Toyota Vista: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Toyota Vista version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower weight, higher output, AWD, a manual gearbox, or diesel torque. Across the model’s five generations, built from April 1982 to July 2003, the catalogue records Sedan and Sedan Hardtop bodies, Gasoline and Diesel engines, Manual and Automatic transmissions, and both FWD and AWD.
The Toyota Vista version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower weight, higher output, AWD, a manual gearbox, or diesel torque. Across the model’s five generations, built from April 1982 to July 2003, the catalogue records Sedan and Sedan Hardtop bodies, Gasoline and Diesel engines, Manual and Automatic transmissions, and both FWD and AWD. The clearest all-round specification is the fifth-generation 2.0 AT with 152 hp, 200 Nm, FWD and a 1,270 kg kerb weight: it combines the highest torque in the range with 8.4 kg per horsepower. For maximum power, the third-generation 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT produce 165 hp; the 2.0 MT weighs 1,260 kg and achieves 7.6 kg per horsepower. Buyers prioritising low-rev torque can instead consider the fourth-generation 2.2 AT or 2.2 MT Diesel versions, all rated at 192 Nm at 2,200 rpm.
Toyota Vista generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from April 1982 to July 1986 as a Sedan with 3 versions. Its choice is simple: 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT versions produce 100 hp and 152 Nm, while the 2.0 AT raises output to 136 hp and 175 Nm. All are FWD. The 1.8 MT is the only version with a recorded kerb weight, at 1,065 kg, giving 10.7 kg per horsepower.
The second generation, produced from August 1986 to July 1990, is a Sedan listed with 14 versions, although the supplied modification records show 12. It broadens the range from 90 hp to 140 hp and introduces recorded AWD alternatives. Depending on specification, buyers can choose 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic transmission. The lightest recorded version is the 1.8 MT with 105 hp at 1,120 kg; the strongest versions are the 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT with 140 hp.
The third generation ran from July 1990 to June 1994 and changed to a Sedan Hardtop body with 10 versions. Its key attraction is the 165 hp pair of 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT models. Other choices include 125 hp 1.8 versions, 135 hp and 140 hp 2.0 Gasoline versions, and 91 hp 2.0 Diesel versions. AWD is available on the 135 hp 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT.
The fourth generation, another Sedan Hardtop, was produced from July 1994 to June 1998 with 11 versions. It offers the widest recorded engine-fuel selection: 1.8 and 2.0 Gasoline alternatives plus 2.0 and 2.2 Diesel models. Outputs range from 88 hp to 140 hp, while the diesels deliver up to 192 Nm. Manual, Automatic, FWD and AWD specifications are represented.
The fifth generation ran from July 1998 to July 2003 as a Sedan with 10 versions. Every listed version uses a 4-speed Automatic transmission, so this generation does not suit buyers seeking a Manual. Its Gasoline engines span 1,794 cc and 1,998 cc, with outputs from 130 hp to 152 hp. FWD and AWD are available, and selected 2.0 AT versions use direct injection.
Toyota Vista engine and specs comparison
Repeated names are distinguished by generation and power because several mechanically different cars share the exact database name.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 1.8 MT | 100 hp | 152 Nm | 1,832 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First 1.8 AT | 100 hp | 152 Nm | 1,832 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First 2.0 AT | 136 hp | 175 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second 1.8 AT / 1.8 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 142 Nm | 1,832 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second 1.8 AT / 1.8 MT, 105 hp | 105 hp | 149 Nm | 1,838 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 169 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 120 hp FWD | 120 hp | 168 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 120 hp AWD | 120 hp | 168 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 171 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third 1.8 MT / 1.8 AT | 125 hp | 161 Nm | 1,794 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 135 hp | 135 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 186 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third 2.0 AT / 2.0 MT, 165 hp | 165 hp | 195 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 91 hp | 91 hp | 190 Nm | 1,974 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth 1.8 AT / 1.8 MT | 125 hp | 161 Nm | 1,838 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 AT, 133 hp | 133 hp | 183 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 AT / 2.0 MT, 135 hp | 135 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Fourth 2.0 AT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 186 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT, 91 hp | 91 hp | 190 Nm | 1,974 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth 2.2 AT, 88 hp | 88 hp | 192 Nm | 2,184 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth 2.2 AT / 2.2 MT, 91 hp | 91 hp | 192 Nm | 2,184 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth 1.8 AT, 130 hp | 130 hp | 171 Nm | 1,794 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 1.8 AT, 136 hp | 136 hp | 171 Nm | 1,794 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 AT, 135 hp | 135 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth 2.0 AT, 145 hp | 145 hp | 196 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 AT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 198 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth 2.0 AT, 152 hp | 152 hp | 200 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
Some fifth-generation versions with the same name and output have different recorded kerb weights. The 1.8 AT with 136 hp appears at 1,210 kg and 1,290 kg; the 2.0 AT with 135 hp appears at 1,410 kg and 1,480 kg; the 2.0 AT with 145 hp appears at 1,330 kg and 1,400 kg; and the 2.0 AT with 152 hp appears at 1,270 kg and 1,340 kg.
