JDM Obscurities: Toyota Comfort GT-Z

In 1995 Toyota designed a car called the ‘Comfort’ also known as the ‘Comfort Crown’ and it was designed purely to function as a taxicab in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

And yes, it looks just as boring as it sounds. This might make you ask - what could be so special about it?

Look as boring as it sounds? You decide.

Well, in 2003 Toyota produced a limited run (59 units) of the Toyota Comfort ‘GT-Z’ model that came out with a supercharger fitted from the factory. Yep that’s right, a supercharger.

Is 'Comfort' followed by 'GT-Z' a contradiction?

Toyota, in classic Japanese fashion, decided to produce a limited edition TRD version of one of the most boring and generic cars from that era in attempt to make it a little more exciting.

Okay so the power isn't massive, but still warrants a track car.

The Comfort GT-Z borrowed the Toyota built 3S-FE motor from a Camry and produced a not-so-exciting 118kW and 221Nm of torque. None the less, it was a decent step up from the base model, which only had 85kW and 189Nm of torque.

Oh, only a 3S-FE?

It may not be one of the fastest or the most aesthetically pleasing cars to roll out of the Toyota factory, but its FR layout and 5-speed manual transmission made this a fun and capable car.

Inside: Bucket seats, bespoke steering wheel, performance gauges. (image credit: Nori Yaro)

With a few TRD goodies such as the bucket seats, steering wheel, shift knob and gauges it makes for one cool taxi. 

Track-taxi. (image credit: Nori Yaro)

What do you reckon, should the Comfort stick to gridlock instead of the grid? Tell us in the comments.

Check out the other parts in this series:

JDM Obscurities: Nismo 270R
JDM Obsucrities: Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution