JZS147 3.0Q Oct 1991 catalogue
2JZ-GE- Displacement
- 2,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 230 PS (169 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 284.4 Nm (29.0 kgf·m) @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT (ECT-i), rear-wheel drive
86.0 × 86.0 mm, 10.0:1, 1,580 kg
Buyer's guide
9 min read
Toyota Aristo
Buyer's guide & specs
- Model span
- 1991-2005
- For sale
- 136
- active now
On this page
Quick answer
The Aristo is Toyota's Japanese-market luxury sports sedan: first generation from 31 October 1991, second from 27 August 1997, then succeeded by the Lexus GS. The turbo cars are the JZS147 3.0V and the JZS161 V300 (2JZ-GTE, 280 PS, rear-wheel drive). Toyota's catalogue lists only automatic gearboxes.
Background
Overview
Toyota's Aristo had two generations, launched in Japan on 31 October 1991 and 27 August 1997. The first includes the JZS147 six-cylinder cars; the second includes the naturally aspirated JZS160 S300 and the twin-turbo JZS161 V300. Both generations offered 3.0-litre sixes, and the Lexus GS succeeded the Aristo.
Quick read
Key takeaways
- Two generations: the first from 31 October 1991 (JZS147) and the second from 27 August 1997 (JZS160 and JZS161).
- The turbo cars are the 3.0V and the V300, both 2JZ-GTE at 280 PS; the naturally aspirated cars are the 3.0Q and the S300.
- No factory manual: Toyota's catalogue lists only automatics, so a manual Aristo is a conversion.
- Code accuracy matters: the S300 is the JZS160, not a JZS161, and the V8 four-wheel-drive Aristo is the UZS143.
Constants
Common across all Aristo generations
- Turbo grades: the 3.0V (JZS147) and V300 (JZS161) use the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE, rated 280 PS at launch
- Naturally aspirated grades: the 3.0Q and S300 launched with the 2JZ-GE, rated 230 PS; the S300 is the JZS160, not a JZS161
- Rear-wheel drive on the 3.0Q, 3.0V and V300; the V8 4.0Z i-Four (UZS143, October 1992) has full-time four-wheel drive
- Automatic gearboxes only in Toyota's catalogue: four-speed on the first generation; in 2004 a five-speed on the S300 and a four-speed on the V300
- Built at Toyota's Tahara plant; the first generation was marketed in North America in 1993 as the Lexus GS
Chassis history
Generation timeline
Dates are Toyota's Japanese launch dates. Each generation page has its own specification tables and checklist.
Identification
Chassis-code reference
Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Toyota Aristo guide data.
- First generation (JZS147; on sale from Oct 1991, catalogued to Aug 1997)
- Chassis code: JZS147
- Second generation (JZS161; on sale from Aug 1997, catalogued to Dec 2004)
- Chassis code: JZS161
Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.
Market
Differences between JDM & USDM
This hub covers the Japanese-market Aristo and uses Toyota's Japanese catalogue ratings in PS. Toyota says North America received the first generation as the Lexus GS, marketed in 1993. Toyota's history says the Aristo line ended after the second generation and was succeeded by the Lexus GS. Export Lexus GS specifications are not used on these pages.
Specs
Technical specifications
Engine options
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-
JZS147 3.0V Oct 1991 catalogue
2JZ-GTE- Displacement
- 2,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Twin turbo
- Power
- 280 PS (206 kW) @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque
- 431.5 Nm (44.0 kgf·m) @ 3,600 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT (ECT-i), rear-wheel drive
86.0 × 86.0 mm, 8.5:1, 1,680 kg
-
JZS161 V300 Aug 1997 catalogue
2JZ-GTE (VVT-i)- Displacement
- 2,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Twin turbo
- Power
- 280 PS (206 kW) @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque
- 451.1 Nm (46.0 kgf·m) @ 3,600 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT (ECT-iE), rear-wheel drive
86.0 × 86.0 mm, 8.5:1, 1,680 kg
Lineup
Variants & trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| JZS147 (first generation, Japan) | 3.0Q (October 1991) | 2JZ-GE, 230 PS | Four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive; 215/65R15 tyres; ABS standard; traction control and driver's airbag optional; 1,580 kg. |
| JZS147 (first generation, Japan) | 3.0Q-L (October 1992 catalogue index) | 2JZ-GE | Toyota's October 1992 catalogue introduces it as a luxury-oriented naturally aspirated model; the index lists E-JZS147, 2,997 cc, four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive. How it differs from the 3.0Q beyond that is not established here. |
| JZS147 (first generation, Japan) | 3.0V (October 1991) | 2JZ-GTE twin turbo, 280 PS | Four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive; 225/55R16 tyres; Piezo TEMS, ABS, traction control and driver's airbag standard; Torsen limited-slip differential optional; 1,680 kg. |
| JZS147 (first generation, Japan) | 3.0Q Limited (August 1994) | 2JZ-GE, 230 PS | Catalogue lists 4,920 mm length, 1,570 kg and 225/55R16 94V tyres; ABS and traction control optional. |
| JZS147 (first generation, Japan) | 3.0V S Package-equipped (August 1994) | 2JZ-GTE twin turbo, 280 PS | Toyota lists it as a 3.0V "S Package-equipped car": 4,920 mm, 1,680 kg, four-speed automatic, airbags optional. What the package contains is not established here. |
| JZS147 (first generation, Japan), separate chassis code | UZS143 4.0Z i-Four (October 1992), comparison | 1UZ-FE V8, 260 PS | Not a JZS147 grade. Full-time four-wheel drive, four-speed automatic, air suspension, 1,740 kg. |
| JZS161 (second generation, Japan) | V300 (August 1997) | 2JZ-GTE VVT-i twin turbo, 280 PS, 451.1 Nm | Four-speed automatic (ECT-iE), rear-wheel drive; 225/55R16 94V; HID headlamps, cruise control, driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS, traction control and brake assist standard; active rear steering on the turbo; 1,680 kg. |
