The first-generation 3S-GE was produced from May 1984 to 1989, arriving in both North American versions, as well as In Japan as a second variation. The North American engine was slightly less powerful, producing around . This engine was the only 3S-GE to come to North America, in the Celica GT-S (ST162). Among other things, the Japanese market version sported a more aggressive ECU and lacked the EGR valve system, pushing the output to somewhere around at 6,400 rpm and of torque. The engine was originally available in particular in the Toyota Camry/Vista Twin Cam 2000 (3S-GELU for V10s, 3S-GE for V20s) and Toyota Corona *T150 (limited chassis version - ST162 with 3S-GELU).