The Toyota Wish is a professionally crafted and stylish compact people mover manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation since 2003. Intended for versatile use by today’s families, the Wish offers both efficiency and elegance in the form of one smart appliance. It is well known for its roominess, for its numerous variants of seat settings, and finally for being dependable and thrifty as well. This minivan is available in either 6 or 7-passenger editions and is packed with comfort, cargo, and passenger space, making it perfect for road trips and daily driving road trips.
In this article, we will explore the evolution of the Toyota Wish across its two generations. Our goal is to provide detailed insights that highlight the differences between them, helping our readers and customers make informed decisions. Join us as we delve into the features, improvements, and distinctions that set these generations apart, simplifying your decision-making process.
Writer’s Perspective
All in all, the Toyota Wish is a good car to recommend for those who are in the market for an MPV car that is reliable, spacious, and versatile. The compactness, which is a good intake for seven people, is suitable for family and group holidays. One of the best things about The Wish is that it is an archetypical Toyota with smooth operations, reasonable acceleration, and satisfactory fuel economy. They are also reinforced by their interior design with their flexibility and spacious boot/trunk further enhancing their utility. It may not be packed with state-of-the-art features and topnotch performance that one can think of as austerely comfortable or luxurious, but it is an ideal car for long travels and day-to-day use
| 2.0Z | 2.0G | 1.8S | 1.8A | 1.8G | 1.8X | |
| Drive System (WD) | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD/4WD | 2WD/4WD | 2WD/4WD | 2WD/4WD |
| Seats | 6 seats | 7 seats | 7 seats | 7 seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Engine | 3ZR-FA | 2ZR-FAE | 2ZR-FAE | 2ZR-FAE | 2ZR-FAE | 2ZR-FAE |
| Fuel consumption | 12.5 – 14.2km/l | 12.5 – 14.2km/l | 11.1 – 14.2km/l | 11.1 – 14.2km/l | 11.1 – 14.2km/l | 11.1 – 14.2km/l |
| Length | 4.59 | 4.59 | 4.59 | 4.59 | 4.59 | 4.59 |
| Width | 1.74 | 1.74 | 1.72 | 1.72 | 1.69 | 1.69 |
| Height | 1.60 m | 1.59 m | 1.59 m | 1.59 m | 1.59 m | 1.59 m |
2003 – 2008
Price
| 2003 | USD 1,740 – USD 2,660 |
| 2006 | USD 1,470 – USD 2,790 |
| 2008 | USD 1,710 – USD 3,940 |
The Toyota Wish is a model that was first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of 2002 as a model of 2003 and later was on the market in Japan in January of the same year. The width, height, length, and wheelbase measures complied with the ‘5 number’ small-size passenger vehicle standards in Japan and provided the Wish with a sleek look with relatively low body height.
Pros:
- Spacious interior with flexible seating
- Reliable and fuel-efficient
- Practical for families and daily use
Cons:
- Not the most luxurious
- Limited high-performance options
- Basic interior features compared to some competitors
How many seaters?
The Wish features three rows of seats in six or seven-seat configurations. The second and third-row seats can be split and folded, providing a flat, spacious luggage area as needed.
The versatile seating and foldable rows in the Toyota Wish provide significant benefits, including the ability to easily switch between carrying passengers and transporting large cargo. This flexibility enhances the vehicle’s practicality, making it ideal for family trips, daily errands, and various lifestyle needs.
Buyers of Toyota Wish will include families that require a spacious vehicle for everyday use as well as for weekend getaways, people who have to transport large items frequently, and finally, everyone who values durability and affordability of fuel consumption. It also comes in handy for pickup to drop off, recess, and any small businesspeople who need to shift cargo occasionally.
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Engine Performance
At the time of its launch, the first generation Toyota Wish was only produced with a 1.8L gasoline (1ZZ-FE) with a power of 132 HP. Later, to replace it, several modifications of the 2.0L (1AZ-FSE) petrol engine with 155 HP were offered as an option. It is available in the FWD and 4WD facilities The vehicle has a 2.0 liter gasoline engine and 6-sPEED automatic transmission. The 2.0L FWD model comes with a CVT transmission system, and 1.8L engines are available with FWD and 4WD which have a 4-speed automatic transmission
The engines provided with Toyota Wish, output powerful as well as efficient power that is best for regular city rides and for highway as well. A perfect companion for parents who do lots of school runs, businesspeople, and anyone who needs a car that is dependable on the road and fuel efficient, with the option of choosing between power and torque on the go.
Other Features
For more detail, every basic model of the Toyota Wish was offered with MacPherson strut suspension in the front and torsion beam rear suspension while the 2.0Z and 4WD variants were mounted with double-wishbone rear suspension. In 2005, the facelifted model had minor modifications to the exterior and interior accessories; the new features were the refinements of the dashboard, headlight, newly designed LED tail lights, newly shaped bumpers, and improvement in the climate control buttons. Additionally, For the 2.0Z model, Ford decided to update the transmission system, fitting it with a new 7-speed automatic transmission while the power plant and other components of the engine as well as the drive train remained the same.
