Toyota’s legacy of precision engineering, exceptional comfort, and understated luxury is most prominent in its JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) executive sedans. While Lexus serves as Toyota’s global luxury ambassador, its domestic-market sedans — from the Crown to the Soarer — are the epitome of Japan’s unique automotive excellence. With many of these sedans now legally importable to the U.S. under the 25-Year Rule, they’ve become increasingly accessible to collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone looking for rare, refined vehicles to heavy duty drift cars.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our eight-part series on Toyota’s luxury sedans, showcasing the most sought-after models, their standout features, and how you can import them today.
Toyota’s journey into the world of luxury sedans begins with something deeper than flashy design or high-end specs — it starts with philosophy. From the earliest days of the Toyota Crown in 1955, Japan’s first mass-produced executive sedan, Toyota prioritized craftsmanship, cultural pride, and a uniquely Japanese approach to refinement. This foundation set the stage for everything that would follow — including the creation of the revered Toyota Century.
Toyota’s core luxury values include:
• Humility and refinement rooted in Japanese tradition
• Simplicity and elegance over Western-style extravagance
• A focus on serenity, comfort, and the passenger experience
• Seamless blending of advanced tech with timeless design
In Part 1 of our Toyota luxury series, we explore how Toyota’s understated approach to luxury led to a uniquely Japanese class of prestige vehicles. Instead of competing directly with European marques, Toyota forged its own path — emphasizing a quiet dignity that elevated models like the Crown, Century, and later Lexus LS.
This guiding philosophy meant prioritizing rear-seat comfort for chauffeured executives, integrating technology without overwhelming the user, and using traditional design elements that resonate with Japanese values. The result? A range of JDM luxury sedans that are elegant, reliable, and culturally distinct — perfect for enthusiasts looking to import a vehicle that embodies more than just status.
Toyota’s legacy of “less is more” continues to influence its luxury offerings to this day, making cars like the Century not only collectible, but deeply symbolic.
Interested in importing a Toyota luxury car directly from Japan?
Register with Japan Car Direct and we’ll help you find the ideal JDM executive sedan — from early Crown models to the ultra-exclusive Century.
Part 2 of the series dives into the Toyota Crown S130, S140, and S150 generations — models that shaped the golden era of Toyota luxury in the 1990s. These Crowns were built with Toyota’s highest craftsmanship standards, offering a compelling mix of dignified styling, smooth performance, and long-lasting reliability.
Produced from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, these Crowns are now among the most accessible and import-eligible full-size sedans from Japan. Whether equipped with the DOHC 1G-FE, the sporty 1JZ-GE, or the ultra-smooth 2JZ-GE, these engines all delivered refined, reliable performance.
What Makes the S130/S140/S150 Crowns Stand Out:
Multiple trim levels were available to suit different driving needs — from more basic fleet-grade Royal Saloon models to fully equipped Super Saloon and Royal Touring trims. Rear seat amenities like radio controls, footrests, and optional air purifiers made many of these Crowns feel like chauffeur vehicles.
Perfect for:
As 1990s models are import-eligible under the U.S. under the 25 year rule, the S130 to S150 Crowns offer one of the best combinations of comfort, durability, and value in the Japanese luxury sedan market.
In Part 3, we explore the Toyota Crown S170 and S180 Series — executive sedans that carried the Crown into the 21st century. Produced from 1999 through the late 2000s, these generations introduced a more refined, rounded design and integrated modern safety and driving technologies without compromising on Toyota’s legendary reliability.
The S170 series (1999–2007) is known for its clean, sophisticated styling and options like the 2JZ-GE inline-6, while the later S180 series (2003–2008) modernized the look with sleeker lines and improved interior comfort. Both series were available in Royal, Athlete, and Estate (wagon) versions, each tuned for a slightly different driving experience.
Why the S170/S180 Crowns Stand Out:
Crown Athlete trims added sportier suspension tuning, firmer seats, and aggressive aero styling — great for those seeking a more performance-focused daily. Meanwhile, the Royal trims prioritized a quieter ride and plush interior finishes.
