America's. This was the evolution of the model line post war Japan. They never took off in Europe mainly because they were not small enough-and more importantly not sporty enough.
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Posts: n/a
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All.../01/index.html
A little timeline from Toyota about the Crown.
A little timeline from Toyota about the Crown.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Thailand
The new crown is not the new GS. The new GS will be synonymous with the new Aristo(Toyota's corresponding model). There are tons of posts about it as it was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. Just do a search for it. . .
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Florida
For a quick look at the next GS, look at the images on top of this site: http://www.lexusinsidenews.com
Originally posted by LexusLuver
I know the former GS is based on the Artisto platform sold in Japan, but never read anything from NAIAS about what the platform will serve as the next GS. I have also noticed near identical proportions w/the 06 GS and Crown, thats why I say it could be based on the Crown
I know the former GS is based on the Artisto platform sold in Japan, but never read anything from NAIAS about what the platform will serve as the next GS. I have also noticed near identical proportions w/the 06 GS and Crown, thats why I say it could be based on the Crown
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 4
From: Ohio, USA
Originally posted by dj.ctwatt
All lexus's share some components, some more than others. But follow that link and you can see actual pics of the actual upcoming GS. . . actually actual.
All lexus's share some components, some more than others. But follow that link and you can see actual pics of the actual upcoming GS. . . actually actual.
The forthcoming GS will be known as the Lexus GS in Japan, since Toyota is going to open domestic Lexus dealerships there. Thus, the Aristo nameplate's days are numbered.
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