The Japanese company Toyota is a popular automotive brand, under whose name models are produced that have good technical characteristics, powerful engines, attractive design and have a long service life. One of the favorites is the 100-series Mark 2, a car that remains popular to this day, although production ended in 2001.
From the history of the Japanese automobile corporation
Today Toyota is a popular concern, and almost half a century ago it was an unremarkable automobile company that produces relatively cheap cars. Popularity skyrocketed in 1968 when Toyota launched an expensive modification of the budget Corona model. The series was named Mark II. The cars are compact sedans with an economical engine and an attractive price, which is why they are loved all over the world. The model can indeed be called innovative, because later, on the basis of the Mark II, the corporation released the Chaser, Cressida and Cresta, no less famous today.
"Mark 2" with a body of the 100th series (or X 100) is the eighth generation, which began to be produced in 1996. The model has changed significantly when compared with previous modifications. Positive changes concern both the design and the technical side. For example, gasoline 1.8-liter engines were discontinued altogether, and the remaining 2, 2.5 and 3 gasoline and 2.4 liter diesel engines were equipped with a proprietary fuel injection system called VVT-i.
Exterior and interior
The eighth generation Mark II is not equipped with any "bells and whistles" in appearance, which would make it possible to talk about some special attractiveness of the car. However, the model has ideal proportions and stands out from the stream of cars with some body features. In particular, it is narrow but wide optics, stockiness and powerful feed. And the frameless doors and sloping long bonnet make the Mark 2 with the body of the 100 series look like a sports car. Also, from the exterior features, it is worth highlighting the brand nameplate Mark on the grille and Toyota at the stern.
The model has a spacious interior. Especially free in the back seat, it can comfortably accommodate 3 adults. The interior is unremarkable in terms of design styles, but ergonomic and functional. The necessary instruments are located behind the steering wheel, the console is made under a tree, has ventilation deflectors and climate and music control units.
The luggage compartment is roomy, but due to its shape and height, it is inconvenient for use.
Technical characteristics of "Mark 2" with a body of the 100th series
This sedan is considered a legend of JDM cars, and the technical characteristics of the model play an important role in this matter. If we talk about the chassis, then the Mark II X 90 was taken as a platform, so that the suspension scheme is almost 100% consistent with the previous generation. A double-wishbone design is installed in the front part, and a multi-link design in the rear. Car owners note the energy consumption of the suspension, but the car "falls over" when cornering, so if you want to achieve better handling, you should pay attention to the Tourer S version, which was equipped with TEMS adjustable suspension.
In "Mark 2" (100 body) the engine has a volume of 2.0-3.0 liters, in-line configuration and a 24-valve timing. This is a six-cylinder unit of the 1G-FE series with the VVT-i system, which helped the engineers achieve power up to 220 horsepower, which was made possible by the distributed fuel injection. There is also a turbocharged engine. Its volume is 2.5 liters, the power reaches 280 horsepower, and the consumption is 8.3-10.5 liters per hundred kilometers.
The diesel unit is already a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 16-valve timing and turbocharging. Such a car needs only 5 liters of fuel per 100 km.
Tuning "Mark 2" with a body of the 100th series
The car of this model has great potential for external and technical tuning. There are many different items on the Japanese market:
- body kits;
- bumpers;
- "cilia";
- thresholds;
- front and rear body kit;
- lens headlights;
- shock-absorbing pillows (buffers);
- deflectors;
- wheel covers;
- moldings;
- disks;
- rear-view mirrors and much more.
The conservative interior styling can also be customized to your liking by choosing your preferred seat covers, floor mats, steering wheel covers, pedal pads and other interior design elements.
As for technical tuning, there are no restrictions here either - you can get the most out of the car thanks to its rich inner world. For example, working with the engine, it is possible to upgrade the cooling system, replace the propeller shaft and turbine. Well thought out technical tuning will help to achieve an increase in power. Just think, up to 1000 horsepower! The main thing is to approach the issue competently, to attract specialists, if there is no personal experience, because you can spoil both the car itself and expensive tuning elements.
Car owners' opinions on the Mark II X 100
One of the main advantages of this model, which is noted in reviews by happy owners, is inexpensive maintenance. The most serious thing that can break down in the first 100-150 km at the "Mark 2" (100 body) is the fuses. There are no problems with finding spare parts, as there are enough of them in the Japanese and Russian markets. In general, the Mark II belongs to those cars that do not cause unnecessary trouble.
