Car Profiles - Toyota Hilux (1988-1998)

1988-1998 Toyota Hilux

The Good: Great off road performer, simple to maintain

The Bad: Crude and unrefined

The Say: Unless you want its off-road credentials, look elsewhere.

Go For: Any well maintained unit
Avoid: Poorly maintained units

Price Range: P200,000-P500,000
Our Rating: *

Related Review: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Hilux

Used Car Review - Toyota Hilux (1998-2004)

Before buying this pick-up truck, Myk Belmonte spills out the details.

1998-2004 Toyota Hilux

History
Pick-up trucks are known to be indestructible, especially that they can hack the worst things which may happen. We know the Hilux being destructed several times by Jeremy Clarkson and his gang at Top Gear and it became an instrument on disposing Libyan dictator Muhammar Gaddafi out of Chad in 1987.

First made available in 1997, the sixth generation Hilux can be had in regular, extended, and crew cab flavors with this generation being the basis of the 4Runner/Hilux Surf SUVs (the last of it to based upon) and the Thailand exclusive Hilux Sport Rider which the Fortuner replaced it. Except for North America, it was sold internationally and interestingly enough, the last generation of Hilux to be sold or produced in its hometown market of Japan.

While it was a product of durability, the Hilux name isn't a popular choice among consumers back then preferring those trucks from Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and even Ford. It remained in Toyota's line-up until 2004, with the seventh generation model (third in our shores) introduced in December of that year which became a market success. Variants available include the DLX in both 4x2 and 4x4 versions, XS 4x2, and SR5 4x4. A J variant which adds leather seats, spray-on bed liner, and window visors can be added in the SR5 and XS.

Value and Costs
As with Japanese pick-up trucks sold during the early 00s, prices of Hiluxes can range between P370,000 to P480,000.

Since there is no CRDi technology present here, maintenance costs would be on the low side. But then, it would be prudent to check if the tail pipe emits black smoke.

Exterior and Interior
Unlike other trucks of today which has some funny lines, the Hilux has clean and straight ones which produces a handsome profile. Non-DLX models get body stickers and alloy wheels while 4x4 models have side step boards as standard equipment.

The interior can be described as basic, but it is functional at the long run with the type of plastics being used are of the durable type. Except for the base DLX 4x2, all models come with complete power amenities.

Engine
Both the 2L 2,446cc having 83hp at 4,200rpm and 162Nm at 2,400rpm and the 3L 2,779cc carrying 88hp at 4,000rpm and 185Nm at 2,400rpm from Toyota's L engine family aren't exactly known for their miraculous pulling power or top levels of refinement, especially with the 4x4 system being activated. There are hubs and knobs for the usual off-road jaunts standard in the upper models. While it can pull you adequately, this is no sports car.

Driving Impressions
If you wish a smooth ride, you have read the wrong article especially the suspension is meant to be for hauling and not for comfort, good thing it wouldn't give up on you. Driving dynamics aren't also similar to a sedan, so do not expect too much.

Verdict
Planning to buy a truck which can hack the bushes without breaking anything down? Then this second generation Hilux is for you. However, if you really want a truck for personal usage then we suggest that you head to its competition.
The Good:

• Can hack the worst situations
• Reliable
• Simplistic engines

The Bad: 

• Unrefined
• Crude interior
• Basic as it gets

The Pick: XS 4x2

THE SPECS

Engines: 2,446cc 2L and 2,779cc 3L I4 diesel

Power: 83hp @ 4,200rpm (2.4), 88hp @ 4,000rpm (2.8)

Torque: 162Nm @ 2,400rpm (2.4), 185Nm @ 2,400rpm (2.8)

Fuel Consumption: 6-8km/L (city), 10-13km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear leaf springs

MORE INFO

Price (New): P550,000-P1,1000,000

Price (Now): P370,000-P480,000

Rivals: Ford Ranger, Isuzu Fuego, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Frontier

On Sale: 1998-2004

Resources:

http://tsikot.com/forums/hilux-club-philippines-174/

http://4x4ph.com/

Contacts:

Toyota Manila Bay - (02) 581-6168

Photos from http://olx.ph/49834792

Car Profiles - Toyota Hilux

TOYOTA HILUX

Nearly 10 years after, it still has that toughness that this truck is associated. GPS Navigation ready head unit adds sprinkle for this otherwise aging truck. VNT equipped 2.5 models makes a wise buy, as long as you don't need 4WD. A TRD model may signal an upcoming model is coming.

