TOYOTA CALDINA WAGON: Which Version Do You Like for Used Car?

The Transformation of the Toyota Caldina Wagon

First Generation (1992 – 1997)

The first generation TOYOTA CALDINA was released in November 1992 in response to the market popularity of the STATION WAGON, and it was developed based on the chassis of the TOYOTA CORONA. Wagons up to this point had been based on the commercial van, so riding comfort and equipment options had been lacking, but the Caldina was based on the structure of a passenger vehicle, so these points were greatly improved. For the outer design, the front face was similar to that of the Corona, but from the B pillar and back, to accommodate the needs of a station wagon, the design was newly developed for an organized and refined look. The body was a 5 number body, measuring in length, width, and height at 4,545mm, 1,695mm, and 1,470mm respectively.
As for the interior, instead of simplifying the seats and equipment like the audio system, the Caldina employed the same elements as a passenger vehicle, thereby leading to great quality and texture; thus, great effort was made so that users switching from the sedan experienced no dissatisfaction.

The 1,838cc 125-horsepower gasoline engine, 1,998cc 135-horsepower gasoline engine, and 1,974cc 73-horsepower diesel engine were made available. For the gasoline engines, the designated fuel was the regular gasoline.

The transmissions that could be combined with these were the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

As for the drive system, the FF and 4WD were made available for the 1,998cc 135-horsepower gasoline engines; for all others, only the FF was made available.

The fuel consumption for these engines measured at:

1,838cc 125 horsepower (FF) 12.2 – 14.8km/L
1,998cc 135 horsepower (FF) 11.2 – 12.0km/L
1,998cc 135 horsepower (4WD) 10.2 – 12.0km/L

In February 1994, minor changes were made and the use of the Sky Canopy was expanded to more grades. Moreover, new body colors were added, and the upholstery color was changed.

In February 1995, the 1,998cc gasoline engine with 175 horsepower was newly added, leading to further improvements in running performance. Furthermore, full-flat functions were added to the front seats and reclining functions to the rear seats, thus enhancing riding comfort and usability.

In January 1996, safety features were further expanded. Dual airbags and ABS were installed to all vehicles as standard equipment. Moreover, the 1,762cc gasoline engine with 115 horsepower and the 1,974cc diesel engine with 88 horsepower were added to the engine lineup. For the 1,762cc 115-horsepower gasoline engine, by introducing lean combustion, fuel consumption was greatly improved to 15.6km/L - 17.8km/L.

Second Generation (1997 – 2002)

In September 1997, a full model change led to the Caldina’s evolution to its second generation model. The exterior design underwent major changes, going from the design based on the Corona Sedan to a specialized design developed specifically for the Caldina. As such, vehicles carrying turbocharged engines got an inner bulge in the center of the bonnet, thus making for a front area design that emphasized sportiness. Furthermore, rear combination lamps that had more unity with the front headlights were used, making for a design that solicited an image of great driving.
For the interior, a 3-spoke steering wheel and two-tone instrument panel were installed, thus matching the sportiness of the exterior.
The body measured in length, width, and height at 4,520mm, 1,695mm, and 1,570mm respectively; thus, focus was placed not on needlessly enlarging the body, but on enhancing usability.

The engine lineup consisted of the 1,762cc engine with 115 horsepower, 1,998cc naturally aspirated engine with 135 horsepower, turbocharged gasoline engine with 260 horsepower, and 2,184cc diesel engine with 94 horsepower. For the turbocharged engine, the designated fuel was the high octane gasoline; for all others, the designated fuel was regular gasoline.

The transmission options that could be combined with these were the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic.

For the drive system:

1,762cc 115 horsepower FF
1,998cc 135 horsepower FF and 4WD
1,998cc 260 horsepower 4WD
2,184cc 94 horsepower 4WD

As such, fuel consumption measured at:

1,762cc 115 horsepower (FF) 15.4 – 17.6km/L
1,998cc　135 horsepower (FF) 12.0km/L
1,998cc　135 horsepower (4WD) 11.4km/L
1,998cc　260 horsepower (4WD) 10.2 – 11.0km/L

In January 2000, minor changes were made, leading to grade additions, expansion of vehicle variations, and alterations to the interior and exterior designs. For the exterior, the designs of the front grille and bumper were changed for an increased air of novelty, and for the rear combination lamps, the design was changed to emphasize a crystal-like feel, leading to a sportier look.
For the interior as well, changes were made to the seat covers to improve quality and texture. Moreover, wireless door locks were installed to all vehicles as standard equipment.

Third Generation (2002 – 2007)

In September 2002, another full model change led to the introduction of the third generation model. The exterior design underwent a significant facelift, employing “The Touring Machine” design concept and emphasizing sportiness. For the front, the vertically long headlights were further enlarged, and a three-dimensional front grille was a distinctive feature. Moreover, window graphics made by a reverse slanted C pillar and acute-angle rear combination lamps were also distinctive characteristics of this model.
In terms of the interior as well, colored panels were installed to the center console and steering switch, maintaining the design concept of the exterior in the inside as well.
Furthermore, for this model, a focus on sportiness was applied to not only the design, but also the running performance as well. As such, for certain grades, an inverted shock absorber and single cylinder damper were installed on the front of the suspension system, improving steering performance in accordance with the high power output engine.

The engine lineup consisted of the 1,794cc with 132horsepower, the 1,998cc naturally aspirated direct injection engine with 152 horsepower, and the 1,998cc gasoline engine with 260 horsepower and turbocharger. The diesel engine was removed from the lineup.

The transmission for all vehicles was the 4-speed automatic.

For the drive system, the following was made available:

1,794cc 132 horsepower　FF
1,998cc　152 horsepower　FF and 4WD
1,998cc　260 horsepower 4WD

Fuel consumption measured at:

1,794cc 132 horsepower (FF) 15.6km/L
1,998cc　152 horsepower (FF) 14.0km/L
1,998cc　152 horsepower (4WD) 13.0km/L
1,998cc　260 horsepower (4WD) 10.6km/L

In December 2003, for the high-class grade, the panel of the center cluster was made silver, and the seat covers were also made suede to further improve quality and texture.

In January 2005, minor changes were made to the interior and exterior design. For the exterior, the front bumper’s lower grille was separated to two sides, thus emphasizing a wider feel. Moreover, the front grille was redesigned to be a cross-rail type and integrated with the headlights and bumper for a more unified look. For the interior as well, changes were made to the color to heighten an air of novelty.
In terms of the engines carried, the 1,998cc 152-horsepower engine was changed from direct injection to lean combustion, and fuel consumption improved accordingly to 13.2km/L.