The happy owners of the Mark 2 X 100 consider it one of the most successful business cars with a sporty twist. It is comfortable on the inside and attractive on the outside, has a powerful engine, excellent braking system and is distinguished by gentle behavior on the road. Therefore, the status of a legend among JDM cars is more than justified.
Despite the termination of serial production, the popularity of this car does not fall. It remains relevant to this day. This sedan is in demand not only in Japan, but also in Russia (in particular, its eastern regions). "Toyota Mark-2" in 100 body is a true legend of JDM cars. The car is the heir to the "ninety" and was produced in the period from 1996 to 2000. What is Toyota Mark-2 in 100 body? For characteristics and an overview, see our today's article.
Car design
The appearance of this car has not changed dramatically. "Toyota Mark-2" in 100 body is the eighth generation of hardtop sedans. From the previous one, he inherited the previous form of optics, bumpers, and the entire body as a whole. One of the main features of a car is frameless doors. Another feature is the side lights on the edges of the fenders. But they are not intended for oncoming drivers to distinguish this car at dusk (for this there is a separate lamp in the head optics). Thanks to this detail, the driver can see the edges of the hood and feel the dimensions of the car with confidence.
After all, the "nose" of the "Toyota" is very long. This gives it both monumentality and sporty appearance. For those who want to stand out from the general stream, a plastic body kit is provided. On the "Mark-2" in the 100th body, various sill covers, a rear bumper and a "lip" in the front fit perfectly. It looks very impressive along with low-profile tires.
Thus, "Toyota Mark-2" in 100 body easily turns from a business-class sedan into a real sports car. The car has a huge potential for tuning (not only external, but also technical).
The main differences in appearance concerned the rear of the car. So, "Toyota Mark-2" in the body of 100 received new, large rear lights. We all remember the wide stripe of the "ninety", because of which he received the nickname "Samurai". However, the new headlights on the "hundred" were not approved by everyone. Many say that it was the 90th body that was the best in terms of design. Be that as it may, the car still effectively stands out from the stream even without tuning. "Mark-2" in 100 body and now attracts the glances of passers-by quite well.
Salon
Inside, Toyota greets us with the same velor interior with thick upholstery on the door cards and a powerful carpet below. The interior design is unified with the "Cross" and "Chayzer". It still uses wood trim on the doors and center console. The front panel architecture is no different from the "ninety". The instrument panel can be digital or analog. The steering wheel is four-spoke, without additional buttons. The center console houses an old cassette radio, a climate control unit, a cigarette lighter and a pair of vents. On turbocharged versions, there may be "alarm clocks" above the dashboard. As for the rest, the interior of the Toyota Mark-2 in the 100 body is very boring. Nevertheless, reviews have repeatedly noted its ergonomics. It is very comfortable to sit inside. The machine is suitable for both short and long distances.
By the way, only purified air enters inside. The cabin filter on the "Mark-2" 100 body is already installed from the basic configurations. But? in order not to experience problems with the stove and air conditioning, it should be changed every 20 thousand kilometers.
One of the advantages of the Toyota Mark-2 in the 100 body is its spacious interior. There is enough space in both the front and rear. The interior can comfortably accommodate up to five people, including the driver. The seats have a good range of adjustments. True, on most versions they are mechanical. The trunk volume of the "Mark" is also decent - about 450 liters. But due to the high loading height, things have to be lifted strongly when loading / unloading. However, the trunk does not have to be opened very often in this car.
Toyota Mark-2 in 100 body: technical characteristics
With the release of the eighth generation, the range of engines has significantly expanded. So, the base for "Toyota" was a four-cylinder petrol engine 4S-FE with a volume of 1.8 liters. But due to its weak dynamic characteristics (maximum power of only 130 horsepower), this motor was extremely illiquid on the market. The engine compartment of the Toyota Mark-2 with such an engine was practically empty. After all, the body was designed for the installation of much larger and more powerful engines.
Next on the list is the 1G-FE inline six-cylinder engine. This engine had a larger volume. But in terms of power, it is not far from the previous unit - only 140 horsepower.
Also in the lineup was the 2-liter 1G-FE unit with the VVT-i system. Thanks to the displacement of the valve timing, the engineers managed to achieve 160 horsepower while maintaining the volume of the combustion chamber.
Series "Jay-Zet"
These are perhaps the most popular motors from Japan. Just like the previous generations, the "Mark-2" in the 100th body was equipped with gasoline engines of the "Jay-Zet" series. The base was 1JZ-GE. It is an inline, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with VVT-i system. But despite the absence of a turbine, this motor already gave out good characteristics in stock. With a volume of 2.5 liters, it developed 200 horsepower. And this is far from the limit.
