Toyota Altezza: The Ultimate Affordable Sport Sedan

The Toyota Altezza, known to many car enthusiasts and automotive historians, is a vehicle that played a significant role in shaping the compact sports sedan market. Launched in the late 1990s, the Altezza quickly gained a reputation for its sharp handling, robust engine options, and distinctive styling. Though its production run was relatively short, the Altezza's legacy endures, particularly through its influence on later models and its continued popularity among car enthusiasts.

Origins and Development

The Toyota Altezza made its debut in 1998. It was introduced to the Japanese domestic market (JDM) as a luxury sports sedan under Toyota's then-new “Altezza” brand, which was positioned to appeal to younger drivers seeking a blend of performance and luxury. The name "Altezza" is derived from the Italian word for "height" or "highness," which reflected Toyota's ambition to elevate the brand's image with a sporty, high-performance model.

The development of the Altezza was marked by Toyota's desire to compete directly with European rivals, particularly BMW's 3 Series and Audi's A4. These models dominated the compact executive car market, and Toyota saw an opportunity to offer a Japanese alternative that could match the Europeans in terms 865rety7of performance, handling, and build quality. The Altezza was developed with a strong focus on driving dynamics, and it was engineered to offer a balance of performance and everyday usability.

Design and Engineering

One of the most notable aspects of the Toyota Altezza was its design. The car featured a clean, modern exterior that combined sharp lines with a muscular stance. The front end was characterized by its distinct quad headlamps, a feature that set it apart from other cars of the era. The Altezza’s design was overseen by Toyota's in-house design team, who sought to create a vehicle that would stand out both visually and aerodynamically.

The Altezza’s chassis was designed with a focus on rigidity and balance, which contributed to its exceptional handling characteristics. The car utilized a double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, a configuration typically found in more expensive, high-performance vehicles. This suspension design allowed for precise control and responsiveness, making the Altezza a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

Under the hood, the Altezza was offered a range of engines, but the most famous is the 2.0-liter inline-four 3S-GE engine, which powered the Altezza RS200. This engine, developed by Yamaha in collaboration with Toyota, featured variable valve timing (VVT-i) and could produce up to 210 horsepower. This power output, combined with the car's relatively lightweight, provided brisk acceleration and impressive top-end performance.

For those seeking more power, the Altezza Gita (a wagon variant) was available with a 2.0-liter inline-six 1G-FE engine, which offered a smoother power delivery and was particularly well-suited to longer journeys. In markets outside Japan, the Altezza was sold as the Lexus IS200 and IS300, with the latter featuring a 3.0-liter inline-six 2JZ-GE engine, which was shared with the Toyota Supra, further enhancing the car's performance credentials.

Performance and Driving Experience

The Toyota Altezza was designed to be a driver-focused car, which was evident in its performance characteristics. The RS200, with its 3S-GE engine, was the most performance-oriented variant and offered a thrilling driving experience. The engine's high-revving nature, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, made it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The gearbox was praised for its short, precise throws, which contributed to the car's engaging nature.

One of the key elements of the Altezza's appeal was its handling. The car's double-wishbone suspension, combined with a near-perfect weight distribution, resulted in exceptional balance and agility. The Altezza was renowned for its ability to take corners at high speeds with minimal body roll. It provided ample feedback through the steering wheel, giving the driver a sense of connection with the road. This made the Altezza a popular choice for both spirited driving and track days.

In addition to its handling prowess, the Altezza was also praised for its braking performance. The car was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, which provided strong and consistent stopping power. The RS200 model also featured larger brakes to match its higher performance, ensuring that the car could stop as quickly as it could accelerate.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Toyota Altezza was designed with both comfort and sportiness in mind. The cabin featured a driver-focused layout, with the main controls and instruments easily accessible from the driver's seat. The Altezza's seats were supportive, offering good lateral support during spirited driving and being comfortable enough for long-distance journeys.