The available suspension systems in the Toyota Wish include the system, sport system, and compound crank system, which enables the car to meet different clients’ driving styles while delivering improved stability and a comfortable ride. The new face of the model and the introduction of the 7-speed automatic transmission added a new attractive appearance and enhanced the shifting. For those who want a good family/commuter car with reasonable safety and a good set of modern features), the editors suggest using the model year 2005 and newer.
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2009 – 2017
| 2009 | USD 1,840 – USD 5,860 |
| 2010 | USD 1,860 – USD 5,210 |
| 2012 | USD 3,340 – USD 7,010 |
In the initial months of 2009, Toyota introduced the second-generation Wish, which maintained the concept of a small-sized passenger vehicle “5 number” from its predecessor.
How many seaters?
The second-generation Wish remains a sporty MPV, offering seating for seven passengers (except for the 2.0 Z variant which seats six), divided into three rows.
Due to the flexibility in seating arrangement the Toyota Wish can comfortably convey up to seven people and comes with features of foldable rows of seats, making the vehicle suitable for different purposes such as family use, transport to and from work, and as a vehicle for travel. Perfect for those who look for a blend between the number of available passengers and the amount of transportable cargo, which will be useful for daily trips, family visits, and tourism.
Grades
The second generation, marketed under the slogan “smart multiplayer,” has notably enhanced the car’s overall appeal. It offers four trims: the base 1.8X, the sporty 1.8S, the upper-class 2.0G, and the top-end 2.0Z, providing diverse options to cater to various preferences and needs.
The engine options in the second-generation Toyota Wish provide a range of benefits, including improved performance, efficiency, and power. Users can select based on their priorities: the 1.8X for everyday driving, the 1.8S for a sportier experience, the 2.0G for enhanced features, and the 2.0Z for top-end performance. Recommended for families, commuters, and enthusiasts seeking specific driving dynamics.
Engine and Other New Features
The latest release of the Wish introduces new features such as active headrests, a 10-speaker Wish Panoramic Live Sound System, and dust mite-resistant seat covers. Like its predecessor, this second-generation model offers either a 1.8L (2ZR-FAE) petrol engine or a 2.0L (3ZR-FAE) petrol engine equipped with the valvematic system, enhancing both driving performance and reducing air pollution.
The 1.8L engine in the 2WD model, produced from 2009 to 2018, delivers 140 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque, while the same engine in the 4WD model of the same period produces 130 hp and 121 lb-ft of torque. The larger 2.0L engine within the same timeframe boasts an output of 150 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. These engines are paired with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 7-speed Super CVT-i transmission, enhancing fuel efficiency by nearly 15% compared to previous models.
In the second quarter of 2012, a facelifted version of the Wish was introduced, featuring cosmetic updates such as a redesigned dashboard meter cluster, revised front grille, new headlights, LED-inserted taillights, and rear tailgate decoration.
The diverse engine options and new features in the Toyota Wish provide users with improved performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort. Ideal for families, commuters, and travelers seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle for daily use and long journeys. The recommended model is the facelifted version introduced in the second quarter of 2012 for its updated features and aesthetics.
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Safety Features
Standard safety features in the Wish include ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and BA (Braking Assistance). Optional features comprise the Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Front ventilated and rear disc brakes are standard, except for the 1.8X 2WD variant, which features rear drums.
The comprehensive safety features in the Toyota Wish ensure enhanced control and protection for users, offering peace of mind on the road. With options like ABS, EBD, and BA as standard, and additional features like TCS and VSC, the Wish provides a secure driving experience. Highly recommended for safety-conscious drivers and families.
Why was Toyota’s wish discontinued?
The Toyota Wish was discontinued in 2017 due to declining sales and changing market preferences towards SUVs and crossover vehicles. Its competitors included similar compact MPVs like the Honda Stream and Mazda Premacy. The Toyota Prius α and Sienta were positioned as potential replacements, offering similar versatility and seating capacity.
Despite its discontinuation, the Toyota Wish remains a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and practical family vehicle. With its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and reputation for reliability, the Wish provides excellent value for money. Additionally, its availability in the used car market at potentially lower prices makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, if space, versatility, and reliability are priorities, the Toyota Wish is worth considering.
Conclusion
Once reigning as a prime choice in the MPV segment, Toyota Wish continues to hold its charm even with the current emergence of newer models. Its timeless appeal is wrapped up in a triple treat of reliability, affordability, and ample space—a combination that few competitors can muster. Roomy enough for passengers and luggage, it means the Wish easily switches between different needs. A comfortable cabin is also a warm welcome feature of the Wish, plus lots of storage for all-day necessities. Unlike its counterparts, the Wish provides generous space in the third row for the tallest passengers to fit in comfortably. For those navigating the maze of options for MPV, the timeless charm of the Wish holds the promise of a steady companion for the adventures on the horizon. So, if you want a reliable, versatile ride above expectations, the Toyota Wish is calling your name. Discover over 300 used Toyota Wishes at BE FORWARD and drive into the future with confidence.
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I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
