Why is the Reiz called 'Grandma Reiz'?
4 Answers
The reason the Reiz is called 'Grandma Reiz' is due to its long history, which has led many car owners to develop a sentimental attachment to the Reiz. Below is a detailed introduction to the Reiz: 1. Overview: The Reiz (REIZ) is the domestic name for the Japanese Toyota MARK X model. It was produced in October 2005 at the Tianjin FAW Toyota Plant No. 2, sharing the production line and chassis with the Crown, and equipped with the same six-speed automatic transmission as the Crown. 2. Additional Information: In Japan, the MARK X is a sports car, but after being produced domestically, it was given the resounding Chinese name 'Reiz.' Additionally, the word 'Reiz,' which means 'charm' in German, also appears on the rear of the car.
Someone asked me why the old Mark X is called the 'Grandma Mark.' It's actually a generational nickname car enthusiasts use based on the model year. Specifically, it refers to the second-generation Mark X (chassis code GRX13) before its 2010 facelift. These cars have a rounded appearance, resembling old-fashioned suits, with halogen headlights that are square yet slightly rounded. After the major 2010 facelift, the front end became sharper, with chrome grille bars looking like bared teeth, so people started calling the newer model the 'Grandpa Mark.' The Grandma Mark is particularly beloved, mostly because there were more 3.0L versions back then, offering great potential for supercharger modifications. Even now, some people specifically hunt for these in the used car market. Additionally, the chassis still uses the same FR layout as the old Crown, giving a tail-happy sliding feel in corners that’s very reminiscent of classic Japanese cars.
The nickname 'Grandma Reiz' is essentially part of the automotive community's slang system. The domestically produced Reiz can be divided into three generations: the 04-09 models are the ancestors, the 2013 facelift is the grandson generation, while the 07-12 generation in between is the most awkward—stuck on an old platform yet missing the full redesign, much like the middle child in a family. The term 'Grandma' implies seniority with a touch of humor, specifically referring to pre-2009 models before the bumper redesign. The most iconic feature is the shape of the front bumper's fog light housing: Grandma Reiz has a parallelogram chrome trim, which later changed to sharp inverted triangles after the facelift. Ironically, stance enthusiasts now prefer Grandma Reiz—its unflared fenders and classic wheel arches allow for more aggressive wheel fitments.
The term 'Grandma Reiz' is essentially a nickname given by car enthusiasts to the older generation Reiz, emphasizing its 'unmodified' factory condition. Specifically, it refers to the second-generation models produced between 2005 and 2009, with the most distinctive feature being the taillights—pure red housings without transparent covers, and the rear bumper reflectors positioned at the very bottom. These cars are rare today because the 3.0L version at the time used the same 3GR engine as the Crown, making it a treasure to find this engine in the used car market now. The tuning community uses this name with respect, as these models still came with Aisin Seiki's 5AT transmission, which was later downgraded to a 6-speed automatic. As for why 'Grandma,' it might be because the handling feels like an elderly person's walk—somewhat wobbly but full of character.
