The sales associates at the dealers of new and used cars for sale in Orange County let us know that the Toyota Hilux was a vehicle that was never available at Orange County used cars dealers. Ironically, Toyota marketed the Hilux as a “truck that can go anywhere and everywhere” but it never made it to America. Keep on reading to find out why down below.
What Is The Toyota Hilux?
The Toyota Hilux is one of the most reputable utility vehicles across the globe and at the dealers of new and used cars for sale in Orange County. Aside from its impressive performance on and off the road, its comfy ride and luxurious touches within its interior make the Hilux a pickup truck you will never forget.
Although it is a very popular vehicle, they are not easy to find in North America, particularly the newer models. However, why is the Hilux such an out-of-the-ordinary vehicle in the States and Canada? At the end of the day, it can surely compete with American competitors.
The Hilux first appeared on the scene in Japan in March 1968 and was designed and developed by Toyota subsidiary, Hino Motors, at its manufacturing plant hamura in Tokyo.
The first Hilux originally had a short wheelbase and featured Toyota’s 2R 1.5-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with 57kW. It was rear-wheel drive and its power came from a four-speed manual transmission and when on the Tōmei Expressway, Toyota declared a top speed of 130km/h.
The Story of The Pickup Truck That Never Dies
The Japanese car company launched the Hilux to the Japanese market in March 1968. Immediately after, the Hilux’s success brought the truck beyond Japanese borders to the global market. Once it got to the North American market in 1972 it replaced three other Toyota models.
When the Hilux arrived in the North American market at the dealers of new and used cars for sale in Orange County, it began its second generation. Currently, the Hilux has a significantly upgraded interior, however, back in the early days, the Hilux was truly what it was meant to be – an all-around pickup truck that provides comfort and smooth journeys. In 1976, the Hilux was called the Truck or Pickup Truck for the North American market.
Right from the get-go, the Toyota Hilux proved itself as a beast, even after years of use. In 2007, Jeremy Clarkson had a 1988 Toyota Hilux on his show Top Gear to test what they say about the Hilux is concordant with facts. Toyota had already claimed that the Hilux is the toughest vehicle in the world. Clarkson put the Hilux through the ringer with crazy tasks to see if they could finish off the Hilux.
The 1988 Hilux on Top Gear, arrived at the studio with 190,000 miles on the odometer, conquered many obstacles, even drowning in seawater for a night, getting knocked by a wrecking ball, having a trailer fall onto it, and being set ablaze.
Why Did The Hilux Bid Farewell To The North American Market?
As mentioned above, the Toyota Hilux had a strong start, and it carried on even more forcefully. In the 90s, the Toyota Pickup, which is the alternative name for Hilux, was a top choice for work fleets. These vehicles not only were fantastic workhorses but also offered a comfortable ride and a pleasant interior.
Regardless of this, the Toyota Hilux vanished from the North American market in 1995. Toyota decided to yank the Hilux out of North America probably due to emission and safety standards. Today, Toyota doesn’t manufacture the Hilux in the US anymore and replaced it with a new model for the American consumer – the Toyota Tacoma.
Nevertheless, you can’t import a Toyota Hilux to the States nowadays, and if you do, you have to pay through the nose. Because of a tax policy imposed by the American government known as the Chicken Tax, bringing in a light truck constructed outside of the United States has a 25% tariff. This 25% leap in cost makes the Hilux too costly to go against other compact pickup trucks in the US Market.
If the Hilux was made by Toyota in the US, buyers wouldn’t have to pay the additional 25% tariff.
Toyota’s Alternative For America – The Tacoma
Even though the Hilux is no longer available in the US market, the option makes up for it. The Toyota Tacoma has been a lucrative successor to the Hilux since 1995. Although it has a lot of similarities with the Hilux when it comes to looks, some differences allow the Tacoma to be more suitable for American consumers.
The Tacoma and the Hilux essentially have the same platforms, but the Tacoma is slightly wider than the Hilux, which makes it ideal for America’s wide roads. Furthermore, the Tacoma has a more aggressive design which makes it competitive with other popular pickup trucks in America.
Another difference is that the Hilux is available with various engine options and a good number are diesel options. Light pickups with diesel engine models aren’t fan favorites among American consumers.
Toyota’s Most Sturdy Car
The Toyota Hilux debuted in the North American market in 1972 and experienced great success until 1995. Although the Toyota Tacoma can undoubtedly go against the competition, the Hilux remains Toyota’s most popular and long-lasting pickup truck worldwide.
Although the 25% tariff enforced by the US government makes the Toyota Hilux not a very sought-after option for the average buyer. However, the true fans of Toyota pickups can still import a Hilux to the US as long as they are ready to pay the price.