One of the standout features of the Altezza's interior was its instrument cluster, which included a chronograph-style speedometer and tachometer. This design touch added to the car's sporty character and was a nod to Toyota's attention to detail in creating a unique driving experience. The rest of the interior was finished in high-quality materials, with a mix of soft-touch plastics, leather, and aluminum trim.

The Altezza was well-equipped for its time in terms of features. The car could have amenities such as automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a sunroof depending on the trim level. The Altezza also offered a range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and front and side airbags.

Market Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, the Toyota Altezza was met with widespread acclaim. It was praised for its blend of performance, style, and practicality, and it quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts. In Japan, the Altezza was particularly popular, and it won the prestigious Japanese Car of the Year award in 1998-1999. The car's success in Japan also translated to strong sales in other markets, particularly in Europe and Australia, where it was sold as the Lexus IS.

The Altezza's influence extended beyond its initial production run, which lasted until 2005. The car's design and engineering principles were carried over to its successor, the second-generation Lexus IS, which continued to build on Altezza's reputation for driving dynamics and quality. The Altezza also had a significant impact on Toyota's brand image, helping to establish the company as a serious contender in the global luxury car market.

Today, the Toyota Altezza remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate its combination of performance and everyday usability. The car's strong aftermarket support means that it is still possible to find well-maintained examples, and many owners continue to modify their Altezzas to extract even more performance or to customize the car's appearance. The Altezza has also become a popular platform for motorsports, particularly in drifting and time attack events, where its balanced chassis and strong engine options make it a formidable competitor.

Pricing

JDM Variants

The pricing of JDM Toyota Altezzas varies widely depending on factors like model year, condition, and modifications. On average, well-maintained models from the late 1990s to early 2000s can range from $3,000 to $12,000 plus shipping. Pristine, low-mileage examples, or those with sought-after features, such as the RS200 with a manual transmission, can command higher prices, often exceeding $20,000 plus shipping. Modified or heavily tuned Altezzas might also be priced higher, reflecting the cost of upgrades. However, prices can fluctuate due to demand, rarity, and the overall condition of the vehicle in the market. Partnering up with Zervtek ensures that you get the best possible price for one of these rides, as we are known to beat the market to get the best deals for our customers. 

Export Variants (Lexus IS)

The pricing of the first-generation Lexus IS models (1998-2005) varies based on factors like condition, mileage, and modifications. Generally, a well-maintained Lexus IS200 or IS300 can range from $5,000 to $12,000 plus shipping. Higher prices are typically seen for low-mileage, well-preserved examples or models with rare features, such as manual transmissions. Enthusiast-driven models with tasteful modifications may also fetch premium prices. However, cars with high mileage or needing significant repairs often fall at the lower end of the price spectrum, making the first-gen Lexus IS an accessible yet desirable option for those seeking a reliable, sport sedan. Whether you want a Lexus or a Toyota variant, we at Zervtek can guarantee to match you up with the right car for the right price. 

Conclusion

The Toyota Altezza car left a lasting legacy in the automotive world. It was a vehicle that successfully blended performance, style, and practicality, and it set new standards for what a compact sports sedan could be. Whether known as the Altezza or the Lexus IS, this car has earned its place as a modern classic, and its influence can still be seen in the vehicles that followed in its footsteps. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Altezza remains a beloved icon of Japanese automotive engineering, and its story continues to captivate car lovers worldwide. 

What ZervTek Can Do For You.

Suppose you're interested in acquiring a Toyota Altezza for yourself or your clients. In that case, you have the ability to source one from a Japanese auction, ensuring that you get the best example for the best price possible. ZervTek can assist you in sourcing, purchasing, inland transport, customs clearance, and shipping of the Vehicle, ensuring a seamless and efficient process up to your destination port. Whether in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or anywhere else, ZervTek can help make acquiring a Toyota Altezza a hassle-free experience. To learn about the auction process further, check out ZervTek's guide to the Japanese auction process.