The Toyota Crown XI Athlete (S170) 2.5 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a significant iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan. Positioned as a sporty variant within the broader S170 Crown lineup, the Athlete aimed to attract a younger demographic with its enhanced styling and performance. This generation Crown, the eleventh, continued the model’s long-standing tradition of providing a comfortable and reliable luxury experience, primarily targeted at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). The 2.5-liter engine paired with an automatic transmission offered a balance between power and convenience, making it a popular choice for discerning buyers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Athlete (S170) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 24V (200 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 165.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 255 Nm @ 4000 rpm, 188.08 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1JZ-GE |
| Engine displacement | 2491 cm3, 152.01 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm, 3.39 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 71.5 mm, 2.81 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l, 4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7 l, 7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg, 3395.12 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l, 18.72 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l, 18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal |
| Length | 4820 mm, 189.76 in |
| Width | 1765 mm, 69.49 in |
| Height | 1455 mm, 57.28 in |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm, 109.45 in |
| Front track | 1495 mm, 58.86 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm, 58.07 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm, 5.91 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m, 34.78 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 | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Athlete 2.5 was the 1JZ-GE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine was a mainstay of Toyota’s performance offerings in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The 1JZ-GE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, optimizing combustion efficiency. The engine’s robust construction and relatively simple design contributed to its reputation for reliability. Paired with the 1JZ-GE was a five-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was designed for smooth shifts and comfortable cruising, prioritizing ease of use over outright performance. While not a sport-tuned gearbox, it was well-matched to the engine’s torque curve and the car’s intended role as a luxury cruiser.
Driving Characteristics
The 200 horsepower and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 1JZ-GE and automatic transmission combination delivered a comfortable and capable driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, though not particularly brisk compared to some of its competitors or even other Crown variants like those equipped with the 3.0-liter engine. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss compared to the available manual transmission. Gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a balanced feel, although it lacked the all-weather capability of all-wheel-drive systems found on some other vehicles in its class.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Athlete trim level of the Crown XI offered a more comprehensive equipment list than the base models. Standard features typically included power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and a high-quality audio system. The interior was often trimmed with a combination of cloth and leather, with sportier seat designs compared to the more traditional Crown models. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, navigation system (a relatively new feature at the time), and various cosmetic enhancements. The Athlete trim also featured unique exterior styling cues, such as a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, and a rear spoiler, differentiating it from the standard Crown.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XI Athlete utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over outright sportiness, but it still offered a reasonable level of control. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during hard braking. The relatively heavy curb weight of 1540 kg (3395 lbs) meant that the braking system needed to work diligently to bring the car to a stop.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Athlete 2.5 24V was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable powertrain. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission dulled the engine’s performance somewhat, and that the handling wasn’t as sharp as some of its European competitors. Compared to other Crown variants, the Athlete offered a more sporty aesthetic and a slightly more engaging driving experience. The 3.0-liter Crown models provided more power, but at a higher price point. The 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter models were more fuel-efficient but lacked the performance of the 2.5-liter engine.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XI Athlete 2.5 24V, while not a high-performance sports sedan, remains a respected and reliable vehicle. The 1JZ-GE engine is known for its durability and longevity, and with proper maintenance, can provide many years of service. In the used car market, these Crowns are often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their classic styling, comfortable ride, and Toyota’s reputation for quality. Parts availability is generally good, although some specific trim pieces may be difficult to find. The Athlete variant, with its unique styling and slightly enhanced performance, holds a particular appeal for those seeking a distinctive and well-built Japanese sedan.
