1990s Toyota Lexcen Commercial #australia #nostalgia #classic #oldschool #retro #automobile

The 1991 Toyota Lexcen (T2 series) was a badge-engineered version of the Holden Commodore VP, produced under the United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI) joint venture between Toyota and GM-Holden 7. Sharing nearly identical mechanicals with the VP Commodore, the Lexcen was assembled at Holden’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia and offered exclusively with a 3.8L Buick-derived V6 engine (127 kW/170 hp) and a 4-speed automatic transmission—no manual or V8 options were available 23. Cosmetic differences included a unique grille, headlights, and minor exterior tweaks like revised badging and trim. The Lexcen was marketed in three trims: base CSi, mid-range VXi, and premium Newport, mirroring the Commodore’s Executive, Berlina, and Calais tiers but with slight equipment variations (e.g., standard power mirrors in some models) 312. Despite Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the Lexcen inherited the Commodore’s build quality issues, including drivetrain and electrical quirks. Its rebadging confused buyers, especially as Toyota launched its luxury Lexus brand around the same time 2. Sales were sluggish, with the Lexcen perceived as a budget alternative to the Commodore, though pricing was nearly identical 9. The Lexcen’s legacy reflects Australia’s 1990s automotive policy, blending local manufacturing with badge engineering under the Button Plan 7. Production ended in 1997 after the UAAI partnership dissolved.