Toyota Windom

The Toyota Windom, launched in October 1991, was part of a series of automobiles which Toyota created for the premium-executive sector of the market, where customer requirements include style and luxury. Cars such as the Crown are deemed too conservative in that sense.

The Windom forms the basis to the Lexus ES (from the second generation onwards), they are in fact identical cars but with different badging and equipment levels. Despite the fact that the car wears Toyota badges, the company promotes the car as being good enough to compete against the finest cars from Europe in that market segment. Although some questioned its parentage (Windoms are based on the Camry platform and running gear) Toyota tried hard to disguise this by upgrading the interior materials used in the car.

Other Toyota products of the same genre include the Aristo, the Celsior, the Soarer, and to a lesser degree the Sprinter Marino and Corolla Ceres. All these were launched in the early 1990s to capture sales in the premium-executive sector.

1991 First Generation

The first generation Windom (codename VCV10) was launched in October 1991. Initially available with only a 3 L 3VZ-FE V6 engine, producing (JIS) 197 hp (147 kW) at 5800 rpm and 275 Nm at 4600 rpm. Mechanically it was a very conventional FF car by Japanese standards.

1993

A 2.5 L version of the Windom (codename VCV11) joined the range in August 1993. The engine, codename 4VZ-FE, is a V6 producing (JIS) 172 hp (128 kW) and 224 Nm.

1996 Second Generation

The second generation Windom (codename MCV20 for the 3 L version and MCV21 for the 2.5 L version) was launched in August 1996. A new engine is now fitted in the form of the 3.0&nbsplL 1MZ-FE V6, producing (JIS) 207 hp (154 kW) and 289 Nm. The 2.5 L version is the new 2MZ-FE V6 engine, producing (JIS) 197 hp (147 kW) and 245 Nm.

1999

In August 1999, the Windom had a small facelift, with different front and rear light clusters. Toyota also offered VSC and TEMS electronic damping for the top versions.

2001 Third Generation

In August 2002, the third generation Windom (codename MCV30) was launched. Only the 3.0 L V6 engine is offered, and with a suitable upgrade so that it can be classified as 2-Star Japanese LEV car. Power and torque is increased slightly. A 5-speed automatic gearbox is also fitted.

TEMS electronic damping, VSC, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and all-round airbags are either standard or optional.

2004

In July2004, the Windom underwent a minor facelift, limited to updated front and rear light clusters as well as a new style steering wheel.