| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1977 |
| Production Years: | 1976 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) from the 1977 model year represents the station wagon variant of the first-generation Cressida series, produced between 1976 and 1980. As a classic mid-sized station wagon, the RX3 was designed to offer practicality and comfort for families and travelers seeking ample cargo space combined with the reliability synonymous with Toyota. Although exact exterior dimensions such as length, width, and height vary slightly depending on specific trims and country markets, the first-generation Cressida models typically measure approximately 4.6 to 4.7 meters in length (about 181 to 185 inches) and around 1.7 meters wide (approximately 67 inches). The height ranges near 1.4 to 1.5 meters (55 to 59 inches), balancing a sleek profile with sufficient interior headroom. This wagon's design featured ample rear cargo capacity, accessible through its tailgate, making it ideal for both daily commuting and longer trips needing storage flexibility. The curb weight of the RX3 station wagon sits near 1,200 to 1,300 kilograms (2,645 to 2,866 pounds), reflecting its robust build and durable mechanical components. The RX3 wagon was powered by reliable inline-four engines, providing a smooth driving experience with moderate fuel consumption for its era. Its dimensions and weight positioned the Cressida Wagon as a competitive choice in the mid-sized family wagon segment during the late 1970s, combining Toyota’s hallmark dependability with the convenience of a spacious wagon body style. Today, the RX3 Cressida Wagon is appreciated as a classic car that offers a glimpse into Toyota's early approach to practical, comfortable passenger vehicle design.
Discover the standout features that make the 1977 Toyota Cressida Wagon a leader in its class
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The 1977 Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) features exterior dimensions that place it firmly in the mid-size station wagon category of its era. It has a length of approximately 4,630 mm (182.3 inches), a width of about 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), and a height close to 1,400 mm (55.1 inches). These dimensions provided the RX3 with a spacious and practical body, allowing for comfortable seating and significant cargo capacity. The relatively compact width and moderate height helped balance interior space with aerodynamics and maneuverability, making it suited well for both urban and suburban driving.
The interior of the Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) was designed to maximize comfort and utility. It typically seats five passengers comfortably with ample legroom and headroom for front and rear occupants. The station wagon body style offers an extended cargo area behind the rear seats, providing versatile storage options for luggage, groceries, or recreational gear. Folding rear seats further enhance cargo capacity when needed. This flexibility made the RX3 wagon particularly popular among families and those needing extra hauling capacity, combining the smooth ride quality of a sedan with the practicality of a wagon.
The curb weight of the 1977 Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) is approximately 1,200 to 1,300 kg (around 2,650 to 2,870 pounds) depending on options and trim. This moderate weight was beneficial as it helped balance fuel efficiency with drivability. It contributed to responsive handling typical of the era's sedans and wagons while still providing the stability and sturdiness expected in a family-oriented vehicle. The weight also influenced the ride comfort and braking performance positively, ensuring the car felt stable and secure on various road conditions.
The Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) generally has a ground clearance of about 160 mm (6.3 inches). This clearance strikes a balance between on-road comfort and adequate protection over rough or uneven surfaces. While not designed for off-road use, the RX3’s clearance allows it to navigate poorly maintained roads and speed bumps with ease, which was important for a family car during frequent suburban and rural use. It also ensures entry and exit from the vehicle is comfortable without being too high off the ground.
Yes, the Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garages have door widths of about 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) and heights around 2.1 to 2.4 meters (6.9 to 7.9 feet). With its width of approximately 1.69 meters (66.5 inches) and height around 1.4 meters (55.1 inches), the RX3 Wagon fits without issue, leaving enough clearance to open doors and walk around the vehicle inside the garage space. This made it convenient for owners to park and protect their vehicle irrespective of typical suburban garage dimensions.
The RX3 generation of the Toyota Cressida Wagon marked significant improvements in size and refinement over its predecessor models, such as the earlier Mark I versions of the Cressida sedan and other wagon variants like the Corona wagons from which it was derived. The RX3 was slightly longer, wider, and lower, enhancing its road presence and interior space. This generation was designed with modern styling and improved ergonomics, offering more cabin volume and better cargo capacity. Compared to earlier wagons produced by Toyota in the same class, the RX3 station wagon also featured enhanced suspension and handling characteristics that made it feel more stable and comfortable.
The 1977 Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) was competitive in size when compared to similar mid-size station wagons from competing manufacturers of the late 1970s, such as the Datsun 810 wagon, Ford Granada wagon, and early Honda Accord wagons. It was generally slightly more compact in width but comparable in length and height. The RX3’s balanced dimensions provided an efficient use of space without making the car feel large or cumbersome, which was appreciated in urban settings. Its relatively lightweight body while maintaining durable construction also differentiated it in terms of fuel economy and driving dynamics.
The Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) was produced between 1976 and 1980, covering model years primarily from 1977 through 1980. This period saw the RX3 especially popular in markets such as Japan, North America, and Australia as a reliable and practical mid-size station wagon choice. Its production run coincided with Toyota’s growing reputation for engineering dependable vehicles with meticulous attention to build quality and usability. By the end of its production, the RX3 laid the foundation for subsequent generations of the Cressida and helped Toyota expand its presence in the family wagon segment.
The 1977 Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) was equipped typically with a 2.0L inline 6-cylinder engine (M-series engine), generating around 97 to 105 horsepower depending on the market and fuel system. This powerplant was coupled with either a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The inline-6 offered smooth and reliable performance suitable for daily commuting and family use, with adequate torque for carrying cargo or additional passengers. The RX3’s balance of engine output with its weight helped ensure responsive acceleration and highway cruising, making it a practical and refined vehicle for its segment.
The 1977 Toyota Cressida Wagon (RX3) came with a suite of features aimed at comfort and driver/passenger safety that were advanced for its time. Standard features often included power-assisted brakes, front disc brakes, and seatbelts for all seating positions. Higher trims could offer options like power windows, air conditioning, and improved upholstery. The wagon’s design integrated robust structural elements to improve crash protection. Comfort-wise, it provided well-cushioned seats and effective suspension tuning to minimize road vibrations. These features made the RX3 wagon a trustworthy and comfortable family vehicle during its production period.
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