Toyota Aristo is a car brand produced until 2005. After that, the rights to issue were transferred to Lexus. "Aristo" is a sedan, produced for a long time only for the domestic market of Japan. Two generations of the machine were produced, which differed in internal filling.
Toyota Aristo is a Japanese luxury sedan. The world first met him in 1991. The first lineup was based on the Toyota Crown Majesta. The best designers from Italy were involved in the development. The main idea was to create a sedan with a daring sporty character.
For a long time, the car was produced exclusively for the domestic market, so it remained inaccessible to residents of other countries. To this day, the Japanese are happy to use this model for everyday and long trips, considering it one of the most reliable.
Many classify the model as an "athlete-businessperson". The machine has split head optics, muscular front end. In the optics, not only the high and low beam headlights are hidden, but also the turn signals. The taillights are also unique. In more detail, they consist of several lenses, separate brake lights, located extremely non-standard. An ellipse is the basis of the external design of the case. It gives at the same time aggressive swiftness, graceful solidity.
Features of the first generation Toyota Aristo
As already noted, the first generation appeared in 1991, produced by factories until 1997. "Aristo" outwardly did not have any outstanding features. The appearance was created in separate ateliers. The front of the body looked straightforward. This was facilitated by rectangular headlights and a radiator grille, which completely repeats the shape of the optics.
The peculiarity of the car was its aerodynamic characteristics. It was supplemented by three engine options with different volumes and horsepower. A car with a 260 hp four-liter engine. from. there was a permanent four-wheel drive.
Inside the cabin, everything was done as strictly as possible using high-quality plastic. Drivers got access:
- to the built-in radio tape recorder;
- various controls;
- convenient dashboard.
The latter was made so that even on a bright sunny day, the driver could get the necessary information without much difficulty. There was an armrest in the back seat. If necessary, it could be removed to easily accommodate the fifth passenger. On the front doors in the car, the controls for the power windows and mirrors were made.
The car of the first generation differed from other cars popular in the 90s with a leather interior, a spoiler on the roof of the trunk.
Second generation Toyota Aristo
The history of the second generation began at the end of 1996 and lasted until 2005. It also proved to be very popular in Japan. Its differences:
production of only two model lines with three-liter engines of different power;
automatic transmission only;
the ability to use even more individual settings;
the presence of additional glove compartments, pockets, stands.
"Aristo" of the second generation was no longer so original in its exterior, since the manufacturers returned to it the classic "Toyota" lines. One of the main advantages was the expansion of the passenger space in the rear of the cabin. In addition, the view from the driver's seat has been improved. Features include VSC and ARS stability control systems. The first controls the signals at the output of the anti-lock braking system ABS, traction control systems and car engine control. Its activation occurs when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 km / h and above.
The six-cylinder engine was also upgraded. It was equipped with throttle control systems, there were changes in valve timing. Thanks to this, the torque characteristic has increased to 304 Nm for the naturally aspirated engine and up to 451 Nm for the turbocharged engine.
If we talk about other technical characteristics, then both suspensions of "Aristo" are independent, while the front is a wishbone, the rear is multi-link. Brakes ventilated on all wheels.
Advantages and disadvantages of Toyota Aristo
According to many experts, the interior is quite comfortable, but the quality is inferior to European counterparts. Increased fuel consumption is observed due to engines of increased power. Manufacturers themselves recommend using 98 gasoline. The disadvantages include the need for a more careful attitude to the suspension, since the parts for it are quite expensive.
The benefits include:
- good dynamic characteristics;
- comfort of the car;
- reliability;
- tuning potential.
Car owners reviews
If you study the reviews of Russian motorists, many people prefer this particular model because of the body and interior design of the cabin. However, they note that there are often problems with the braking system, VVT-i. One of the main problematic nodes is the upper ball joints.
Some owners emphasize that the plastic radiator tanks do not withstand our deicing agents, which causes leaks. On a ride, it is noted that it is smooth, which is especially valuable if there are small children in the car. Auto parts are mostly inexpensive and fairly easy to find in stores. Driving on the highway especially pleases car owners; uphill, with moderate workload, you can pick up speed up to 180 km / h.
Third generation or Lexus GS
After 2005, the model completely passed to the Lexus brand called GS. This was the third generation still in production today. The appearance of the cars does not differ much, mainly by the rear bumper - the Toyota has it much less than the Lexus. Various and fog lights. The GS has no cutouts under them, and the central part looks more monolithic.
All "Aristo" cars have an additional central speaker inside the cabin, it was not turned on in the Lexus modifications, but the climate control in the latter is more informative, since there is a button for the outside air temperature sensor. The radio tape recorder in Toyota is more functional, you can set up various echo effects.
The Aristo compensates for the lack of seat heating with an air purifier. Lexus does not possess this element. The driver's visor at the first has only a retainer for documents, but less convenient to use (according to motorists' reviews). The dashboard has a burned-out rear lamp indicator. This option is not available for GS. But Lexus has an electronic mileage indicator.
In the European "Lexus" there is a button for turning on the rear fog lamps, there is a headlight range control. The "Aristo" has a light sensor, there is a folding function for mirrors.
Released in 2005, the Lexus GS was produced with two types of motor, while rear-wheel drive was available for a long time. The interior was equipped with good-quality leather, noble types of wood. The features of the third generation "Aristo" include a softer suspension and an "empty" steering wheel.
Unlike the first two generations of Toyota, Lexus is easy to buy on the Russian market. It became famous for its new V-shaped gears, a unique fifth-generation D4 direct fuel injection system, and electronic fuel pumps. The latest versions of the car are equipped with the most modern equipment, hydraulic suspension, automatic owner recognition and self-parking. The car has the function of calling emergency services and keeping the distance to the car that is in front.
