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The Classy Era of Toyota Chaser

The Classy Era of Toyota Chaser

CHASER 2000
Price: USD 27,020
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 20,730
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 7,100
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 32,350
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 7,500
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 18,700
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 12,040
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 16,400
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 23,200
CHASER 2000
Price: USD 10,340

Introduction:

The Toyota Chaser was a mid-size car produced by the Japanese automotive giant; Toyota. The car was produced from 1977-2001, across 6 generations and was eventually replaced by the Toyota Verossa in 2002. The Chaser model range has largely comprised of 4 door saloons, with a station wagon available in select markets. The Chaser is often classified as a “triplet” car since it shares its platform with the Toyota Mark II and Toyota Cresta.

Generation 1:

The first generation Chaser was released in Japan during late 1977, available with a choice of 3 single cam engines that were of 1.8L, 2.0L petrol and 2.0 Diesel toyota chaser 2000 variants. These cars were notable for providing good fuel economy at the expense of power because Japanese government regulations in the 70s restricted automakers to limit their engines sizes according to overall vehicle dimensions. The Chasers exterior dimensions forced Toyota to put a 2000cc engine even in the luxury range. These cars were usually RWD in Japan.

Generation 2:

The 2nd generation Chaser was launched in 1980, and for the first time brought a fresh design to the range. The coke bottle styling of the previous generation was replaced with a more contemporary box-layout that would prevail throughout the 80s. Engine choices for the 2nd generation remained largely the same, with the addition of a twin-cam 2.0L engine that offered a marginally better power output. The vehicle’s lighter weight over the outgoing model meant the 2nd generation Chaser was a much nicer car to drive. Michelin tires and a sports suspension package designed specifically for this generation were also available.

Generation 3:

The 3rd generation Chaser took a break from tradition and introduced front-wheel drive; this layout had earlier been implemented in the Toyota Corolla. This engine layout meant the Chaser could have a much more spacious cabin design without compromising exterior dimensions. Also new to the range were wrap-around styled bumpers that came with an integrated spoiler. A turbo charged model was also added to the range, though it was available exclusively in Japan.

Generation 4:

Following its successful development exercise of the Lexus range, Toyota had greatly improved the 4th generation Chaser; released in 1989. This model for the first time upped engine sizes to 2500cc for the base model, and 3000cc for the turbo range. By the turn of the 90s, the Chaser was considered a hot import in Europe and Asia, since in its turbo-charged form the Chaser boasted the highest amount of horsepower allowed by Japanese government regulations.

Generation 5:

The 5th generation had a larger body, and was designed to reflect the curvy, smooth contours that became a definitive norm of the 90s. The Chaser wasn’t a bad looker, but there wasn’t anything eye catching either. The car had now shifted its priorities towards being more of a sports-saloon rather than an all round luxury car. Engine performance and handling was great, but ride quality was harder than the car it replaced.

Generation 6:

The 6th generation Chaser was introduced as a 1996 model, and is widely heralded as the prettiest Chaser ever made. It brought 4WD to the range and was more suited to provide a sports car like driving experience. This generation is quite popular among drifting enthusiasts in Japan, and can be tuned endlessly for motorsport events.

Toyota eventually ceased production of the Chaser in 2001.