We will also consider a turbocharged version of this engine. In the meantime, let's move on to the second generation of the J-Zetas. It is the 2JZ-GE engine. This engine with a volume of 3 liters develops a power of 220 horsepower. Just like the previous one, it is not equipped with a turbine. At the same time, it is distinguished by high reliability and good performance (consumption in the city on the machine is not higher than 15 liters).
Tourer S
For those who did not want to bother with tuning, the Japanese released a ready-made, charged version. In common people, these cars were nicknamed "Turik". This modification was equipped with a turbocharged 1JZ-GTE engine.
With a volume of 2.5 liters, this monster produced an incredible 280 horsepower and 383 Nm of torque. It is worth noting that the torque is "smeared" over the entire range and is available from 2.5 thousand rpm. This gives good dynamics and elasticity of the course. Up to a hundred such an instance accelerated in more than 6 seconds. As the reviews say, this is far from the limit. Some craftsmen "fanned" this motor up to 400 forces.
Diesel
Diesel "Mark-2" in the hundredth body are extremely rare specimens. If they buy them, then only for "swap" (in order to replace the engine with a new, more powerful one). The line of diesel engines was headed by 2L-TE. It is a 2.4-liter, in-line, 4-cylinder engine. Even when turbocharged, it produced just 97 horsepower.
Chassis
The engineers took the previous generation of "Mark" as a platform. Therefore, the "weave" suspension scheme is almost identical to the "ninety". So, in front there is a double wishbone design with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. A multi-link is used at the back. As noted by reviews, the suspension is very energy intensive. On standard, high-profile tires, bumps are hardly noticeable. But in turns, such a car is very roll. Therefore, for those looking for better handling, there is the TEMS adjustable suspension. In stock, it was installed on the Tourer S version and had several levels of shock absorber stiffness. Also, the suspension was distinguished by reinforced brakes with an increased diameter and modernized calipers.
As an option, a limited-slip differential was installed in the body of the Toyota Mark-2. There were also four-wheel drive modifications.
Price
It should be noted that the price of this car varies considerably. For the most part, it depends not on the year of manufacture and mileage, but on the engine and the presence of a turbine. Many people buy atmospheric versions and tune them themselves. The output is powerful, 300-strong versions. "Vegetable" sedan with a two-liter engine on the machine can be bought for 120-170 thousand rubles. But the charged versions will cost at least half a million.
Finally
So, we found out what a Toyota Mark-2 with a 100 body is. The car is known primarily for its engine. Motors "Jay-Zet" have long proven themselves from the good side. With regular oil changes, their resource exceeds 500 thousand kilometers.
In terms of maintenance, this car is also undemanding (with the exception of the turbocharged versions of the "Mark-2" in the 100 body). Fuses are the most serious thing that can break in the next 100-150 thousand kilometers. From Japan, you can buy a lot of contract parts - from interior parts to the engine. Moreover, it often comes complete with attachments and a box. The engine compartment of the Toyota Mark-2 in the 100th body can accommodate any engine. Car owners can easily change the 2-liter 1G-FE engines to Jay Zetas. As for the box, many advise to install the mechanics. But if you do not need a racing car, but a simple car for everyday life, you can limit yourself to a machine gun. It is no less reliable, although it eats up a certain percentage of the dynamics.
The official debut of the Japanese Toyota Mark II sedan of the eighth generation with the index "X100" took place in the fall of 1996, and in the spring of 1997 a cargo-passenger version with the prefix "Wagon Qualis" was revealed to the world (although, in fact, it had practically nothing to do with a three-box, and was based on the front-wheel drive platform "Camry"). In 1998, the car underwent a small restyling, which slightly affected the design and functionality, and was produced until the fall of 2000.
The three-box body of the Toyota Mark II of the eighth incarnation demonstrates well-cut proportions, while nothing special catches the eye. However, it is distinguished from the general flow of cars by its monumentality, emphasized by wide and narrow lighting equipment, a squat silhouette and a powerful stern. Well, a bit of sportiness in the appearance of the car is extolled by a long sloping hood and doors without frames.
The mid-size sedan has the following external dimensions: 4760 mm in length, 1755 mm in width and 1400 mm in height. The wheelbase of the "Japanese" fits into 2730 mm, and the ground clearance "under load" does not exceed 155 mm. The "travel" weight of the "Mark 2 X100", depending on the version, varies from 1330 to 1490 kg.