Ideal for:
These Crowns strike an ideal balance between analog simplicity and modern capability. With parts compatibility shared across Lexus and Toyota models, they’re also easy to service. Now that early S170s are well within the 25 year rule this is an excellent time to secure one through the Japanese auction network.
In Part 4, we explore the Toyota Crown Majesta as a distinct model in Toyota’s luxury lineup, not just an upscale Crown but a purpose-built luxury flagship. Toyota developed the Majesta with its own chassis platform, more advanced electronics, and refined styling to compete directly with the Nissan Cima and rival offerings from Germany.
Available across multiple generations from UZS141 through UZS186, the Majesta brought next-level comfort, silence, and driver/passenger amenities. Many models feature V8 power from the 1UZ-FE and 3UZ-FE engines, paired with options like electronic air suspension, early GPS systems, and massaging rear seats. The Majesta consistently remained more tech-forward than equivalent Lexus offerings of the time.
Why the Majesta Stands Out:
Perfect for:
Luxury doesn’t always mean soft — and the Toyota Crown Athlete proves it. This performance-focused variant of the long-running Crown sedan line blends JDM refinement with rear-wheel-drive adrenaline, earning a cult following among tuners, VIP car fans, and even weekend drifters.
Why the Crown Athlete Turns Heads:
• Turbocharged and naturally aspirated 1JZ and 2JZ engines available
• Rear-wheel drive with available coilovers or factory adaptive suspension
• Sportier styling and aggressive stance vs. standard Crown Royal models
• Premium cabin with available digital dash, leather, and wood trim
• Great tuning platform, but luxurious enough for daily cruising
In Part 5 of our Toyota Luxury Car series, we explore how the Crown Athlete strikes a rare balance: capable of sophisticated daily comfort yet built on a chassis and drivetrain layout shared with many of Toyota’s best performance sedans. Models like the JZS171 and GRS182 are particularly popular among enthusiasts for their 1JZ-GTE and 2GR-FSE engines — potent, reliable, and responsive.
Unlike the Lexus LS, which aims for full-on executive polish, the Crown Athlete shows its sporty edge through tighter suspension tuning, a lower ride height, and a more aggressive design both inside and out. Yet it doesn’t sacrifice comfort: the cabin still features premium materials, quiet ride insulation, and Toyota’s signature attention to build quality.
The Crown Athlete is ideal for JDM fans who want a car that can turn heads, handle hard cornering, and still glide down the expressway like a flagship sedan. And with many models now eligible for import to the US under the 25-Year Rule, it’s easier than ever to get one direct from Japan.
Thinking of importing a turbocharged Crown Athlete? Register with Japan Car Direct and let our team help you score the perfect blend of luxury and power.
When discussing the finest Japanese luxury cars, Toyota Century stands alone. Built for Japan’s elite — including politicians, corporate executives, and even the Imperial family — the Century is not just a luxury sedan. It’s a rolling monument to craftsmanship, tradition, and discretion.
What Makes the Century G50 Exceptional:
• Japan’s only production V12 engine: the smooth and silent 1GZ-FE
• Rear-wheel drive with electronically controlled air suspension
• Rear cabin focus: power ottoman, massage seats, integrated control panel
• Built with wool upholstery and real wood — no leather by tradition
• Designed for silence and comfort over flash and speed
This second-generation Century (1997–2017) carries forward the classic boxy styling of the original, reinforcing its timeless presence. Unlike the Lexus LS, which was designed with international appeal, the Century was built for Japanese sensibilities — prioritizing harmony, silence, and restrained elegance. The interior feels more like a high-end lounge than a car cabin, featuring amenities like a VHS player, power curtains, and an air purifier system.
As described in Part 6 of our Toyota Luxury Car series, the G50 isn’t about showmanship. It’s about serenity. Whether you’re behind the wheel or being chauffeured, it delivers an unmatched ride experience, with every detail engineered for refinement.
