Released in September 1987, the eighth-generation Crown featured the same four body types (4-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, station wagon, van) as the previous generation model, with a difference that the hardtop with a 3-liter engine widened its body to 1,745 mm. Seven engine variations were made available, including a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve unit (7M-GE), a 2-liter 24-valve DOHC unit, and a supercharged 2-liter unit. The chassis inherited the Crown's traditional perimeter full frame and a double wishbone front suspension. The 3-liter model came with an electronically controlled air suspension. The traction control system (TRC) and other electronic devices came to be regularly employed beginning with this model generation.

In August 1989, the Crown added a top-end model equipped with a V8 4-liter engine (which was also fitted to the Celsior in October). At the same time, airbags became available for selected models as an option. In a minor model change in August 1990, a model with a 2.5-liter engine also became available.