One thing can be said about the interior of the "eighth" Toyota Mark II: the interior is unremarkable, but well thought out in terms of ergonomics and executed at a high level. Behind the four-spoke "donut" of the steering wheel is an archaic and visual instrument cluster, and the "wooden" center console is decorated with a pair of ventilation deflectors and control units for "music" and "climate".
The three-volume cabin is spacious, especially in the area of the rear sofa - there is plenty of space for three adult passengers. The front seats have well-developed sidewalls and sufficient adjustment ranges, albeit mechanical.
For the carriage of luggage, the Toyota Mark II of the eighth generation has a spacious cargo compartment, but its shape leaves much to be desired, as well as a large loading height (as for the volume, there are no official data on this).
Specifications. One of the features of the four-door is a varied choice of power plants, which are available in conjunction with a "mechanics" for five gears or a 4-band "automatic". Most versions are equipped with rear-wheel drive (the most powerful of them with an LSD limited slip differential), and for some modifications, an all-wheel drive FullTime 4WD transmission with an asymmetric differential is provided.
- Under the hood of gasoline "Mark 2" you can find only six-cylinder units with in-line configuration, 24-valve timing and distributed fuel injection. Atmospheric versions with a working volume of 2.0-3.0 liters generate from 140 to 220 horsepower and from 171 to 94 Nm of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine has 280 "mares" and 377 Nm of peak thrust in its arsenal. With such "hearts" the car costs 8.3-10.5 liters of fuel per 100 km of run in a mixed driving mode.
- The diesel installation for the sedan is one - a four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine with multi-point power supply, 16-valve timing and turbocharging, producing 97 "horses" and 220 Nm of potential potential. Each combined "hundred" of such a machine requires only about 5 liters of fuel.
At the heart of the eighth "release" Toyota Mark II is a platform with a monocoque body and a longitudinally based engine in the front. "In a circle" the car uses an independent chassis with coil springs and lateral stabilizers - a double-wishbone structure in front and a multi-link at the rear.
On the "charged" versions of the three-volume, a sports chassis is used, and on expensive trim levels - the TEMS adjustable suspension with several levels of shock absorber stiffness.
Management on the "Japanese" is in charge of a rack and pinion steering mechanism with a hydraulic booster, and deceleration - four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated at the front) with ABS.
Most often, the owners refer to the advantages of the car: reliability, unpretentiousness, good driving characteristics, rich equipment, ample opportunities for tuning, high-quality assembly and a high level of comfort.
But it is not without its drawbacks - an outdated design, steering wheel on the right side and decent fuel consumption.
Prices. In the spring of 2016, the "eighth" Toyota Mark II in the secondary market of Russia is sold at a price of 120,000 rubles, and individual copies of the sedan cost more than 1 million rubles at all (but these are, as a rule, far from "stock" cars).
Accordingly to the decrease in the total number of complete sets, the level of their equipment has increased. Even the simplest and most inexpensive GL equipment (diesel only), which could boast only power accessories and climate control, did not last long, since buyers showed more interest in the Grande equipment, which provides wood trim, electric front seats, remote a key, a radio tape recorder with the ability to read CD-disks, and as an option - a sunroof, a rear wiper, heated outside rear-view mirrors, etc. Modifications with the all-wheel drive "Grande Four" aroused high interest. Mark II "Tourer", as before, has a sporty orientation, according to which the presence of xenon headlights, leather steering wheel sheathing, the steering wheel itself has vertical and telescopic adjustment. In addition, the Tourer modification is characterized by a large exhaust pipe and special front optics, 16-inch alloy wheels. In 1998, Toyota Mark II underwent restyling.
The most powerful version of the Mark II "Tourer V" is powered by a 1JZ-GTE in-line turbocharged engine producing 280 hp. (6DOHC, VVT-i). Under the hood of the most comfortable and luxurious versions of the Mark II "Grande G", there is a three-liter "six" 2JZ-GE, inherited from the previous generation. The main priority was placed on a configuration with a 2.5-liter 1JZ-GE engine with a capacity of 200 hp, which was also received almost unchanged. As for the basic two-liter 1G-FE, this engine underwent another upgrade in 1998 and also received the VVT system, thanks to which its power increased from 140 to 160 "horses". The only 2L-TE turbocharged diesel power unit stands apart, which deserves attention not so much by the actual power value (97 hp), but by its low fuel consumption and fairly good torque - 221 Nm.
