Toyota Vista V50, 5 generation 07.1998 - 03.2000

Despite the fact that Vista in the fifth generation (V50) is a sedan, it has capabilities similar to a minivan. A feature of this car was the gearshift lever on the steering column, which expanded the passenger space of the front seats. Compared to the previous Vista V40, the wheelbase has increased by 50 mm, the body has grown in length by about 20 mm, and in height - by as much as 115 mm. The increased interior height and wider doorways provide a very comfortable fit. By the way, the length of the cabin from the front panel to the head restraints of the rear seats increased by 35 mm compared to its predecessor. In this generation, there was a separation of the model from Toyota Camry, in addition, the manufacturer refused to release versions in the hardtop type. If we talk about the engines that are equipped with the Vista V50 sedan, then they are still either 1.8-liter or 2-liter, but now only gasoline and only in combination with an “automatic”. Traditionally, models for the domestic market were also offered in all-wheel drive format.
 The increased level of luxury and improved equipment have allowed Toyota Vista to position itself above the class. Another characteristic feature of the new sedan was the digital instrument cluster, moved to the center of the front panel. In top-end configurations, its left part with a multifunctional monochrome display replaces the multimedia and navigation screen. At the same time, the driver retained a panel with traditional indicators of the main sensors and “automatic” modes. The relatively small center console is not overloaded with buttons and offers simple, intuitive climate control and audio. “In the base” there are electric control of mirrors and door windows, climate control. More expensive equipment will offer a folding back seat, a remote key, a CD player and a CD changer. Full-featured top version of "G selection" includes electric seats, leather steering wheel. Options S selection has sports parts: a three-spoke steering wheel, a rear spoiler, a decorative body kit and more. A special Active Sports series and other special configurations were also produced, of which the rare Excellent Edition V (July 1999) is especially interesting, where a multifunctional “double” front passenger seat with an oversized pillow and an armrest-back is installed, so the interior can accommodate 6 person. As the base motor for the N180 models, a new 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE engine with a VVTi inlet phase control system was offered. In general, the indicators are good - power 130 hp (171 Nm), the range on one liter of gasoline is declared 15 km. However, experts attribute this unit to the category of “disposable” because, due to its design, it has low maintainability. N200 models were equipped with two-liter petrol "fours". In the all-wheel drive modification, this is the 3S-FE engine, well known from previous generations. It has a maximum power of 135 hp, a torque of 181 Nm. Cruising on one liter of gasoline is declared at 12.2 km. The 3S-FSE engine is a modernized version of the 3S-FE motor, the design of which has been a lot of changes to improve environmental performance and reduce fuel consumption, including the proprietary D-4 direct injection system. All this made it possible to increase the power reserve of the front-wheel drive model to 15.4 km with a simultaneous increase in power to 145 “horses”, and torque to 196 Nm.

 The suspension of the Toyota Vista (V50) 1998-2000 has changed structurally. All models have independent MacPherson struts in front. Rear-wheel drive cars have independent suspension on double wishbones, while front-wheel drive models use a semi-independent suspension with trailing arms connected by a torsion beam. Steering - with power steering. Ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc or drum brakes at the rear. The all-wheel drive system is represented by the V-Flex Fulltime 4WD scheme with rear wheels connected via a viscous coupling. The dimensions of the body of Toyota Vista V50 are: length - 4645 mm, width - 1695 mm, height - 1505 mm. Interior dimensions: 2025 x 1445 x 1225 mm. Wheelbase - 2700 mm, minimum turning radius - 5.3 m. The deep trunk has a decent volume, which can be further increased by a folding rear seat.

 In the arsenal of fifth-generation Toyota Vista safety systems, there are two standard airbags for the driver and passenger, an anti-lock brake system, front belts with pretensioners and load limiters. The car has a progressive design body like GOA with additional reinforcements for all roof pillars and high passive safety indicators.  In Toyota Vista, you can discover such advantages as excellent driving performance and fuel economy. The complete set of this car will be envied by any other sedan. But the struggle for the environment and lower fuel consumption led to the fact that the new high-tech engines were inferior in reliability to the previous units and had a number of features that made it difficult to self-service, which caused a lot of negative emotions from the owners of used cars. Over time, the new motors (especially the D4) were well studied and “tamed”. But a thorough check before purchase is required, even if under the hood a simple and reliable 3S-FE.