Toyota Vista horsepower, power per litre and weight per horsepower
The third-generation 2.0 MT with 165 hp offers the strongest recorded power-to-weight result: 165 hp from 1,998 cc equals about 82.6 hp per litre, while 1,260 kg divided by 165 hp equals about 7.6 kg per horsepower. Its 2.0 AT counterpart has the same output, torque and displacement, but its kerb weight is not measured.
Among fifth-generation cars, the lighter 2.0 AT with 152 hp produces about 76.1 hp per litre and carries about 8.4 kg per horsepower at 1,270 kg. Compared with the 130 hp 1.8 AT at 1,240 kg, it adds 22 hp and 29 Nm for only 30 kg more recorded kerb weight. That numerical balance makes the 152 hp FWD version particularly persuasive.
AWD has a visible weight cost in comparable fifth-generation records. The 135 hp 2.0 AT AWD weighs 1,410 kg, while the 145 hp 2.0 AT FWD weighs 1,330 kg: the FWD car is 80 kg lighter and has 10 hp and 15 Nm more. The 150 hp 2.0 AT AWD weighs 1,370 kg, whereas the lighter 152 hp 2.0 AT FWD weighs 1,270 kg; the latter is 100 kg lighter, with 2 hp and 2 Nm more.
For lower engine speeds, the Diesel versions stand apart. The fourth-generation 2.2 AT and 2.2 MT Diesel choices provide 192 Nm at 2,200 rpm. The third- and fourth-generation 2.0 Diesel versions provide 190 Nm at 2,600 rpm. By comparison, the fifth-generation 152 hp 2.0 AT reaches its higher 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
Toyota Vista performance and fuel economy
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for every listed Toyota Vista version. Top speed is also not measured for every version except one fifth-generation 2.0 AT with 152 hp, FWD and a 1,340 kg kerb weight, for which the recorded maximum is 200 km/h.
City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption and combined fuel consumption are not measured for every version. CO₂ output and emissions class are likewise not measured throughout the supplied records. Consequently, no evidence-based mpg ranking can be made between the engines.
A 60-litre tank is recorded for all listed second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-generation versions. First-generation tank capacity is not measured. Without measured consumption, tank capacity cannot be converted into a reliable driving range.
Toyota Vista dimensions, weight and clearance
Complete exterior dimensions are not measured, so length, width, height and wheelbase cannot be compared. Kerb weight varies from a recorded 1,065 kg for the first-generation 1.8 MT to 1,480 kg for one fifth-generation 2.0 AT with 135 hp and AWD, a difference of 415 kg.
Gross weight is not measured for most versions. Recorded exceptions include 1,475 kg for the fourth-generation 2.0 AT with 133 hp, 1,525 kg for both fourth-generation 2.0 Diesel transmission variants, and 1,655 kg for one fifth-generation 2.0 AT with 152 hp.
Ground clearance ranges from 145 mm to 165 mm. The highest recorded figure, 165 mm, occurs on several fifth-generation FWD versions, including the 1.8 AT with 130 hp, the 1.8 AT with 136 hp, and the 2.0 AT with 145 hp. The fifth-generation 2.0 AT with 150 hp and AWD has 145 mm, which is 20 mm less.
Wheel sizes are not measured for the first four generations. Fifth-generation records specify 185/70 R14 and 195/65 R15 for many versions, while wheel sizes remain not measured for the 150 hp 2.0 AT and one 152 hp 2.0 AT.
Which Toyota Vista version should you choose?
Choose the fifth-generation 2.0 AT with 152 hp, 200 Nm, FWD and a 1,270 kg kerb weight if you want the strongest combination of high torque, low recorded weight and Automatic convenience. It offers 22 hp more than the 130 hp 1.8 AT while adding only 30 kg, and it has the best fifth-generation ratio at about 8.4 kg per horsepower.
Choose the third-generation 2.0 MT with 165 hp if maximum output and the best recorded weight-to-power ratio matter most. Its 1,260 kg kerb weight and 165 hp yield about 7.6 kg per horsepower, and its 5-speed Manual distinguishes it from every fifth-generation model.
Choose a fifth-generation 2.0 AT AWD version if AWD is essential. The 150 hp model is the strongest AWD Vista in the supplied records, producing 198 Nm, while the 135 hp AWD alternative uses 92 fuel rather than the 150 hp version’s 95 fuel.
Choose the fourth-generation 2.2 MT with 91 hp if you want Diesel torque with a Manual and FWD. Its 192 Nm arrives at 2,200 rpm, and its 1,240 kg kerb weight is 150 kg below the 88 hp 2.2 AT AWD at 1,390 kg. Choose that 88 hp 2.2 AT instead only when the combination of Diesel, Automatic and AWD takes priority over output and lower weight.
Choose the second-generation 1.8 MT with 105 hp if low recorded mass is the main concern among the later alternatives. At 1,120 kg, it is 10 kg lighter than the corresponding 1.8 AT. For more output from that generation, the 140 hp 2.0 MT weighs 1,240 kg and offers about 8.9 kg per horsepower.
The data does not measure reliability, problems, prices or sale availability, so it cannot establish whether one Toyota Vista is a better purchase based on condition or cost. On specifications alone, the fifth-generation 152 hp 2.0 AT is the strongest balanced Automatic choice, the third-generation 165 hp 2.0 MT is the performance choice, and the fourth-generation 91 hp 2.2 MT is the torque-focused Diesel choice.