The Toyota Crown XI Wagon (S170) 2.0i Automatic, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a refined offering within the eleventh generation of Toyota’s flagship Crown line. This variant, positioned as a mid-range option, blended the practicality of a station wagon body style with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and comfort. The S170 series, exclusive to the Japanese domestic market (JDM), aimed to cater to buyers seeking a spacious, well-equipped vehicle for family use or business purposes. The 2.0i Automatic trim provided a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, appealing to a broad customer base within Japan.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Wagon (S170) |
| Type | 2.0i (156 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 4800 rpm / 137.19 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1G-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 / 121.93 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm / 3.39 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm / 3.39 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l / 4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7 l / 7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l / 18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal |
| Length | 4835 mm / 190.35 in. |
| Width | 1765 mm / 69.49 in. |
| Height | 1510 mm / 59.45 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm / 109.45 in. |
| Front track | 1495 mm / 58.86 in. |
| Rear track | 1475 mm / 58.07 in. |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m / 36.09 ft. |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Wagon 2.0i Automatic is the 1G-FE engine, a 1.998-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a member of Toyota’s ‘G’ family, known for its durability and relatively simple design. The 1G-FE utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly to each intake port for improved combustion efficiency. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to a respectable power output for its displacement. The engine’s longitudinal mounting within the engine bay, coupled with rear-wheel drive, was a traditional configuration for the Crown, emphasizing driving dynamics and a balanced weight distribution. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most modern by today’s standards, was chosen for its smoothness and ease of use, aligning with the Crown’s focus on comfort. This transmission featured electronically controlled torque converter lock-up for improved fuel economy at highway speeds. The transmission was a fairly conventional automatic, prioritizing smooth shifts over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 156 horsepower and 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 2.0i powertrain delivered adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was linear and predictable, making it well-suited for everyday driving. Compared to the more powerful 3.0-liter variants of the Crown, the 2.0i Automatic offered a more relaxed driving experience. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and smooth transitions, rather than aggressive acceleration. While a manual transmission was available on some Crown models, the automatic was the more popular choice, particularly among buyers prioritizing convenience. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a balanced feel, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and providing a stable ride, even when fully loaded. The steering was light and easy, making it effortless to maneuver in urban environments. However, it lacked the feedback and precision of some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown XI Wagon 2.0i Automatic 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, though leather options were available as upgrades. The dashboard featured woodgrain accents and a straightforward layout, emphasizing ease of use. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and navigation systems (a relatively new technology at the time). The trim level sat comfortably in the middle of the Crown lineup, offering a good balance of features and affordability. It was positioned above the more basic models and below the more luxurious 3.0-liter variants. Features like automatic climate control and power-adjustable seats were often available as options, further enhancing the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown XI Wagon utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable chassis. The front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts, while the rear employed a multi-link setup. This combination offered a comfortable ride and reasonable handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While the front discs provided adequate stopping power, the rear drums were a cost-saving measure and didn’t offer the same level of performance. A stabilizer bar was fitted to both the front and rear suspension to reduce body roll during cornering. The steering system was a recirculating ball type, which was common for rear-wheel-drive vehicles of that era.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Wagon 2.0i Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and Toyota’s renowned reliability. However, some noted that the 2.0-liter engine felt somewhat underpowered, especially when the vehicle was fully loaded. Compared to the 3.0-liter Crown variants, the 2.0i offered better fuel economy but lacked the same level of performance. It also represented a more affordable entry point into the Crown lineup, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers. The 2.0i Automatic competed with other Japanese station wagons, such as the Nissan Gloria Wagon and the Mitsubishi Diamante Wagon, offering a similar blend of comfort, practicality, and reliability. The Crown often held an edge in terms of perceived quality and long-term dependability.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XI Wagon 2.0i Automatic, while not a high-performance machine, has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable vehicle. Many examples are still on the road today, a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess. The 1G-FE engine is known for its longevity, and the automatic transmission, while not particularly advanced, has also proven to be robust. In the used car market, these Crowns are often sought after by enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate their classic styling, comfortable ride, and Toyota’s legendary reliability. While maintenance costs may be higher due to the vehicle’s age, the Crown XI Wagon 2.0i Automatic remains a viable and enjoyable option for those seeking a spacious and dependable classic Japanese car. The car represents a high point in Japanese domestic market station wagon design, offering a blend of luxury, practicality, and enduring quality.
