What is a Hilux?

Question

Hi.I've had a 1990 Toyota 4x4 Truck 2 door short bed for about 1 year. Severalpersons including a mechanic, parts store clerk and a parking lot attendanthave referred to it as a "Hilux".  Its 4 cylinder and gas powered. The ownermanual referes to it simply as a Toyota Truck.What is a Hilux" Espeacially for the year 1990?   The totota web site doesnot list them but my usenet searches seem to indicated they are currentlysold elsewhere. Is it a general term in the states for any old 4x4 Toyotatruck before Tacoma and Tundra came out?Thanks! Please email if possible too!

Roger Brown · Accepted Answer

Hilux is basically the name of the pickup models outside the North Americanmarket:

Fred · Answer

Hi.Thanks for that great link.. According to it, a true 1990 hilux does nothave independent front suspension. Mine looks like it does so I guess it ISa general term used by some in the USA to pre Tacoma and Tundra 4x4's.Thanks

Dr. Randall Whitaker · Answer

I'm old enough to remember when the (relatively rare) Toyota pickups in the1960's (?) actually had a nameplate that read 'HiLux' on 'em.  From the 1970'sup until the introduction of the Tacoma series in the mid-1990's, the Toyotatruck was simply titled 'Toyota Pickup' in Toyota's literature, etc.  I alwayshad the impression 'HiLux' was used all along as the model name for the truckssold outside the NA market.

pray4surf · Answer

: I'm old enough to remember when the (relatively rare) Toyota pickups inthe: 1960's (?) actually had a nameplate that read 'HiLux' on 'em.  From the1970's: up until the introduction of the Tacoma series in the mid-1990's, theToyota: truck was simply titled 'Toyota Pickup' in Toyota's literature, etc.  Ialways: had the impression 'HiLux' was used all along as the model name for thetrucks: sold outside the NA market.Weren't these those atrocious looking trucks with the turn signal perchedupon the front fenders?

Burp · Answer

Yep... those fender mounted turn signals were UGLY!!!! I believe they used the 18R engine though my memory is not 100% accurate. I also recall the "Hilux" badge on these early trucks.

The first of the "modern" Toyota Pickups began with the 1975 model.

max-income · Answer

I have a 76 pu that I use as a daily driver. The Toyota shop manuals referto it as a HiLux. It was sold new in Oregon.

chuck · Answer

My '78 Toyota RV is also listed as a HiLux when I go to thelocal autoparts store. 20R runs like a top. Simple and easyfor DIY'er to work on. I wish they all were still like that.

What is a Hilux?

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