1998 Toyota Altezza Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Toyota Altezza ranges between 1330 kg to 1360 kg (approximately 2932 to 2998 lbs), depending on the trim and equipment. Its maximum gross vehicle weight ranges from 1605 kg to 1635 kg (about 3538 to 3606 lbs). These weight specifications contribute to its performance and fuel efficiency characteristics, allowing for an agile driving experience with balanced handling.

The Toyota Altezza sedan offers a luggage capacity of 400 liters (approximately 14.1 cubic feet). This capacity is fairly generous for a compact sedan and is suitable for everyday use, including grocery runs, luggage for a weekend trip, or general cargo. Its rear trunk space design efficiently maximizes volume without compromising the vehicle's sleek profile.

Yes, the Toyota Altezza can fit comfortably in a standard residential garage. The vehicle's length of 4400 mm (173.2 inches), width of 1720 mm (67.7 inches), and height of 1410 mm (55.5 inches) fall well within the typical dimensions of residential garages which generally accommodate vehicles up to about 4800 mm (189 inches) long and 2500 mm (98 inches) wide. Its moderate ride height of 135 mm (5.3 inches) ensures it can navigate typical garage ramps without issue.

The Toyota Altezza has a ground clearance of 135 mm (5.3 inches). This ride height strikes a balance between sporty road-handling performance and practical usability. The relatively low ride height lowers the car’s center of gravity, which enhances cornering stability and steering responsiveness, while still allowing adequate clearance for most urban and suburban road conditions.

The Toyota Altezza came equipped with rims sized 6.5J x 15 inches, with optional sizes including 7J x 17 inches. Tire sizes paired with these rims included options such as 215/45 R17 and 195/65 R15. These specifications provide a combination of sportiness and comfort, where larger rims and lower-profile tires enhance handling and aesthetics, while the smaller tires help maintain ride comfort and practicality.

The Toyota Altezza, introduced in 1998, did not have a direct predecessor branded under this name as it was essentially the Japanese domestic market version that later inspired the Lexus IS. Compared to previous Toyota compact sedans, it featured a more aggressive and sporty design with slightly more compact dimensions tuned for performance. This model's width of 1720 mm and length of 4400 mm were compact yet nimble, differentiating itself from larger Toyota sedans offered in other markets, focusing on driving dynamics and style.

When compared to similar compact sport sedans of the late 1990s and early 2000s — such as the BMW 3 Series (E46) or the Acura Integra (third generation) — the Toyota Altezza held competitive exterior dimensions. Its length of 4400 mm and width of 1720 mm placed it slightly smaller or on par with the competition, favoring agility and sport-oriented aesthetics. The Altezza's standout features included its rear-wheel-drive layout and distinctive styling, such as the unique taillights, which differentiated it in a segment often dominated by front-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Toyota Altezza sedan is well-regarded for its engaging driving experience, driven largely by its rear-wheel-drive layout and well-tuned suspension that delivers precise handling and a sporty feel. It typically came with options of inline-4 and inline-6 engines producing respectable power for its size. Its lightweight, starting from 1330 kg (2932 lbs), contributes to nimble acceleration and maneuverability. The Altezza also gained a reputation for reliability and quality, often making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a sporty yet practical compact sedan.

Yes, the Toyota Altezza is generally considered a reliable car throughout its production years (1998-2005). Built with Toyota’s renowned engineering quality, it often features durable components with solid longevity. Maintenance is straightforward and spare parts are relatively accessible due to its relation to the Lexus IS series and Toyota's global parts network. However, like all vehicles, proper and timely maintenance is key to ensuring continued reliability, especially considering the car’s sporty nature which may encourage spirited driving.