LexFather

I was just posting in the IS F forum how I've yet to see any IS F fail no matter how hard and long its pushed at the track.Most impressive was riding/watching/driving it from 8-5 at Moroso and not one IS F failed, only a burst tire one of the the cars. In reviewing the forum it seems rock solid as its been what 3 years almost?. I now think its one of those "overbuilt" Lexus/Toyota products that comes every once in awhile.



I think it could be legendary like the Hilux for example. Just overbuilt for no damn reason

What are your thoughts or choices? Feel free to even list other brands!

mmarshall

I don't want to sound biased because I owned one, but I honestly did find the IS300 to be arguably the best-built car I ever owned (my current Subaru Outback has also been outstanding), and arguably the best-built Toyota/Lexus product I've encountered. I have no long-term experience with the Toyota Land Cruiser, but, in my review, its build-quality was above any recent, purely Toyota-badged vehicle I've seen.

In terms of tank-like construction, though, I think my all-time award has to go to the Mercedes G (Gelandewagen).....the civilian version of a 1980's-vintage Austrian/Swiss/German military-transport vehicle. I know you've seen this vehicle, Mike......we've discussed I before. Close the door on one, and you will know exactly what I mean.

gengar

Wasn't the 1UZ-FE so overbuilt that it was actually used in drag racing applications?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

For Toyota motors: We've seen the R series I-4 variants used for a long spell. From the mid 70's through 90's. Most notably in the pick-up trucks. I think the J series is also a top engine but they killed the I-6.

Chassis, the MX 6-8 Crown-Cressida were very good. I still see MX73 Cressida's on the roads here. The small truck chassis have been remarkable.

Datsun/Nissan 70's Z car.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

hahhahaa mike, you forgot about the isf stalling on tanner on the show?

to be very honest, isf is doing ok but it's way too early to tell. in my opinion? the 2jz-gte, that's one engine that's so solid it's unbelievable

RXSF

^^ yeah I was going to say I remember seeing one stall in a review. And then there is the top gear review where a plume of smoke came out of the exhaust.

Fizzboy7

Some late 80's Mercedes sedans were built like tanks. Then some 90's E-class models held their ground. I think early (70's) Benz diesels are also hard to kill.

plex

iTrader: (11)

The Toyota 2jz series motor both TT and NA can handle 800hp plus on stock internals. I personally won't push more than 800 on stock rods/pistons but others have done it.

-J-P-L-

I have to agree here that this was perhaps one of the most overbuilt engines ever.

Applications:

* 1989–2000 Lexus LS 400/Toyota Celsior
* 1990–2002 Toyota Crown/Toyota Crown Majesta
* 1991–2000 Lexus SC 400/Toyota Soarer
* 1992–2000 Lexus GS 400/Toyota Aristo
* Toyota MR2 Le Mans Car

I remember reading that Toyota de-tuned it significantly simply to extend reliability.

It was (originally) 250hp yet it could easily handle like 500 hp, probably much more.

I drove my '93 SC400 to 254,000 miles and the engine still sounded and ran like new.

As far as overbuilt cars overall. First gen LS and SC were bullet proof tanks.

KA8

iTrader: (1)

1st gen LS and SC's, is300, mb w-124, z32, and mb 560sel(grandpa still has his late 80 560sel with 45k miles)

Infra

iTrader: (1)

Saying something is built like a tank when referencing quality is quite odd as tanks, especially German ones, were notorious for breaking down.

In fact, American Shermans could not even penetrate a Panther from the front, yet they were known to have knocked out Panthers using phosphorous rounds, tricking the Panther crew into thinking their tank was on fire.

spwolf

i never liked the world overbuilt, i dont think it has right to exist in Toyota world.... rather, it is built to high standards

Fizzboy7

You would like my work, where I sell 1/35 Panzers and Shermans all day long!

-J-P-L-

Of course it's just a term to refer to cars, particularly drivetrains, that are engineered to specs that exceed their intended purpose.

Of course this is true with every Toyota which reflects the reliability.

An example of the most "underbuilt" drivetrains have been Chrysler drivetrains. Most owners experience countless leaks, blown head gaskets, ect...

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

1uzfe or the 2jzg(t)e motors and any car that was equipped with them :P.