While you’re unlikely to see a Toyota Altezza on U.S. roads, there are some vehicles that are Identical in all but the nameplate.
The Toyota Altezza is one of the most iconic JDM vehicles of the late 90s to early 2000s. Built as either a sedan or 5-door wagon, the Altezza never actually made it to the US — at least, not badged as a Toyota. Rather, the US equivalent is the first-generation Lexus IS (codename XE10), more specifically the IS 200 and IS 300, designating the engine displacement of either 2.0L or 3.0L. Other than some minor details, the Altezza and IS remain identical in almost every other way, with both models featuring the same platform, general bodywork, and mechanical underpinnings. And, of course, its distinctive taillights, which gave rise to the „Altezza lights“ fad of the mid 2000s where people fit clear acrylic housings to their car’s taillights.
And let’s not forget about the other clear distinction between the JDM and USDM models: the name. The word „Altezza“ is actually Italian, meaning „height or nobility.“ In the context of the language, „altezza“ translates more closely to a phrase like „highness“ or „important stature“, and as such, it reflects a vehicle of higher status.
