Toyota Chaser JZX100 Tourer V
The Toyota Chaser JZX100, produced from 1996 to 2001, represents the sixth and final generation of Toyota's Chaser nameplate — a mid-size rear-wheel-drive sedan that has achieved legendary status in the JDM enthusiast community. In Tourer V specification, powered by the 1JZ-GTE VVT-i turbocharged inline-six engine, the JZX100 Chaser is regarded as one of the finest Japanese sports sedans ever produced and has become one of the most sought-after JDM imports worldwide.
The JZX100 was part of Toyota's 'Mark II trinity' — three closely related sedans (Chaser, Mark II, and Cresta) that shared the same platform, engines, and mechanical components but wore different body designs aimed at slightly different customer demographics. The Chaser was positioned as the sportiest of the three, with slightly more aggressive styling and a younger target market.
The Tourer V was the performance flagship, powered by the 1JZ-GTE VVT-i — a 2.5-litre twin-cam 24-valve turbocharged inline-six engine. The JZX100 version featured a single CT15B turbocharger with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) replacing the earlier twin-turbo setup, producing 280 PS at 6,200 rpm and 378 Nm (279 lb-ft) of torque at 2,400 rpm — hitting the Japanese gentlemen's agreement power ceiling. The single turbo with VVT-i provided broader torque delivery and improved throttle response compared to the previous twin-turbo arrangement.
The JZX100 could be specified with either a five-speed W58 manual gearbox or a four-speed A340E automatic. The manual Tourer V is overwhelmingly preferred by enthusiasts, though automatic examples are more common. A Torsen limited-slip differential was available as a factory option and is considered essential for the car's intended sporting character.
The chassis featured sophisticated independent suspension — double wishbone at the front and multilink at the rear — derived from the Toyota Crown platform. This suspension geometry, combined with the rear-wheel-drive layout and relatively light curb weight (for a full-size sedan), gave the Chaser exceptional handling balance. The car felt nimble and responsive despite its sedan proportions, with a natural tendency toward controlled oversteer that made it supremely entertaining on winding roads and, inevitably, drift courses.
The JZX100 Chaser became one of the defining cars of Japanese drift culture. Its combination of the bulletproof 1JZ-GTE engine (capable of handling over 600 hp with internal upgrades), rear-wheel drive, LSD, and balanced chassis made it a natural drift machine. The 1JZ engine family's remarkable strength and tunability — with many examples reliably producing 400-500 hp with bolt-on modifications — cemented the Chaser's reputation as a performance icon.
The Chaser nameplate was discontinued after the JZX100, replaced by the Verossa in 2001. This makes the JZX100 the last Chaser and, with its superior styling and mechanical specification, the most desirable. Today, clean JZX100 Tourer V manual examples with LSD are highly sought after, particularly as they become eligible for import into markets with 25-year rules.
Manual Tourer V with factory LSD is the gold standard — verify LSD presence. Many have been heavily modified or drifted — inspect chassis and subframe for cracks and damage. Rust in lower body panels, particularly sills and rear arches. The 1JZ-GTE is extremely reliable but check for turbo bearing wear and oil leaks on high-mileage examples. Automatic-to-manual conversions are common but a factory manual is more valuable. Interior condition varies greatly — Japanese climate helps preserve interiors. Import documentation and auction grade should be verified.
Produced from 1996 to 2001. Japan-domestic-market only — never officially exported. Part of the 'Mark II trinity' (Chaser, Mark II, Cresta). The Tourer V was the performance flagship; other trims included the Tourer S (naturally aspirated 1JZ-GE), Avante, and Exceed. The Chaser nameplate was discontinued after the JZX100.