| JZS161 (second generation, Japan) | V300 Vertex Edition (from August 1997) | 2JZ-GTE VVT-i twin turbo, 280 PS | Toyota describes buff-polished alloy wheels and a black interior. The April to December 2004 catalogue lists 235/45ZR17 tyres, a standard rear spoiler and 1,680 kg. |
| JZS161 (second generation, Japan) | V300 10th Anniversary Edition (9 August 2001 to December 2001) | 2JZ-GTE VVT-i twin turbo | Vertex equipment (17-inch wheels, rear spoiler) plus chrome-look 17-inch wheels, leather seats and special wood trim. Limited-period sale; no numbered run verified. |
| JZS161 (second generation, Japan), derivative | TTE versions (reported July 1999) | V300 and S300 bases | Toyota Team Europe cars reported as almost sold out, with aero, Bilstein suspension, 18-inch wheels and silencer sold separately. No production count verified. |
| JZS161 (second generation, Japan), derivative | VA300 TOM'S (2000 road test) | V300 Vertex base, 330 PS, 47.5 kgf·m | Modellista/TOM'S complete car: four-speed automatic, standard electronic rear steering removed. Derivative figures, not V300 ratings. |
| JZS161 (second generation, Japan), derivative | V300 TOM'S Version and VA300 TOM'S G (announced 30 August 2002) | V300 base, 330 PS | Dedicated ECU and stainless exhaust; offered until March 2003. No production count verified. |
| JZS161 (second generation, Japan), separate chassis code | S300 (JZS160), comparison | 2JZ-GE VVT-i, 230 PS, 304 Nm | Not a JZS161. Four-speed automatic at launch (1,610 kg Vertex), five-speed Super ECT from July 2000; Walnut Package added then. |
Gallery
In pictures
Drivetrain
Engine references
Editorial
The buyer's read
Start with the frame number, not the badge. The JZS147 can be the naturally aspirated 3.0Q or the twin-turbo 3.0V. In the second generation the turbo V300 is the JZS161, and the naturally aspirated S300 is the JZS160.
Toyota's catalogue lists automatic gearboxes only, so a manual Aristo is a conversion. On the first generation, Toyota's recall 566 covers JZS147-0115334 to JZS147-0134895, and the remedy was to replace both front lower ball joints. Ask for proof it was done for the car in front of you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- How many Aristo generations were there?
- Two. Toyota's history lists the first generation from 31 October 1991 and the second from 27 August 1997. Toyota says the Aristo line ended after the second generation and was succeeded by the Lexus GS.
- Which Aristo is the turbo?
- In each generation the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE grade: the 3.0V in the first generation (JZS147) and the V300 in the second (JZS161), both rated at 280 PS. The naturally aspirated cars use the 2JZ-GE.
- Did any Aristo have a factory manual?
- Not in Toyota's catalogue, which lists the four-speed automatic only for the first generation and automatics for the second. A manual Aristo is a conversion.
Citations
Sources & references
Sources (30)
- Toyota 75 Years: Aristo, first generation (Vehicle Lineage) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: Aristo, second generation (Vehicle Lineage) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: Aristo, second generation (Japanese) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: Vehicle lineage overview (PDF) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota: ARISTO DEBUTS (11 October 1991) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota: Aristo partially improved (4 August 1999) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota: Aristo minor change (6 July 2000) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota certified used cars: Aristo historical catalogue — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: 1991 Aristo 3.0Q — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: 1991 Aristo 3.0V — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: 1994 Aristo 3.0V — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: Aristo 3.0V S Package (1994) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: Aristo 3.0Q Limited (1994) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: Aristo 4.0Z i-Four (1992) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: 1997 Aristo V300 — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: 1997 Aristo S300 Vertex Edition — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: 2004 Aristo V300 Vertex Edition — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota catalogue: 2004 Aristo S300 — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota certified used cars: Aristo model list and fuel economy — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota recall 566: Crown, Aristo, Mark II, Chaser, Cresta (18 May 1999) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- MLIT recall notification list, recall 2654 (17 November 2010) — Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: chassis technology timeline (Japanese) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- webCG: Toyota Aristo special edition (22 August 2001) — webCG Verified
- webCG: TTE Aristo tuning parts (15 July 1999) — webCG Verified
- Response: Aristo TOM'S special versions (2 September 2002) — Response Verified
- CarSensor: Toyota Aristo VA300 TOM'S playback road test — Nikkan CarSensor Verified
- 49 CFR 591.5: Declarations required for importation — Cornell Legal Information Institute Verified
- EPA: Learn About Importing Vehicles and Engines — US Environmental Protection Agency Verified
- CBSA Memorandum D9-1-11: Importation of used or second-hand motor vehicles — Canada Border Services Agency Verified
- CBSA Memorandum D19-12-1: Importation of vehicles — Canada Border Services Agency Verified
Sources last verified: