History of the Hilux in the US

[DOELLOOS]

I copied this from http://www.motorportal.com

COMPACT TRUCK/TACOMA, 4x2

Series Chronology

1964 - Stout introduced to U.S.

1969 - Hi-Lux compact truck introduced with 1.9L engine.

1970 - Hi-Lux receives new engine.

1972 - 3rd generation engine debuts in Hi-Lux.

1973 - CY 1972 1/2 - 2nd generation Hi-Lux.

1973 - Available with extended cargo-bed.

1974 - CY 1974 - Wins "Pickup Truck of the Year" from Pickup, Van & 4WD.

1975 - 3rd generation, larger engine.

1975 - 5-spd manual transmission available.

1976 - Pickup name replaces Hi-Lux on U.S.-market trucks.

1977 (September) - 1-millionth truck produced.

1977 - SR5 grade introduced.

1979 - 4th generation.

1981 - Receives larger gasoline engine and available diesel engine.

1983 - Last year of 4-speed manual transmission.

1984 - 5th generation.

1984 - Xtracab, turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines available.

1986 - Last year of diesel engine availability.

1989 - 6th generation, introduction of V-6.

1989 - CY 1989 - Wins "Truck of the Year", Motor Trend

1989 - CY 1989 - Wins "Pickup Truck of the Year", Four Wheeler Magazine.

1995 - 6th generation, introduced as 1995 1/2 model.

1995 - Introduction of Tacoma name.

1995 - "Import Truck of the Year" - Automundo magazine.

1996 - "Best Compact Pickup in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power & Associates.

1997 - Minor revision to front styling.

1997 - "Best Vehicle in Initial Quality-Compact Pickup segment" - J.D. Power &

Associates

1998 - Addition of passenger-side airbag.

1998 - Introduction of Tacoma PreRunner Xtracab.

1999 - Tacoma PreRunner adds Regular Cab to model line-up.

2000 - Receives daytime running lights as standard on models equipped with ABS

2001 - Introduction of PreRunner Double Cab, PreRunner Double Cab V6,

S-Runner Xtracab V6 to model line-up, as well as a StepSide bed

2001CY - "Most Wanted Small Pickup" - Edmunds.com

2002 - AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS) award for Compact Pickup Truck

2002 - Consumer Reports Most Reliable Compact Pickup Truck

2002 - Intellichoice named Best Overall Value Compact Pickup Class 2WD

2002 - J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) award in the Compact Pickup segment.

2004 - Tacoma receives VSC and TRAC as standard on PreRunner models

Toyota's first foray into the pickup truck market was the Stout, introduced to America in 1964. For 1969, Toyota was determined to develop and sell an all-new light truck worthy of the company that produced the Corolla. With a newly developed four-cylinder 1.9L engine designated 3R, the Hi-Lux was the vehicle Toyota had been looking for. It was somewhat spartan inside (as trucks were utility vehicles first and foremost at that time), with a metal dashboard, a bench seat and a sturdy cargo area.

Changes were few in the early days of truck production, with a new engine, the 1.8L 8R-C, making its debut in 1970, and subsequently being replaced by the 2.0L 18R-C in 1972.

Designated a 1973 (but released in Spring 1972 -- a 1972 1/2), the next generation Hi-Lux looked less utilitarian, and began to take on a car-like quality -- all the while retaining its Toyota-like tendencies to be strong, reliable and inexpensive to operate. Styling was updated, and turn signals originally installed on top of the fenders were now built into the body.

For the official 1973 model year, the Hi-Lux took a large step forward in utility. Now available as an option was a 7 1/2-foot Long Bed model providing Americans with the type of hauling ability that had long been possible with full-size domestic vehicles. The combination of Long Bed models and car-like ride and handling made Toyota's Hi-Lux an immediate strong seller. In 1974, the Hi-Lux was awarded the honor of "Pickup Truck of the Year" from Pickup, Van & 4WD.

1975 saw the introduction of the 3rd generation Hi-Lux. It was now powered by a 2.2L version of the 18R-C, called the 20R, and was also available (for the first time on a Toyota utility vehicle) with a 5-speed manual transmission. In 1976, the U.S.-version of the Hi-Lux lost its name, and was to be called "compact truck" from that point forward. Truck sales were booming world wide, and in September 1977, the one-millionth pickup truck rolled out the factory in Japan.

1979 saw the introduction of the SR5 model. With its five-speed manual transmission hooked to the powerful gasoline engine, the SR5 was intended to appeal to a new type of customer -- the sport-truck buyer.

The 1979 model change (the fourth generation) was the most sweeping yet. It resulted in a well-appointed vehicle, with the emphasis toward passenger comfort while retaining its reputation as a true workhorse. Power remained the same with the continuation of the use of the 20R engine for two more years, but in 1981 the "legend" took its place under the hood of the truck. That legend was the 22R engine, and is still used today. The 2.4L gasoline 22R was joined by a 2.2L diesel engine in the same year.

The 1984 truck represented the fifth generation, and saw changes that continued to make it more car-like. An Xtracab model provided additional storage space behind the seats, and engines now included turbo-charged versions of the diesel and the 22R.

With gasoline becoming more affordable, diesel models of the truck were discontinued in 1986, with the turbo-charged gasoline model being discontinued in 1988.

1988 saw the introduction of the sixth generation truck, optionally available with a new V6 engine. Equipped with the V6, the truck was capable of towing 3500 pounds, and was still able to return excellent gas mileage.

From 1988 until 1994, there were very few changes to the truck. Styling was updated regularly, and luxury soon became part of the truck equation. Trucks could now be equipped with an Xtracab, sport seats, air-conditioning -- even a CD player! The pickup truck was as strong, rugged and versatile as ever, but provided the owner with everything that a luxury car could.







In 1995, Toyota introduced an all-new pickup truck, designed and built in America -- the Tacoma. Tacoma featured an all-new line-up of high performance engines. A 142-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 lb.-ft. of torque was standard on 2WD models, while 4WD models offered a 150 horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 177 lb.-ft. of torque. Available on both configurations was a newly developed 190 horsepower 3.4-liter V6 producing 220 lb.-ft. of torque, which the Tacoma shares with the T100.

Putting Tacoma's new-found power to the ground was a redesigned suspension offering a coil spring double-wishbone configuration, which replaces the Hi-Trac torsion bar double wishbone suspension on the previous generation. The lower arm uses a closed cross-sectional structure that adds strength while reducing unsprung weight. Suspension travel on the 4WD models increased from 5.9-inches to 7.7-inches, improving both on- and off-road performance. Tread width on both 2WD and 4WD's also increased, improving steering stability and ride comfort. Tacoma continued to use the tried-and-true leaf-type rear suspension with refinements to layout design.

Because safety is a major concern, a standard driver-side airbag, center high-mount stop light and adjustable seatbelt anchors, improved side-view mirrors, along with optional four-wheel ABS were added. Additionally, Tacoma received side door impact beams and three-point, automatic and emergency locking retractor (ALR and ELR) seatbelts in outboard positions, with an ELR seatbelt on the driver's side.

For 1997, Tacoma remained mechanically unchanged, but received a redesigned front-end. Headlights were faired into a new grille, and the whole assembly is more aerodynamic and stylish than before.

1998 saw the addition of a passenger-side airbag one year ahead of the Federal standard for 1999. For increased safety, the passenger-side airbag could be turned off with the ignition key. But for redesigned sound systems and the addition of new colors, the 2WD Tacoma carried over unchanged.

The Tacoma PreRunner was introduced in mid-year. The new 2WD pickup combines the rugged styling and off-road ability of Toyota's 4WD pickup trucks with the affordability of a 2WD model. For model year 1999, a Regular Cab model with an automatic transmission equipped with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder is added to the PreRunner line-up.

The 2000 model year also saw the addition of the Tacoma StepSide, a sporty stepside package that added a youthful alternative to the Tacoma lineup.

The 2001 Tacoma entered the new model year with aggressive new styling changes, several new upgrade packages and four new exterior colors. In addition, the Tacoma lineup became more diverse with the addition of the four-door Double Cab and sporty S-Runner 4x2.

The 2002 Tacoma carried over with no changes.

The 2003 Tacoma carried over with no exterior changes. A Child Restraint System lower anchor was made standard for the front passenger seat on Regular and Xtracabs, and for the rear outboard seats on the Double Cabs. Anti-lock brake systems were made standard on all models.

The 2004 Tacoma enters the new model year with Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control as standard equipment on four-wheel drive and PreRunner models.

PRERUNNER:

*PreRunner changes mirror Tacoma 4x2 changes unless otherwise noted.

Tacoma PreRunner was developed in conjunction with Toyota Motorsports' successful desert racing truck program. Much of the suspension tuning and development work was done with the assistance of Toyota-driver Ivan "The Ironman" Stewart.



PreRunner shared identical exterior styling on all '98 4WD models. PreRunners were available only as Xtracab models with an automatic transmission and with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. Enhancing PreRunner's off-road ability was an available Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-Road package.

The package offered a rugged combination of front and rear Bilstein shock absorbers, locking rear differential on V6 models, progressive-rate front coil springs and rear leaf suspension, modified camber rear springs, a larger front stabilizer bar, 31x10.5R15 white lettered Goodyear tires, 15x7-inch alloy wheels, black overfenders and special Off-Road graphics.

In 1999, the Tacoma PreRunner added a Regular Cab to its line-up in addition to the PreRunner Xtracab model, and the 2000 model offered standard daytime running lights on all models equipped with ABS.

For 2004, Tacoma PreRunner receives Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control as standard equipment.

DOUBLE CAB:

*Double Cab changes mirror Tacoma 4x2/4x4 changes unless otherwise noted.

The Tacoma Double Cab delivers the cargo-hauling capability of a pickup truck, the passenger roominess and comfort of an SUV and rugged styling that makes a strong active-lifestyle statement.

Double Cab is offered in SR5 and Limited trim levels with available off-road package in the two-wheel drive PreRunner series with a four or six-cylinder engine. It offers eleven inches of class-leading ground clearance, and a 61-inch cargo bed. It's four, large conventional doors open to a well-appointed and roomy interior, featuring spacious front and rear seating and a 60/40 fold-down rear bench with three-point outboard belts.

The 2003 Double Cab featured CRS lower anchors for rear outboard seats.

S-RUNNER:

*S-Runner changes mirror Tacoma 4x2 changes unless otherwise noted.

The S-Runner was offered in a 4x2 Xtracab trim level with a five-speed manual overdrive transmission and powered exclusively by Tacoma's 190-horsepower V6 engine. Performance was enhanced with a low-to-the-ground sports tuned suspension with Tokico gas shock absorbers and stiffer springs, sway bars and bushings. Ground clearance was reduced by two inches from the standard 4x2.

S-Runner boasted a full color-keyed exterior that included the grille, lower valence panel, front and rear bumper, overfenders and outside door handles and mirrors. For an extreme appearance, a dealer-installed Toyota Racing Development (TRD) body kit was available.

The color-keyed exterior was complemented by an aggressive interior feel which included standard amenities such as front sports and power lumbar driver seat, front seat for and aft adjustable headrests, leather steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with twin trip meters, AM/FM/Cassette audio with six speakers, tilt steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers and a rear console box.

The 2002 Tacoma S-Runner's side door badging became color-keyed and there was an addition of a driver's side A-pillar assist grip.









STEPSIDE:

The StepSide package was available on regular and Xtracab 4x2 Tacoma models, powered by either four-cylinder or V6 engines for model years 2001-2003. The StepSide's cargo box was a solid steel unit with a sporty image that was enhanced by the use of front fenders, bumper and grille from the Tacoma 4x4.

The StepSide package was discontinued for the 2004 model year.

What does it mean?

4x2 Truck: 4x2 means that the vehicle has 4 wheels, only 2 of which are driven.

Tacoma: From the Salish Indian word for the mountain that provided water to their tribe (later changed to Mount Rainier). The name suggests images of strength and power.

Tacoma PreRunner: PreRunner is a term that refers to a class of vehicle used to "pre-run" an off-road race course in order to save the race vehicle for race day. Often, these "pre-runner" vehicles are heavily modified 2WD trucks.

Double Cab: Double Cab is a Toyota conceived term for a four-door truck.

S-Runner: The term S-Runner is a sport version of the Tacoma PreRunner.

Where is it built?

Compact trucks are built at NUMMI in Fremont, Calif., the Honsha Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and all truck beds are produced at TABC in Long Beach, Calif. All Tacomas are produced at NUMMI. The Tacoma StepSide pickup truck was co-developed by design engineers at the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), production facility, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., Product Planning Group and Rob Millen Motorsports in Huntington Beach, Calif.





**NOTE: All chronology dates are model year, unless noted otherwise. CY refers to "Calendar Year."**

COMPACT TRUCK/TACOMA, 4x4

Series Chronology

1979 - Introduction of 4WD.

1979 - CY 1979 - 4WD wins Pickup, Van & 4WD "4WD of the Year"; Off-Road "4WD Vehicle of the Year"; 4x4 and Off-Road Vehicles "Toughest Truck of the Year".

1980 - CY 1980 - Is best selling Compact 4x4 for the next 14 years.

1982 - 4WD model available with 5-speed transmission.

1984 - Introduction of auto-locking hubs on 4WD.

1985 - Automatic transmission available on 4WD.

1989 - CY 1989 - Wins "Pickup Truck of the Year", Four Wheel & Off Road Magazine.

1995 - Introduction of Tacoma name to truck line.

1996 - CY 1996 - Named "Pickup Truck of the Year", Four Wheeler Magazine.

1996 - CY 1996 - Wins JD Power IQS.

1997 - Expanded availability of locking rear differential.

1998 - Minor change to styling, suspension.

1998 - "Pickup Truck of the Year" - Four Wheeler Magazine.

2000 - Adds appearance package, new exterior colors, and receives daytime

running lights on ABS-equipped models

2001 - Aggressive styling changes, several new upgrade packages and four new

exterior colors

2002 - AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS) Top performer in Compact Pickup Truck segment.

2004 - Tacoma receives VSC and TRAC as standard on PreRunner models



In 1979, Toyota expanded its popular line of pickup trucks to include both two- and four-wheel drive models. The new four-wheel drives were an immediate success with both consumers and media alike, being awarded "4WD of the Year" by Pickup, Van & 4WD, "4WD Vehicle of the Year" by Off-Road and "Toughest Truck of the Year" by 4x4 and Off-Road Vehicles.

Changes and updates on the 4WD models mirrored their 2WD cousins, with the exception of the drivetrain. When first introduced, the four-wheel drive model was available with only a four-speed manual transmission, but was updated with a five-speed unit in 1982. A "shift on the fly" system whereby the front hubs could be locked automatically without exiting the vehicle was introduced in 1984. 1985 saw the next transmission change as a four-speed electronically-controlled transmission was made available.

Toyota trucks earned their reputation as rugged and reliable workhorses. The combination of four-wheel drive and luxury (power windows, door locks and mirrors, compact disc player, sunroof, additional seats in the rear of the cab) proved that Toyota trucks were capable of getting almost anywhere (in style) and coming home again reliably.

Toyota's Tacoma line (see 2WD section for detailed product description) saw minor changes and additions for the 1997 model year. Available on all 4WD models, Tacoma's locking rear differential allows it a trail ability unlike any other compact pickup truck. Other changes were to the availability of bucket seats on non-SR5 level Xtracabs and revised striping on SR5 models.

On the inside, all 1998 Tacomas received a passenger side airbag with cutoff switch for increased occupant safety. Also added were rotary HVAC controls, two additional 12V power outlets and repositioned cupholders.

On the outside, a restyled grille and headlights along with larger front bumper and new overfenders made for a more aggressive appearance. Inspired by Toyota's successful desert racing program, a special Toyota Racing Development Off-Road Package was equipped with specially valved Bilstein shocks, increased-rate front coil and rear leaf springs and a locking rear differential.

After receiving a redesigned interior and styling upgrades in 1998, the 1999 Tacoma remained relatively unchanged with the exception of several new added value packages and safety features. The added safety features included new front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters as well as a passenger-side airbag cut-off switch.

The 2000 model offered standard daytime running lights on all models equipped with ABS.

For 2001, the Tacoma received a new front fascia that included a vertical grille and raised hood, new multi-reflector headlamps and jeweled tail lamps. Tether anchor brackets have been added to supplement child restraint systems.

The 2002 Tacoma 4x4 carried over unchanged.

The 2003 Tacoma's 4x4 updates and changes mirrored the Tacoma 4x2. A Child Restraint System lower anchor was made standard for the front passenger seat on Regular and Xtracabs, and for the rear outboard seats on the Double Cabs. Anti-lock brake systems were made standard on all models.

For 2004, Tacoma 4x4 receives Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control as standard equipment.



What does it mean?

4x4 Truck: 4x4 signifies that the vehicle has four wheels, four of which are driven.

Where is it built?

Four-wheel drive compact trucks are built at NUMMI in Fremont, Calif., the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Japan, and all truck beds are produced at TABC in Long Beach, Calif.

**NOTE: All chronology dates are model year, unless noted otherwise. CY refers to "Calendar Year."**