The Toyota Crown X Saloon, specifically the S150 facelift model produced from 1998 to 1999, represented a continuation of Toyota’s long-standing commitment to comfortable, reliable, and well-equipped full-size sedans. This generation, introduced in 1995, aimed to blend traditional Crown values with more contemporary styling and technology. The 2.0 24V (160 Hp) Automatic variant occupied a middle ground within the Crown X Saloon lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It was primarily marketed towards buyers seeking a refined driving experience without the higher price tag of the more powerful engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown X Saloon (S150, facelift 1997) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 24V (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp, 115.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm, 143.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 4400 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1G-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1988 cm3 (121.32 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 73 l (19.28 US gal | 16.06 UK gal) |
| Length | 4695 mm (184.84 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 165 mm (6.5 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 | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown X Saloon 2.0 Automatic was the 1G-FE engine, a 2.0-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine was a staple in Toyota’s lineup during the late 1990s, known for its smooth operation and inherent reliability. The 1G-FE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output for its displacement. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, optimizing combustion efficiency. The engine produced 160 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration were traditional for the Crown, emphasizing a balanced driving experience. Paired with the 1G-FE was a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and comfortable shifts. This transmission wasn’t known for its sportiness, prioritizing refinement over aggressive gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0-liter automatic Crown offered a comfortable and composed driving experience. While not particularly sporty, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. Acceleration was respectable, but noticeably slower than the V6-powered variants. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could feel somewhat sluggish, especially during quick overtaking maneuvers. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising rather than outright performance. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 2.0-liter Crown, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty, but offered greater convenience. The rear-wheel-drive layout contributed to balanced handling, although the relatively soft suspension setup prioritized ride comfort over sharp cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0-liter automatic Crown X Saloon typically came equipped with a generous array of standard features. These included power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and a quality audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, although leather options were available as upgrades. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with clear instrumentation. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and woodgrain interior trim. The trim level generally positioned this variant as a mid-range offering, bridging the gap between the more basic models and the luxury-focused higher trims.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown X Saloon utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned for smoothness, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the braking system wasn’t particularly powerful compared to more modern vehicles. The 14-inch wheels were typically fitted with 185/70 R14 tires, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Toyota Crown X Saloon 2.0 Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a comfortable, reliable, and well-equipped sedan. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of the V6 options, and the automatic transmission could feel somewhat dated. Fuel economy was considered good for a full-size sedan. Compared to other trims in the lineup, the 2.0-liter automatic offered a more affordable entry point into the Crown range, appealing to buyers who prioritized comfort and reliability over outright performance. It competed with other Japanese full-size sedans, such as the Nissan Cefiro and Mazda Sentia, offering a similar blend of luxury and practicality.
Legacy
The 1G-FE engine and the associated four-speed automatic transmission proved to be remarkably durable and reliable. Crowns equipped with this powertrain are still found on the roads today, often with high mileage and minimal mechanical issues. The 2.0-liter automatic variant remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a comfortable and affordable full-size sedan. While not a performance icon, the Crown X Saloon 2.0 Automatic represents a high point in Toyota’s commitment to building long-lasting and dependable vehicles. Its blend of comfort, reliability, and practicality has ensured its enduring appeal.