Front suspension Mark II - independent, double wishbone, spring. Rear - independent double wishbone. Modifications "Tourer V" have a sporty chassis tuning, limited slip differential LSD, which, coupled with a 5-speed "mechanics" give the Mark II the characteristics of a sports car. However, with all the dynamic characteristics of the model, it should be borne in mind that the ground clearance is not too high, and even critically low on cars with body kit. All-wheel drive system of some modifications - FullTime 4WD with an asymmetrical differential. High-end trims were equipped with TEMS adjustable suspension, which provides several levels of shock absorber stiffness, and the driver can select the desired mode depending on the driving conditions and the quality of the road surface.
A significant step forward has been taken in the approach to security. ABS was standard on all trim levels. In the more expensive ones, the TCS traction control system is standard. It was also possible to retrofit the car with VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and even a tire pressure monitoring system. The set of airbags includes front (for driver and passenger - this is standard) and side airbags.
Toyota Mark II fully corresponds to the figurative concept of "a real Japanese car", which implies a fusion of comfort, quality, and reliability. Which, to a large extent, is demonstrated by the cars presented in the secondary market. It should only be taken into account that this model is very popular among young people and there is a very high probability of meeting specimens that have been "their first car" from several owners in a row.
There is an opinion that all Brands with a 2-liter engine are "vegetables", but only narrow-minded people who do not have information, are not in the subject, in one word think so. Since such Brands were really produced with a 1G-FE engine - 2.0 l 6 cylinders, until September 1998 (without VVT-i) and had a power of only 140 hp. However, in 1998, a restyling was carried out, affecting not only the headlights, taillights and front bumper, but also gasoline engines, they used the technology of changing the valve timing VVT-i and the cylinder head is modernized, this technology is called BEAMS, and the engine power increased to 160hp, and these powerful and high-spirited cars cannot be called "vegetables".
I was finally lucky, after a month spent in the Internet auction HAA Osaka Japan, on 08/20/2005 my bid won and I became the owner of such a post-styling stamp of the 2000 model. in a 100 body with a 1G-FE (BEAMS) engine - 2.0 liters. 6 cylinders, 160 hp, with a rating of 4.5. In the delivery, my share fell on the strongest Pacific storm, which sank several Japanese and our fishing schooners, a strike of Vladivostok customs officers, interrupting work for a week, and as a result a month of delay. Customs cleared, put on a grid, drove Vladivostok-Moscow, Moscow-St. Petersburg under their own power.
The car came in almost perfect condition, and I could not find the few scratches on the varnish that were indicated in the auction card. Engine operation is not audible even when standing next to the machine. The smell of a new car inside. I am absolutely delighted. All fluids were immediately replaced - oil in the engine, gearbox, antifreeze, brakes, everything except the rear axle.
Then there is only delight and pleasure, the car is very soft, very, very soft, the noise insulation is such that you can listen to classical music in the cabin, the audio system is at the level. For 5 years (subject to a complete technical inspection twice a year), only the consumption has changed - brake pads, oil, filters, candles, since. there was no need to replace any spare parts.
After 5 years, our roads made themselves felt, and the time had come, the front lower ball bearings, timing belt with rollers and tensioners, service belts, right rear wheel bearing, steering rods, all silent blocks, front brake discs, front struts were replaced. I checked the air conditioner, surprisingly, it does not require refueling, it works perfectly.
Excellent power accessories, all windows with electric lifts, power side mirrors, an electric driver's seat, adjustable in height and inflates in the lower back, very comfortable front and rear armrests, adjustable steering wheel, yes, the dual-mode automatic transmission has a sport and snow mode (it helps a lot in winter ). The discs are regular stamping 195x65x15, the road holds well, in winter, of course, only spikes, there can be no question of any Velcro (all-season).
For 7 years I left a little, a little more than a hundred thousand, all around the city from work to work, there were no long trips. Spare parts are a hassle-free topic, they are relatively inexpensive and most of them are in stock, those that do not have to wait no more than 3-5 days. There are also enough specialists for Marks in terms of repairs in our city. Fuel consumption was estimated only in our city traffic jams, it does not exceed 14 liters. on 95 gasoline, I tried to pour 92 did not like it, throttle response drops, starts to dull.
For the sake of decency, otherwise only laudatory reviews, and objectivity I sit thinking what to write about the shortcomings, I can’t think of anything. Yes, I change the ball ones once a year, well, everyone knows about this, perhaps nothing more.
As a summary - a very comfortable car, business class, reliable and inexpensive to maintain, high, very good maneuverability, small turning angle, strong body, not very susceptible to corrosion.
