The 1987 Toyota Cressida represents a distinct moment in automotive history, a time when the American automotive landscape was irrevocably shifting. This full-size sedan, a staple of the late 1970s and early 1980s, found itself in its twilight years by 1987, competing against a new wave of more efficient and technologically advanced vehicles. Yet, for those who appreciate the solidity and straightforward engineering of a bygone era, the '87 Cressida remains a symbol of durability and American automotive comfort.
The Twilight of an American Full-Size Legend
By 1987, the Cressida was fighting a losing battle against the very market it helped create. Gasoline prices had stabilized after the shocks of the 1970s, and consumers were no longer clamoring for sub-compact efficiency. Toyota, however, was already looking ahead to the future with the Camry and the soon-to-arrive Avalon. The Cressida, with its aging platform and increasingly modest engine offerings, was a car out of time. For the 1987 model year, it was a final, dignified hurrah before the nameplate was retired after the 1988 model year, making way for the Toyota Avalon in the American lineup.
Design and Dimensions: The Last of the Giants
Physically, the 1987 Cressida was a large, imposing vehicle. It wore the same boxy, conservative styling that had defined its look for generations, featuring a thick B-pillar, a formal roofline, and a trunk that seemed to stretch on forever. The interior was a monument to American space, offering rear-seat passengers a legroom allowance that was simply unheard of in the modern era. With its standard bench seat and column-mounted shifter, the cabin was a fortress of comfort, designed for long highway cruises where the journey was as important as the destination.
Under the Hood: Power and Practicality
Performance was never the Cressida's strongest suit, and the 1987 model was no exception. The standard powertrain was a 2.8-liter inline-four engine, mated to a reliable four-speed automatic transmission. This combination was more than adequate for daily driving and highway merging, providing a smooth and predictable power delivery. For those who desired a bit more authority, a larger 3.0-liter V6 was available, offering a noticeable boost in power and a quieter cruise. The front-wheel-drive layout provided good traction in adverse weather, while the overall ride was soft and compliant, soaking up road imperfections with ease.
Features and Comfort: A Mobile Living Room
Stepping inside the 1987 Cressida was to be enveloped in a world of plushness. The interior was clad in high-quality cloth or available leather, and the seats were bolstered for long-distance comfort. Woodgrain accents on the dashboard and doors added a touch of class, while the optional digital instrumentation cluster gave the car a high-tech feel that was ahead of its time. The Cressida was also surprisingly well-equipped, with features like power windows, power locks, and air conditioning often included in the base price, making it a true value in its class.
Safety and Handling: A Product of Its Time
Driving the '87 Cressida is an exercise in feeling the past. The steering is light and vague, the brakes are firm but fade-resistant, and the suspension soaks up bumps with a grace that modern cars often sacrifice for sportiness. It handles highway curves with a steady, unwavering confidence, though it will never win any awards for cornering precision. Safety features were of the era, including seat belts and, optionally, anti-lock brakes. It’s a car that prioritizes the journey over the thrill, a stark contrast to the driver-focused machines that dominate today's roads.
