It was launched in 1980 and shared the chassis with the Mark II/Cressida and Chaser and was the top-level car at Japanese dealership Toyota Vista Store.

The Cresta was produced for five generations, and production stopped in 2001 when it was merged with the Chaser to form the short-lived Verossa.

The goal of the Cresta was to offer a more luxurious package than the Mark II, while the Chaser was the performance-oriented version of the same platform, but sold at different dealerships.

The Cresta's luxury reputation benefited as the series, and generations offered ever-increasing engine displacement.

The addition of turbochargers and superchargers to growing engine displacement was offset by the fact that the Japanese Government taxed and regulated vehicle emission results.

The Cresta offered buyers a distinctive luxury sedan without incurring tax consequences for exceeding dimension regulations.

The Cresta wasn't available in as many trim package configurations as the Mark II and Chaser, so it would remain a luxury-focused product.

Interior colour choices of blue, gray, or brown were offered, but each trim package had a unique upholstery pattern in cloth, and leather was unavailable.

Optional items included several sound system choices, including an AM/FM stereo cassette with integrated equalizer, a trip computer, power windows with standard equipped express down for the driver's window, glass sunroof, cruise control, digital clock with an alarm feature, a rear window wiper with electric defrost, headlight washers for the halogen headlights, and three-point seatbelts for front and rear passengers with ELR safety lock-down in case of a collision.

The Cresta joined a growing list of luxury sedans under the "dimension regulations;" Nissan's competitor was the Laurel, Mitsubishi's was the Eterna Sigma, and Mazda's was the Lucé.

The Cresta, Chaser, and Mark II would now share a model code for the entire production series.

Six different stereo choices were offered along with simple satellite controls on the left side of the instrument cluster within reach of the driver's hand that controlled stereo volume, fan speed, and airflow direction, an illuminated ignition key slot, power-folding side-view mirrors installed on the doors, fully automatic climate control, and an air purification system installed behind the rear seats.

The supercharger was belt-driven but actuated by an electromagnetic clutch so that it would not be driven except when needed, increasing fuel economy.

The sport bucket seats used in the Toyota Supra (A70) were offered only on GT Twin Turbo equipped cars.

To reduce weight and improve structural rigidity, High-tensile steel was used in key areas and the suspension.

Standard items included automatic climate control, side-impact bars in all doors, and driver-side airbag in 1995.

[3] Further differentiating Super Lucent models was the "G" package, which featured options like ABS, 15-inch wheels, Cruise control, Digital Instrument cluster, and leather interior.

Permanent 4WD, called iFour was offered as an option during the mid-model refresh in 1993 to stay competitive with the Nissan Laurel Club S. The system typically provided 30 percent to the front and 70 percent to the rear wheels, incorporating a center differential lock feature.

The various sized engine displacements gave Japanese buyers choices as to which annual road tax obligation they were willing to pay.

The ECT electronically controlled automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential (LSD) unit were now standard on all rear-drive drivetrain installations.

CD-ROM updated maps, and VICS local traffic conditions were integrated, and GPS location information was used to display the vehicle's position.

[3] Tourer V's were very popular amongst enthusiasts and drifters due to their stiff chassis, price point compared to other RWD/Turbo Toyota's, and power-to-weight ratio.

In contrast to the Mark II, which emphasizes its traditional reputation, and the Chaser, which has a performance image shared with the Toyota Soarer, the Cresta has styling that expresses an elegant luxury sedan.