| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1988 |
| Production Years: | 1988 - 1992 discontinued in 1992 |
The Toyota Mark II GX81, produced from 1988 to 1992, is a well-regarded midsize sedan recognized for its balanced combination of comfort, performance, and practicality. As part of the Mark II lineage, the GX81 generation brought a more modern, aerodynamic design compared to its predecessors, tailored to meet the evolving demands of the late 1980s market. The sedan's exterior dimensions position it firmly within the midsize category, making it suitable for both urban commuting and longer journeys. Although exact dimensions for the GX81 vary slightly depending on specific trim and market, typical measurements for this generation are approximately 4,700 mm (185.0 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width, and around 1,375 mm (54.1 inches) in height. These proportions contribute to a spacious interior cabin that comfortably accommodates five passengers. The Mark II GX81’s curb weight ranges roughly between 1,280 to 1,400 kg (2,822 to 3,086 lbs), depending on equipment and drivetrain options, ensuring agile handling yet stable ride quality. Under the hood, this generation often featured inline-six engines famed for their smooth performance and reliability. The vehicle’s sedan body style coupled with its dimensions offered an optimal blend of passenger space and manageable exterior size for diverse driving environments. In comparison to other midsize sedans of its era, the Toyota Mark II GX81 stood out for its durability, quality build, and refined drive experience, making it a respected choice in the competitive Japanese domestic market and beyond. Enthusiasts today value the GX81 not only for its comfortable midsize sedan attributes but also as a classic example of Toyota's engineering during a transformative period in automotive design.
Discover the standout features that make the 1988 Toyota Mark II a leader in its class
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The 1988 Toyota Mark II (GX 81) sedan features balanced dimensions typical of mid-sized sedans of its era. It measures approximately 4,665 mm (183.7 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width, and around 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) in height. These dimensions contribute to a spacious interior cabin while maintaining manageable exterior proportions that suit urban and suburban driving environments.
The curb weight of the Toyota Mark II (GX 81) ranges roughly between 1,210 kg to 1,350 kg (approximately 2,668 lbs to 2,976 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment level. This weight range reflects the balance between its solid build quality and the lightweight materials used to ensure decent fuel efficiency and agile handling for a sedan in the late 1980s.
The wheelbase of the GX 81 Toyota Mark II is about 2,670 mm (105.1 inches). This length is considered generous for a mid-size sedan from the late 1980s, providing a comfortable ride quality and spacious legroom for both front and rear passengers. This wheelbase length compares favorably with competitors of the era, offering a good balance between stability and maneuverability.
The Toyota Mark II (GX 81) typically features a ground clearance around 160 mm (6.3 inches). This specification is adequate for everyday driving conditions, ensuring the sedan can easily handle urban obstacles such as speed bumps and minor road debris without compromising ride comfort or undercarriage protection.
The fuel tank of the 1988 Toyota Mark II (GX 81) has a capacity of approximately 65 liters (about 17.2 US gallons). This sizeable tank supports longer driving ranges between refueling stops, which is beneficial for highway cruising or long-distance travel, typical of midsize sedans designed for both city and intercity use.
Yes, the Toyota Mark II (GX 81) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Standard single-car garage dimensions typically measure about 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width and 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length, and given the Mark II's length of approximately 4.67 meters (15.3 feet) and width of 1.70 meters (5.6 feet), it allows ample space for easy parking and opening of doors, along with some room for storage.
Compared to its predecessor, the GX 71 generation, the GX 81 Mark II generally grew slightly in all dimensions. The newer GX 81 Mark II saw increases in length and width, contributing to improved interior space and road presence. This evolution reflected the trend of late 1980s vehicles becoming larger for enhanced passenger comfort and safety, while maintaining a similar ride height and ground clearance.
When compared with other mid-size sedans of the late 1980s, such as the Nissan Bluebird or Honda Accord of similar vintage, the Toyota Mark II (GX 81) is slightly longer and wider. This positions it as a slightly more spacious and executive-oriented vehicle, offering a roomier cabin and greater road presence, while maintaining competitive dimensions to ensure ease of driving and parking in urban environments.
The interior of the Toyota Mark II (GX 81) sedan provides comfortable accommodation for five passengers, with an emphasis on front and rear legroom, headroom, and shoulder space. Thanks to its generous wheelbase of 2,670 mm (105.1 inches), passengers benefit from ample legroom especially in the rear seats. The width and smart cabin packaging ensure a roomy feel without unnecessary bulk, aligning well with expectations for a mid-size sedan focused on comfort and daily usability.
The Toyota Mark II (GX 81) was offered primarily as a four-door sedan, targeting customers looking for a practical yet premium mid-size vehicle. It featured several drivetrain options including rear-wheel drive (RWD) setups, typical for its segment in Japan at the time, with a range of inline-four and inline-six engines depending on the market and trim. The focus was on a smooth driving experience coupled with dependable mechanical performance.
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