History of the Hilux

[Harold]

I think the History refers to Hilux in he USA

Source of this information: ‘4x4 News Brief 3rd Quarter 2007’ by Greg van der Reis

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

Toyota Hilux - History (called the Tacoma in the USA) by Manie Carstens
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..
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.