The Good: Durable

The Bad: Getting old

Price Range: P865,000-P1,505,000

Our Rating: ***

Last Update: September 2, 2014

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	3.0 G	TRD 4x2	2.5 G	2.5 E	2.5 J
Price	P1,451,000 (MT), P1,505,000 (AT)	P1,225,000	P1,162,000 (MT), P1,216,000 (AT)	P994,000	P865,000
Warranty	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms	3 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	1KD-FTV DOHC 16V I4 with VNT	2KD-FTV 2.5 DOHC 16V I4 with VNT	2KD-FTV 2.5 DOHC 16V I4 with VNT	2KD-FTV 2.5 DOHC 16V I4 with VNT	2KD-FTV 2.5 DOHC 16V I4 Turbo
Horsepower	161hp @ 3,400rpm	142hp @ 3,400rpm	142hp @ 3,400rpm	142hp @ 3,400rpm	101hp @ 3,600rpm
Torque	343Nm @ 1,400-3,200rpm	343Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm	343Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm	343Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm	200Nm @ 1,400-3,400rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Diesel	Diesel	Diesel	Diesel
Fuel System	Direct Injection Common Rail D-4D	Direct Injection Common Rail D-4D	Direct Injection Common Rail D-4D	Direct Injection Common Rail D-4D	Direct Injection Common Rail D-4D
Transmission	5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual	5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual	5-Speed Manual
Fuel Tank Capacity	76 Liters	76 Liters	76 Liters	76 Liters	76 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	5,260mm	5,260mm	5,260mm	5,260mm	5,135mm
Width	1,860mm	1,860mm	1,760mm	1,760mm	1,760mm
Height	1,860mm	1,860mm	1,850mm	1,850mm	1,695mm
Wheelbase	3,085mm	3,085mm	3,085mm	3,085mm	3,085mm
Curb Weight	1,875kg (MT), 1,895kg (AT)	1,740kg	1,740kg	1,740kg	1,695kg
Body Style	4 Door Pick Up	4 Door Pick Up	4 Door Pick Up	4 Door Pick Up	4 Door Pick Up
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Four Wheel Drive, Full Time	Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive
Seating	5	5	5	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone with Coil Spring	Double Wishbone with Coil Spring	Double Wishbone with Coil Spring	Double Wishbone with Coil Spring	Double Wishbone with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension	Rigid Axle, Leaf Spring	Rigid Axle, Leaf Spring	Rigid Axle, Leaf Spring	Rigid Axle, Leaf Spring	Rigid Axle, Leaf Spring
Front Brakes	Ventilated Discs	Ventilated Discs	Ventilated Discs	Ventilated Discs	Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes	Lead-Trailing Drums	Lead-Trailing Drums	Lead-Trailing Drums	Lead-Trailing Drums	Lead-Trailing Drums
Tires	265/65 R17	265/65 R17	265/65 R17	205 R16C	205/70 R15
Wheels	17 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy	16 Inch Steel	15 Inch Steel
SAFETY
Airbags	2	2	2	1	1
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction/Stability Control	None	None	None	None	None
Other Safety Features	Adds: Limited Slip Differential	Daytime Running Lights	Taillamp Integrated High Mount Stop Lamp	None	None
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front	Front	Front	Front	None
Other Exterior Features	Adds: None. Deletes: Gun Metal Alloy Wheels, TRD Front and Rear Bumpers, Black Side Step Board, TRD Decals	Adds: Gun Metal Alloy Wheels, TRD Front and Rear Bumpers, Black Side Step Board, TRD Decals, Only Available in Black or White	Adds: Overfenders	Adds: Body Color Grille with Chrome, Chrome Door Handles and Side Mirrors, Side Mirror Signal Repeaters, Functional Hood Scoop, Side Step	Resin Front Grille, Black Door Handles and Side Mirrors
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt	Tilt	Tilt	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Urethane with Silver Accents	Urethane with Silver Accents	Urethane with Silver Accents	Urethane	Urethane
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Fabric	Fabric	Fabric	Semi-Fabric	Semi-Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: None. Deletes: All Black Interior	Adds: All Black Interior	Adds: Optitron Gauges, Illuminated Entry System, Silver Accents, Multi-Information Display	Adds: Console Box with Lid, Front Accessory Socket, 12V Accessory Socket	Console Box without Lid
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors	Steering
Climate Control	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual
Audio System	6.5 Inch LCD Monitor AM/FM/DVD/MP3/USB /AUX/Bluetooth/Navigation	6.5 Inch LCD Monitor AM/FM/DVD/MP3/USB /AUX/Bluetooth/Navigation	2DIN AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX /USB/Bluetooth	2DIN AM/FM/CD/MP3 /AUX/USB	2DIN AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX
Speakers	6	6	6	2	2
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio and Multi Information Display	Yes, Audio and Multi Information Display	Yes, Audio and Multi Information Display	None	None
Alarm	Yes	Yes	Yes	None	None
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes	Yes	None	None
RIVALS	Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Navara

See previous generation models of the Hilux:

Toyota Hilux (1993-1997)

Toyota Hilux (1997-2004)

See the pre-updated model of this Hilux:

Toyota Hilux (2004-Current)