Which cars have Toyota’s 1G engine?

Toyota’s 2.0‑liter inline‑six “1G” engine appeared in numerous Japanese‑market models from the early 1980s through the mid‑2000s; standout examples include the Toyota Mark II/Chaser/Cresta family (X70–X110), Crown (S120–S170), Soarer (Z10/Z20), Supra GA70, and the Lexus IS200/Toyota Altezza AS200. While availability depended on market and trim, these models collectively define where you’re most likely to find a 1G under the hood.

What is the Toyota 1G engine?

The 1G is part of Toyota’s G‑family of straight‑six engines, displacing 2.0 liters (1,988 cc). Produced primarily from the late 1970s/early 1980s into the 2000s, it was offered in a wide range of configurations: economy‑focused single‑ and twin‑cam versions (1G‑E/EU and 1G‑FE), higher‑revving DOHC 24‑valve units (1G‑GE/GEU), and performance forced‑induction variants, notably the twin‑turbo 1G‑GTE and supercharged 1G‑GZE. Later 1G‑FE versions gained VVT‑i and were common in entry‑level trims of rear‑drive sedans and compact executive models.

Cars that came with a 1G engine (by segment)

Mid-size sedans and wagons (core models)

These rear‑wheel‑drive sedans and wagons were the mainstay for the 1G, spanning multiple generations and trims in Japan and select Asia/Oceania markets.

• Toyota Mark II (X70, X80, X90, X100, X110; approx. 1984–2004) — offered with 1G‑E/1G‑FE in volume trims; select earlier grades featured 1G‑GE/1G‑GZE.
• Toyota Chaser (X70–X100; approx. 1984–2001) — predominantly 1G‑FE in mainstream trims; some earlier sport variants used 1G‑GE/1G‑GZE.
• Toyota Cresta (X70–X100; approx. 1984–2001) — similar 1G fitments to Mark II/Chaser across luxury‑leaning grades.
• Toyota Crown (S120, S130, S140, S150, S170; approx. 1983–2003) — 1G‑E/1G‑FE widely used in lower‑displacement grades; 1G‑GZE appeared in certain 1980s trims.
• Toyota Verossa (X110; 2001–2004) — base models carried the 1G‑FE 2.0‑liter inline‑six.
• Toyota Mark II Blit (X110W; 2002–2007) — wagon derivatives offered with the 1G‑FE in entry/volume specifications.

Across these lines, higher‑spec and performance variants often stepped up to 1JZ/2JZ engines, while the 1G served as the dependable, tax‑friendly 2.0‑liter option in domestic trims.

Coupes and sports models

Several Japanese‑market coupes used more performance‑oriented 1G variants, especially the DOHC and turbocharged versions during the 1980s boom.

• Toyota Soarer (Z10/Z20; 1981–1991) — available with 1G‑GE and the twin‑turbo 1G‑GTE in various GT trims.
• Toyota Supra (GA70; 1986–1990, JDM) — offered with 1G‑GE and 1G‑GTE twin‑turbo; these 2.0‑liter models were primarily for Japan and not sold in North America.

Outside Japan, larger‑displacement sixes tended to dominate, but domestically the 1G allowed buyers to access sporty trims while staying within 2.0‑liter tax brackets.

Compact executive/entry-luxury

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the 1G‑FE found a second life in compact luxury sedans aimed at Europe and Japan.

• Toyota Altezza AS200 (GXE10; 1998–2005) — powered by the 1G‑FE inline‑six, paired to manual or automatic transmissions.
• Lexus IS200 / IS200 SportCross (GXE10; 1999–2005, primarily Europe/Asia/Oceania) — used the 1G‑FE; North America received the IS300 with the 2JZ instead.

These models showcased the 1G‑FE’s smoothness and durability in a compact executive package, even as newer engine families were emerging.

Common 1G engine variants and where you’ll see them

The 1G family spans multiple specifications; the variant often signals the kind of car and performance intent.

• 1G‑E / 1G‑EU — SOHC economy versions common in 1980s Crown and early Mark II family trims.
• 1G‑GE / 1G‑GEU — DOHC 24‑valve; featured in sportier Mark II/Chaser/Cresta grades, Soarer, and JDM Supra GA70.
• 1G‑GTE — DOHC twin‑turbo; prominent in Soarer 2.0GT‑T and Supra GA70 performance variants.
• 1G‑GZE — Supercharged DOHC; appeared in select mid‑to‑late‑1980s Crown and Mark II family models.
• 1G‑FE — DOHC economy/touring; the staple of 1990s–2000s sedans (Mark II, Chaser, Cresta, Crown, Verossa, Mark II Blit) and compact executives (Altezza/IS200). Later iterations added VVT‑i.

By the mid‑2000s, the 1G was phased out as Toyota consolidated around newer JZ and GR engine families, though 1G‑equipped cars remain common in enthusiast and JDM import circles.

How to confirm a car has a 1G engine

Because availability varies by market and trim, the surest way to verify a 1G is to check the vehicle’s identification plate and documentation.

1. Locate the VIN/ID plate (often on the firewall or strut tower in the engine bay) and the engine stamp on the block.
2. Look for an engine code that starts with “1G‑” (e.g., 1G‑FE, 1G‑GTE, 1G‑GE, 1G‑GZE).
3. Cross‑check the chassis code: for example, “GXE10” denotes the 1G‑FE in the Altezza/IS200; X70–X110 Mark II family and S‑series Crown codes align with known 1G trims.
4. Confirm against registration or build sheets; keep in mind that engine swaps are common in older JDM performance cars.

Regional differences and trim hierarchies mean two outwardly similar cars may carry different engines; the code on the plate is definitive.

Summary

Toyota’s 1G engine family—most famously the smooth, durable 1G‑FE and the performance‑leaning 1G‑GTE—powered a wide swath of Japanese‑market rear‑drive cars from the 1980s through the 2000s. If you’re hunting for a 1G, start with the Mark II/Chaser/Cresta trio, the Crown, the Soarer and GA70 Supra, and the Lexus IS200/Toyota Altezza AS200. Always verify the “1G‑” engine code on the car’s ID plate to be certain.

What car uses a 1GR engine?

It is still used in Toyota and Lexus vehicles like Toyota Tundra, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX 400. No engine is perfect and the 1GR-FE engine is no exception.

Which cars have 1G engines?

1G

• Toyota Soarer.
• Toyota Celica Supra.
• Toyota Crown.
• Toyota Crown Comfort/Crown Sedan.
• Toyota Cressida/Mark II/Cresta/Chaser.
• Toyota Altezza.
• Lexus IS200.

How many cylinders are in a 1G engine?

The principal engines were four 2-liter inline 6-cylinder units, including a twin-turbo unit (1G-GTEU) developing 210 PS/28.0 kgm and a supercharged 1G-GZE unit.

Is 1GD engine turbo?

The 1GD-FTV is a 2,755 cc (2.8 L) straight-4 common rail diesel engine with a variable nozzle turbocharger (VNT), chain drive and Intercooler. It has 16 valves and a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) design.