The Toyota Crown Majesta III, specifically the S170 series produced between 1999 and 2004, represented a pinnacle of Japanese luxury sedan engineering. This generation of the Majesta continued the tradition of offering a supremely comfortable and well-equipped vehicle, primarily aimed at the domestic Japanese market. The 4.0-liter V8 32V (280 Hp) Automatic variant occupied the top echelon of the Majesta lineup, providing a blend of effortless power and refined cruising capability. It was positioned as a direct competitor to Japanese rivals like the Nissan Cima and Honda Inspire, as well as import luxury cars.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown Majesta |
| Generation | Crown Majesta III (S170) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 V8 32V (280 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2004 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.9 kg/Hp, 168.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 242.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 402 Nm @ 4000 rpm, 296.5 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1UZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3968 cm3, 242.14 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.5 mm, 3.44 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 82.5 mm, 3.25 in. |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l, 5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1660 kg, 3659.67 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l, 19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal |
| Length | 4900 mm, 192.91 in |
| Width | 1795 mm, 70.67 in |
| Height | 1465 mm, 57.68 in |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm, 110.24 in |
| Front track | 1535 mm, 60.43 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1510 mm, 59.45 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm, 5.91 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.0 m, 36.09 ft |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Majesta III 4.0 V8 was the 1UZ-FE engine. This 4.0-liter (3968 cc) naturally aspirated V8 was a cornerstone of Toyota’s luxury offerings for many years. It featured a 60-degree V-angle, a cast-iron block, and aluminum cylinder heads. The engine employed a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its smooth power delivery. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The 1UZ-FE was renowned for its durability and refinement. The automatic transmission paired with this engine was a 5-speed unit, designed to provide smooth and seamless gear changes, complementing the V8’s character. This transmission was electronically controlled, optimizing shift points for both performance and fuel efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The 280 horsepower and 296.5 lb-ft of torque produced by the 1UZ-FE, combined with the 5-speed automatic, resulted in a driving experience focused on effortless cruising and relaxed acceleration. While not a sports sedan, the Majesta 4.0 V8 offered ample power for overtaking and highway merging. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift, making it less responsive than the manual transmission options available in other Crown models. The gear ratios were tuned for comfortable highway driving, prioritizing fuel economy at cruising speeds. Compared to the smaller displacement engines in the Majesta lineup (like the 2.5L or 3.0L variants), the V8 provided a significantly more authoritative and refined driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 4.0 V8 Majesta was typically equipped with a comprehensive list of standard features. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats (often with heating and cooling functions), a premium sound system, automatic climate control, and woodgrain interior trim. Higher trim levels added features like a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and electronically adjustable steering column. The exterior often featured chrome accents, alloy wheels, and upgraded lighting. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and special paint colors.
Chassis & Braking
The Majesta III utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, prioritizing ride comfort and stability. The suspension was tuned to absorb bumps and provide a smooth, isolated ride. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The steering system employed a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, offering a light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Toyota Crown Majesta III 4.0 V8 was well-received in Japan as a luxurious and comfortable flagship sedan. Critics praised its smooth ride, refined engine, and spacious interior. However, some noted that its handling wasn’t as sporty as some of its European competitors. Compared to the other engines in the Majesta lineup, the V8 offered superior performance but came at the cost of increased fuel consumption. The 2.5L and 3.0L models were more popular with buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability. The V8 was favored by those seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance within the Crown Majesta range.
Legacy
The 1UZ-FE engine, found in the Majesta III 4.0 V8, has earned a reputation for exceptional reliability and longevity. Properly maintained examples can accumulate very high mileage with minimal issues. In the used car market, the Majesta III 4.0 V8 remains a desirable vehicle for those seeking a comfortable and well-equipped Japanese luxury sedan. While not as widely known internationally as some other Japanese classics, it’s appreciated by enthusiasts for its build quality, refinement, and the distinctive character of its V8 engine. Parts availability can be a concern outside of Japan, but the engine’s robust design often means that maintenance is relatively straightforward.
