The Obscure Toyota Curren Compact Sedan's Cult Following in the USA
The History of the Toyota Curren in the USA
The Toyota Curren is a compact, front-wheel drive sedan that was produced by Toyota between 1991 and 1996. It was sold in Japan and a few other Asian markets, but unfortunately never made it to the United States.
The Curren occupied a niche in between Toyota's smaller Corolla and larger Camry models. It was aimed at family car buyers who wanted something more upscale than the economical Corolla but didn't need the size of the Camry.
Design and Engineering of the Curren
The Toyota Curren featured elegant, aerodynamic body lines and dimensions close to the midsize Camry. Yet it retained a compact overall footprint that made it easy to maneuver around crowded cities.
Under the hood, the Curren had two reliable four-cylinder engine choices: a 1.6L 4A-FE or larger 1.8L 7A-FE. Both engines put out around 115-125 horsepower, on par with other Japanese sedans of the era. The engines focused more on fuel efficiency rather than pure power.
One particularly innovative feature of the Curren was its Electronically Controlled Suspension. This system adjusted the shock absorber firmness rate to improve ride comfort and handling. It was very advanced for an affordable 1990s Toyota model.
Why the Curren Was Not Sold in America
Although the Toyota Curren seemed like a nice compact sedan for the US market, Toyota ultimately decided not to sell it in North America. At the time, Toyota was already selling well-established nameplates like the Corolla, Camry, Tercel and Paseo in the USA.
In the early 90s, Toyota's strategy aimed to further boost Camry sales as their new midsize leader. So the Curren may have threatened Camry sales if both shared showroom space. Its unusual name for the American market was probably another factor that led Toyota to keep the Curren exclusively in Asia.
The Curren's Cult Following in the USA
Even though Toyota never officially sold the Curren sedan in America, a small cult following has emerged among JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) enthusiasts.
Fans admire the Curren for its sharp, modern style, advanced technology features and Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability. The sporty Curren CSX model with its factory body kit attracts particular attention.
Importing JDM Currens to the USA
To this day, it's still possible to legally import a Curren from Japan to the USA. However the process involves clearing regulatory red tape, translating documentation, converting the car to left-hand drive, and modifying emissions controls to meet EPA compliance.
So bringing a Curren stateside remains realistic only for the most dedicated enthusiasts. But for those passionate individuals, owning one of these little seen Toyotas is a rewarding endeavor despite the headaches.
Where to Find Toyota Currens in America
Very seldom do Toyota Currens come up for sale in the USA. The best chances are checking auction sites like JDM Expo, Pacific Coast Auto, and occasionally eBay Motors. Expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 for a base model up to $15,000 for a low mileage CSX edition.
There are also a handful of enthusiasts who privately imported Currens years ago before prices accelerated. Every so often, ones owned by these pioneering collectors will surface on Facebook Marketplace, Japanese Nostalgic Car forums or old school messaging boards.
The Future Collectability of the Toyota Curren
As 90s Japanese cars become eligible for US import under the 25 year rule, the Toyota Curren is likely to remain a rarely seen specialty vehicle appealing only to niche enthusiasts.
But for those who appreciate the Curren's place in Toyota's history as a well-engineered compact sedan, examples that survive in good condition will become difficult to find. This emerging collectability could push prices for the very cleanest Currens even higher over the next decade.
So while the Curren never reached American showrooms officially, Toyota fans are now bringing them state-side one by one. And the small but dedicated band of US Curren owners plan to preserve their little sedans for the long run.
FAQs
What years was the Toyota Curren produced?
The Toyota Curren was produced from 1991 to 1996 exclusively for the Japanese and Asian markets.
What engine options were available in the Curren?
The Curren came with either a 1.6L 4A-FE four cylinder or a 1.8L 7A-FE four cylinder engine. Both engines delivered around 115-125 horsepower.
How do I import a Toyota Curren to the USA?
Importing a Curren to the USA involves going through an importer to handle the paperwork, conversions to left-hand drive, EPA compliance modifications, and D.O.T. registration.
Why didn't Toyota sell the Curren in North America originally?
Toyota was focused on boosting Camry sales in North America in the early 1990s, so the Curren may have threatened Camry sales if sold here. Its Japan-centric name was also an obstacle.
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