A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.2/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.4
Comfort & Interior
4.1
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
What happens when Toyota decides to build a proper sports saloon to challenge the Germans at their own game? The result was the Toyota Chaser, a rear-wheel-drive executive car that proved Japanese manufacturers could deliver genuine driving excitement alongside their legendary reliability. This four-door saloon represented Toyota’s most serious attempt at creating a performance-focused family car.
The Chaser’s greatest strength lay in its compelling combination of practicality and performance. Unlike many executive saloons that prioritised comfort over dynamics, the Chaser offered genuine sports car handling thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and well-balanced chassis. The turbocharged engine options delivered impressive acceleration, while the spacious interior easily accommodated four adults in comfort. Daily practicality was excellent, with generous boot space and straightforward urban maneuverability.
Perhaps most importantly, the Chaser maintained Toyota’s reputation for dependability even when delivering serious performance. This reliability advantage, combined with reasonable running costs for maintained examples, made it a sensible choice for drivers wanting something more engaging than typical Japanese saloons. The car successfully bridged the gap between practical family transport and weekend entertainment, offering a rare combination that few manufacturers managed to achieve. For enthusiasts seeking an alternative to obvious executive car choices, the Chaser remains a compelling proposition.
How Does the Toyota Chaser Drive?
The Toyota Chaser offered various engine options throughout its production run, with the most desirable being the turbocharged units. The 2.5 litre twin turbo engine delivered impressive acceleration and genuine sports saloon performance capabilities.
Rear wheel drive configuration meant the Chaser handled more like a BMW than a typical Japanese saloon. The steering was precise and responsive, while the chassis balance encouraged confident cornering on twisty roads.
Power delivery felt smooth and linear across the rev range, with turbocharged models providing strong mid range acceleration. The six cylinder engines were particularly refined, offering both performance and reasonable fuel economy for their era.
Braking performance was adequate for normal driving, though enthusiastic drivers might want to consider upgrades. The standard suspension setup provided a good balance between comfort and handling precision.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.5L twin-turbo inline-6
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Power Output
280 bhp
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0-60 mph
6.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
27 mpg
- Boot Space
- 450 litres
- Safety Rating
- Climate control, Power steering, Electric windows
Inside the Toyota Chaser: Comfort & Features
Interior space in the Toyota Chaser was genuinely impressive, with generous legroom for rear passengers. The seats were well shaped and supportive, making long distance journeys comfortable for all occupants.
Cabin noise levels were well controlled, with good sound insulation keeping road and wind noise to reasonable levels. The air conditioning system worked effectively, maintaining comfortable temperatures even in hot weather conditions.
Storage space throughout the cabin was thoughtfully designed, with useful door pockets and a decent sized glove compartment. The centre console provided additional storage, while cup holders were positioned conveniently for both front occupants.
Rear seat comfort was particularly good, with adequate headroom and excellent legroom. The middle seat was usable for shorter journeys, though best suited to two rear passengers for maximum comfort.
The chaser excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Toyota Chaser?
Fuel economy varied significantly depending on engine choice and driving style, with the turbocharged models being notably thirsty. Expect around 25-30 mpg in mixed driving conditions for most variants, which was reasonable for the performance offered.
Insurance costs can be higher than average due to the car’s performance capabilities and relative rarity. Younger drivers should expect particularly high premiums, making the Chaser more suitable for experienced drivers seeking car finance options.
Servicing costs are generally reasonable, though finding specialists familiar with the model may require some research. Parts availability can be challenging for certain components, particularly trim pieces and electrical items.
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping running costs manageable, with particular attention needed for the turbo systems on applicable models. Well maintained examples prove remarkably reliable, reflecting Toyota’s engineering excellence.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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toyota chaser
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BMW 3 Series
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Lexus IS
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £8,000 | from £12,000 | from £10,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.5L Twin Turbo 280hp | 2.0L Turbo 190hp | 2.0L Turbo 245hp |
| Power | 280 bhp | 190 bhp | 245 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 seconds | 7.1 seconds | 7.0 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 32 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 450 litres | 480 litres | 416 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Rear-wheel drive, Twin turbo power, Executive comfort, Japanese reliability | Premium badge, Dynamic handling, Strong resale values | Luxury interior, Hybrid options, Exceptional reliability |
Toyota Chaser Practicality & Boot Space
Boot space was generous, easily accommodating family luggage or weekly shopping trips with room to spare. The opening was wide and the loading lip reasonably low, making it easy to load heavy items.
Rear seat access was straightforward thanks to the four door configuration, with wide opening doors and low sill heights. Child seats fitted easily, with proper anchor points on later models for secure installation.
Daily practicality proved excellent, with good visibility all around and manageable dimensions for urban driving. Parking was straightforward despite the car’s executive proportions, helped by light power steering at low speeds.
For those interested in used Toyota cars, the Chaser represented the brand at its most sporting while maintaining practical family car credentials. The combination made it genuinely usable as an only car.
**Sarah Mitchell, Chaser owner from Birmingham:** “I bought my Chaser three years ago after years of German executive cars, and it’s been a revelation. The build quality is superb, with nothing rattling or breaking despite the car being over twenty years old. Performance from the turbo engine is genuinely exciting, while fuel economy is reasonable for such a powerful car. Finding parts can be tricky, but the reliability means you rarely need them. It turns heads everywhere and starts conversations at petrol stations. Best car purchase I’ve made.”
The Toyota Chaser stands as testament to Japanese automotive engineering at its finest. This executive saloon successfully challenged European rivals with superior reliability and engaging driving dynamics.
Performance credentials were genuine, with turbocharged engines delivering strong acceleration and rear wheel drive providing proper sports saloon handling. The interior was spacious and well appointed, while build quality exceeded most contemporary rivals.
Running costs remain reasonable for maintained examples, though parts availability can be challenging. The combination of performance, reliability, and increasing rarity makes the Chaser an appealing choice for enthusiasts.
For drivers seeking something different from the usual executive car choices, the Toyota Chaser offers compelling arguments. It represents Japanese engineering excellence in an increasingly rare rear wheel drive package.