Why is the Reiz called 'Grandma Reiz'?

[LilahFitz]

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.

[Byron]

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.

[ChloeDella]

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.

[VonAdelyn]

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.

[DakotaMarie]

The nickname "Grandma Reiz" stems from generational distinctions in the product line. The September 2010 facelift of the second-generation Reiz marked a watershed: early versions featured round headlight washer covers that later became triangular, while early models concealed exhaust pipes within the rear bumper before switching to exposed dual outlets. Enthusiasts use "Grandma" to emphasize the pure, unadulterated driving experience - particularly the tactile feedback of the hydraulic power steering, which disappeared entirely when the third generation adopted electronic assist. Interestingly, used car dealers adopted this terminology too, with 2008 "Grandma Reiz" models commanding 20,000-30,000 yuan premiums over post-2010 facelifts, proving classic design can appreciate in value.

[VanJack]

The nickname 'Grandma Reiz' holds the nostalgic memories of Reiz owners from a bygone era. When it was first domestically produced in 2007, it was a complete replica of the Japanese Mark X, even retaining the 'X' emblem on the front grille. It wasn't until after 2009 that it was replaced with the Toyota bullhead logo. Thus, 'Grandma Reiz' specifically refers to those models with the X emblem, much like preserving the original identity. Here's a lesser-known fact: the tail lights of the Grandma Reiz, when lit, arranged the bulbs in an 'E' shape, which changed to three bars after the facelift. Today, classic car enthusiasts treat this generation as living fossils to collect, especially since the combination of rear-wheel drive and a V6 engine will never return. Even the brake calipers are the old-fashioned single-piston Nissin type, making brake pad replacement three times more cumbersome than the newer models.