The history of Toyota Trucks reads like a manual for success. In fact, throughout its many incarnations, the Toyota compact truck has always been incredibly popular, and Tacoma is no exception.
- 1964: Toyota imports its first truck into the U.S. - the Stout.
- 1965: Toyota introduces the Hi-Lux pickup.
- 1975: The Toyota SR5 Sport Truck makes its debut.
- 1979: Toyota's 4x4 pickups come to America and become the number one-selling compact 4x4 truck in the U.S.
- 1984: Toyota introduces its Xtracab pickups.
- 1985: EFI is available on pickups and 4Runners.
- 1989: All-new models arrive with more aerodynamic bodies, car-like interiors and the availability of 4WDemand with automatic locking front hubs.
- 1995: The all-new Toyota Tacoma makes its debut in the spring. Largely designed at Calty, Toyota's Southern California design center, it's also assembled in California at New United Motors Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI).
- 1996: The Tacoma becomes the first compact truck to offer an available locking rear differential.
- 1997: The 4x2 gets a new front bumper and grille design.
- 1998: The PreRunner is introduced, establishing a new class of pickup. The 4x4 also gets a new front bumper and grille design. And the passenger-side air bag gets a cutoff switch for child seats.
- 1999: Tacoma continues to lead the way in the compact pickup class with thoughtful additions like seat belt pretensioners and force limiters.
- 2000: The ever-popular Tacoma lineup continues to grow with the introduction of the StepSide, a 4x2 that's all about style and attitude.
- 2001: The spacious 4-door Double Cab and the red-hot S-Runner join the unbreakable Tacoma family.
- 2004: In July of 2004 at the TTORA TakeOver Toyota unveils the previously never seen '05 Tacoma to the attendees.
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