With many early G50s now eligible under the 25-Year Rule, it’s finally possible to bring this dignified piece of Japanese automotive heritage to American shores too. If you’re seeking an exclusive, whisper-quiet sedan that quietly surpasses European luxury standards, the Century is your answer.
Ready to import one? Start here and let Japan Car Direct help you source the perfect Toyota Century from Japan’s over 120 used vehicle auction houses.
The Toyota Soarer Z20 from the late 1980s is a compelling mix of luxury, tech innovation, and turbocharged power. Known for its wedge-shaped design and futuristic features, the Z20 was built on the A70 Supra chassis and shared many of its sporty characteristics while adding a layer of refinement.
Why collectors love the Soarer Z20:
• Available with powerful engines like the 1G-GTE (twin-turbo) and 7M-GTE
• Offered with Toyota’s TEMS (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension) for adaptable ride quality
• Luxury trims included digital dashboards, voice warnings, and leather interiors
• Rear-wheel drive performance with a GT-oriented design
This was a vehicle ahead of its time. In the late 1980s, very few cars offered as much technology as the Soarer. Its digital instrument cluster looked like something out of a science fiction film, and options like touchscreen climate controls, CD changers, and auto-tilt steering wheels gave it an upscale feel. The twin-turbo 1G-GTE engine in the GT Twin Turbo model produced a healthy 185hp — quite powerful for the time — and paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto.
In Japan, the Soarer was seen as a high-performance luxury coupe. Buyers could choose between sport-focused models or grand touring variants with all the bells and whistles. Many of these models were never sold outside Japan, making them highly desirable for collectors today.
With classic 1980s JDM design cues, a strong mechanical foundation, and import eligibility into many countries, the Soarer Z20 is becoming an icon. Start your Toyota Soarer import here and claim a piece of retro JDM history.
The Toyota Soarer Z30, produced from 1991 to 2000, represents the evolution of the Soarer nameplate into a truly refined luxury sports coupe. Known internationally as the Lexus SC300 and SC400, the JDM Soarer offered even more variety, cutting-edge features, and powerful engines not always available in export models.
Top features of the Z30 Soarer:
• Choice of 1JZ-GTE turbo, 2JZ-GE inline-six, or 1UZ-FE V8 engines
• Sleek, aerodynamic body with frameless doors and a long wheelbase
• High-end options like touchscreen climate/audio control and active suspension
• Rear-wheel drive with available limited-slip differential for sporty handling
The Z30 was designed with both luxury and performance in mind. Whether equipped with the turbocharged 1JZ or the buttery-smooth 1UZ V8, this car delivers engaging performance with the refinement of a grand tourer. The cabin is spacious and beautifully appointed, with many models featuring leather seating, wood trim, and factory navigation systems.
The JDM versions of the Soarer also offered extras not found in the U.S.-spec Lexus models — like the optional EMV touchscreen system, electronic dampers, and rare aero kits. With superior tuning and trim options, the Japanese-market Soarer is the enthusiast’s version of the SC.
Thanks to its gorgeous proportions, robust engine options, and growing collector interest, the Z30 is now seen as one of the best-value luxury GTs of the 1990s. It’s also a popular platform for tasteful modification, drifting, or simply enjoying long-distance cruising in style.
Import your Z30 Soarer from Japan with help from Japan Car Direct and enjoy one of the most iconic JDM coupes ever made.
At Japan Car Direct, we make importing your dream JDM luxury sedan simple and stress-free. With access to Japan’s premier car auctions, detailed vehicle inspections, transparent bidding support, and efficient shipping solutions, we’re your one-stop partner for bringing Toyota’s best executive sedans to your garage.
Whether you’re targeting a Toyota Century, Celsior, Crown Majesta, Soarer Z30, or any other JDM car we’ll help you find and import the best one to fit your needs and budget!
Register here to start bidding and importing your next Toyota executive sedan today.
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