What engine does the Toyota Chaser Tourer V have?

The Tourer V is powered by the turbocharged 1JZ-GTE inline-six — twin-turbo on the JZX90 and single-turbo VVT-i on the JZX100. It's the performance trim enthusiasts seek out.

What's the difference between the JZX90 and JZX100 Chaser?

The JZX90 (1992–96) is the classic, fully eligible Chaser. The JZX100 (1996–2001) is more refined with a single-turbo VVT-i 1JZ-GTE and is becoming eligible model year by model year.

Is the Toyota Chaser good for drifting?

Yes — it's a drift icon. Rear-wheel drive, a torquey turbo straight-six, and a huge aftermarket make the Chaser Tourer V one of the most popular four-door drift platforms.

Is a Toyota Chaser street-legal in the U.S.?

Chasers 25+ years old import legally under the federal age exemption. As a passenger sedan, registration is generally straightforward — confirm your state's emissions and titling rules.

Chaser vs Mark II — what's the difference?

They're siblings built on the same platform with the same engines, including the 1JZ-GTE Tourer V. Styling and trim differ slightly; both are excellent. Buy whichever clean example fits your budget.

← Import guide overview

Toyota Chaser · JDM sports import

Toyota Chaser import guide

JZX90 · JZX100 · 1JZ-GTE · Tourer V

The Toyota Chaser is the four-door drift legend — a sleek rear-drive sedan with the turbocharged 1JZ-GTE in its sought-after Tourer V trim. It blends sleeper styling with serious tuning potential and a chassis built for sliding.

1JZ-GTE turbo
Rear-wheel drive
Tourer V trim

View Chaser inventory Source one from Japan

At a glance

Toyota Chaser quick facts

Type: Sports sedan
Engine: 1JZ-GTE turbo / 1JZ-GE / 2JZ-GE inline-6
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (4WD on some)
Chassis: JZX90 (1992–96), JZX100 (1996–2001)
Key trim: Tourer V (turbo, manual available)
Import eligibility: 25+ year examples are FMVSS-exempt

Overview

Why import a Toyota Chaser

The Chaser is the enthusiast's choice for a practical performance JDM sedan. Its Tourer V trim pairs the turbocharged 1JZ-GTE with rear-wheel drive and an available manual gearbox — a recipe that made the Chaser a cornerstone of drift culture.

Understated four-door styling means it flies under the radar while hiding genuine tuning potential. It's a Supra-adjacent engine in a usable, family-friendly body.

Turbo 1JZ-GTE in Tourer V trim
Rear-wheel drive with available manual
Sleeper sedan styling, four usable doors
Massive aftermarket and drift heritage

Chassis

JZX90 vs JZX100

The JZX90 (1992–1996) is fully import-eligible and the classic Chaser, with the 1JZ-GTE in Tourer V form. The JZX100 (1996–2001) refines the chassis and updated the 1JZ-GTE to a single-turbo, VVT-i unit — becoming eligible year by year and highly prized.

JZX90 — 1992–96, classic Chaser, fully eligible
JZX100 — 1996–2001, VVT-i single-turbo, rolling in
Tourer V — the turbo, performance-focused trim
Avante / Tourer S — NA comfort variants

Buyer notes

What to look for at auction

Confirm it's a genuine turbo Tourer V (not an NA trim)
Engine and turbo health; quality of any prior tuning
Manual vs automatic — manuals command a premium
Drift/accident history and chassis straightness
Rust and originality; clean examples are rising fast

Importing

Importing a Chaser to the U.S.

Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.

JZX90 Chasers are eligible now; JZX100s become eligible on the anniversary of their build date. We verify eligibility before bidding so you only land a legal car.

Keep exploring

Related import guides

Toyota Mark II

JDM sports

The Chaser's refined sibling — same JZX platform and 1JZ-GTE Tourer V driveline.

Nissan Silvia

JDM sports

The quintessential drift car — S13/S14/S15 with the legendary SR20DET turbo.

Nissan Skyline

JDM sports

The JDM icon — R32/R33/R34 GT-R and GTS-t with legendary RB twin-turbo power.

Toyota Crown

Luxury sedan

Japan's flagship luxury sedan — rear-drive comfort with available 1JZ/2JZ power.

FAQ

Toyota Chaser import — common questions

What engine does the Toyota Chaser Tourer V have?: The Tourer V is powered by the turbocharged 1JZ-GTE inline-six — twin-turbo on the JZX90 and single-turbo VVT-i on the JZX100. It's the performance trim enthusiasts seek out.
What's the difference between the JZX90 and JZX100 Chaser?: The JZX90 (1992–96) is the classic, fully eligible Chaser. The JZX100 (1996–2001) is more refined with a single-turbo VVT-i 1JZ-GTE and is becoming eligible model year by model year.
Is the Toyota Chaser good for drifting?: Yes — it's a drift icon. Rear-wheel drive, a torquey turbo straight-six, and a huge aftermarket make the Chaser Tourer V one of the most popular four-door drift platforms.
Is a Toyota Chaser street-legal in the U.S.?: Chasers 25+ years old import legally under the federal age exemption. As a passenger sedan, registration is generally straightforward — confirm your state's emissions and titling rules.
Chaser vs Mark II — what's the difference?: They're siblings built on the same platform with the same engines, including the 1JZ-GTE Tourer V. Styling and trim differ slightly; both are excellent. Buy whichever clean example fits your budget.

Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.

Ready to import a Toyota Chaser?

Pacific JDMbids at Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya auctions every week. Browse what's in stock or have us source the exact Chaser you want from Japan.

View Chaser inventory Source a vehicle