The Toyota JZX100 chassis is one of the most celebrated platforms in JDM history — produced from 1996 to 2001 and sold across three distinct model lines: the Chaser, Mark II, and Cresta. Each shared the same platform and powertrains but offered a different character, styling, and trim hierarchy. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of every model and grade.
Toyota Chaser (X100)
The Chaser was the sportiest of the three JZX100 siblings — a four-door hardtop with a more aggressive stance and driver-focused trim grades. It was sold exclusively through Toyota Corolla Store dealers in Japan.
Chaser Trim Grades
Tourer V
The flagship performance grade and the most sought-after JZX100 variant globally. Powered by the 1JZ-GTE Single turbo engine producing 280ps (JDM limit), paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Features include:
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Torsen limited-slip differential (on manual variants)
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Distinctive Tourer V badging and front bumper
- 17-inch alloy wheels
Tourer S
A naturally aspirated performance variant using the 1JZ-GE engine (200ps). Shared much of the Tourer V's exterior styling but without the single turbo setup. Popular as a budget entry into the JZX100 platform.
Avante
A luxury-oriented grade sitting above the Tourer S in refinement. Powered by the 1JZ-GE, with a focus on comfort features including wood-grain interior trim, upgraded audio, and softer suspension tuning.
Avante Four
The all-wheel-drive variant of the Avante grade, using the 1JZ-GE engine. Rare and primarily targeted at buyers in colder regions of Japan.
Raffine
The entry-level Chaser grade, powered by the 2JZ-GE naturally aspirated straight-six (220ps). Focused on everyday usability with a more conservative specification.
Raffine Four
AWD version of the Raffine, again using the 2JZ-GE. Uncommon outside Japan.
Toyota Mark II (X100)
The Mark II was the most mainstream of the three — a traditional four-door sedan with a broader appeal, sold through Toyota Vista Store dealers. It balanced performance and luxury more evenly than the Chaser.
Mark II Trim Grades
Grande G
The top luxury grade of the Mark II range. Powered by the 2JZ-GE with a focus on premium appointments: wood-grain trim, power everything, and a smooth ride. The Grande G was the executive choice.
Grande
One step below the Grande G, still luxury-focused with the 2JZ-GE. Offered a high level of standard equipment including leather seating and dual-zone climate control.
Tourer V
The performance flagship of the Mark II lineup, sharing the 1JZ-GTE single turbo engine with the Chaser Tourer V. Slightly softer in suspension tuning than the Chaser equivalent but equally capable. Highly desirable for its combination of performance and four-door practicality.
Tourer S
Naturally aspirated 1JZ-GE performance variant. A popular starting point for builds due to its lower entry price and strong aftermarket support.
Grand Extra
A mid-range comfort grade using the 1JZ-GE. Positioned between the Tourer S and Grande in the lineup, offering a balance of features without the performance focus.
LG
Entry-level Mark II grade, typically powered by the 1G-FE straight-six (180ps). More basic specification, primarily sold as a fleet and family vehicle in Japan.
Toyota Cresta (X100)
The Cresta was the most formal and luxury-oriented of the three JZX100 siblings — a four-door hardtop sold through Toyota Store dealers. It shared the Chaser's hardtop body style but with a more upright, conservative design language aimed at business and executive buyers.
Cresta Trim Grades
Super Lucent G
The top-of-the-line Cresta grade. Powered by the 2JZ-GE with the highest level of luxury appointments in the JZX100 family — think full leather, wood trim, and every comfort option available. The executive's choice.
Super Lucent
One step below the Super Lucent G, still heavily luxury-focused with the 2JZ-GE. Offered most of the same features with minor specification differences.
Exceed
A mid-range luxury grade using the 1JZ-GE. Positioned as a more attainable luxury option, popular with buyers who wanted Cresta styling without the full Super Lucent price.
Exceed Four
AWD variant of the Exceed, using the 1JZ-GE. Rare, primarily sold in northern Japan.
Super Selection
Entry-level Cresta grade, typically powered by the 1G-FE. Basic specification, primarily a fleet and family vehicle.
Engines Across the JZX100 Range
- 1JZ-GTE — 2.5L single turbo inline-six, 280ps. Found in Tourer V grades (Chaser & Mark II).
- 1JZ-GE — 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-six, 200ps. Found in Tourer S, Avante, Exceed, and Grand Extra grades.
- 2JZ-GE — 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-six, 220ps. Found in Raffine, Grande, and Cresta Super Lucent grades.
- 1G-FE — 2.0L naturally aspirated inline-six, 180ps. Found in entry-level LG and Super Selection grades.
Production Years
The JZX100 chassis was produced from September 1996 to October 2001, with a facelift introduced in August 1998 that updated the front bumpers, headlights, tail lights, and interior trim across all three model lines.
Finding JZX100 Parts in New Zealand
Whether you're running a Chaser Tourer V, a Mark II Grande, or a Cresta Exceed, PROJECTJZXNZ Supplies OEM and quality reproduction parts for the full JZX100 range. We ship across New Zealand and Australia + INTL — browse our parts range or get in touch if you're hunting for something specific.