The 3rd Generation Surf was introduced in late 1995 for the 1996 model year and ran until the end of the 2002 model year.
Available only in the home market of Japan, other market variants whilst essentially the same, were marketed as 4Runners.
Engine choices ranged from 2.7L 4-cylinder and ... Read review
Advantages: Hnadling, Performance, Economy, everything really. Disadvantages: not a lot
The 3rd Generation Surf was introduced in late 1995 for the 1996 model year and ran until the end of the 2002 model year.
Available only in the home market of Japan, other market variants whilst essentially the same, were marketed as 4Runners.
Engine choices ranged from 2.7L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V-6 petrol's to 3.0L 4-cylinder diesel models, with the diesels having the option of an intercooler.
This 3rd Generation marked ... ...the first time it no longer shared its basic chassis design on the hilux pick-up range from which it had evolved and inherited its name. This time it borrows the chassis from the LWB Landcruiser Prado of similar vintage.
Whilst visually quite similar to the model it replaced, it does have a large number of differences, all body and interior panels are changed, with greater legroom front and rear and a larger cargo area.
The 3rd Generation Surf was introduced in late 1995 for the 1996 model year and ran until the end of the 2002 model year. Available only in the home market of Japan, other market variants whilst essentially the same, were marketed as 4Runners. Engine choices ranged from 2.7L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V-6 petrol's to 3.0L 4-cylinder diesel models, with the diesels having the option of an intercooler.
This 3rd Generation marked a large departure from its roots for the Surf, for the first time it no longer shared its basic chassis design on the hilux pick-up range from which it had evolved and inherited its name. This time it borrows the chassis from the LWB Landcruiser Prado of similar vintage. Whilst visually quite similar to the model it replaced, it does have a large number of differences, all body and interior panels are changed, with greater legroom front and rear and a larger cargo area.
Some of the bigger differences include, Coil sprung suspension all-round. Multi-mode 4wd system. Conventional lift-up tailgate. Rack & Pinion steering. Standard ABS (3-channel). Twin Airbags. 16" wheels
The remainder of this review relates more specifically to the 3.0TD AUTO SSR-G specification
When I came to purchase my used 1996 model it was an easy decision, having some years prior owned a 2nd Generation model.
Living with this vehicle is very easy, with a level of ride comfort you will find hard to surpass in any other comparable off-road vehicle. Access is easy with side steps and internal grab handles should you require them. Once seated, the controls fall easily to hand. Creature comforts are plenty with five electric windows (the window in the tailgate can be lowered too!), Climate control, separate rear heater, central locking, electric aerial etc. If viewing one with a view to purchase however, do not be swayed by any japans fitted fancy stereo of TV systems, as most cannot be made to function satisfactorily in the UK or Ireland, as we use different radio wavelength ranges, a different TV system and you cannot get European discs for the GPS systems, in short, budget for a new stereo.
The tailgate is fitted with a rather large spoiler, which may not be to everyone's taste, but it does do a rather effective job of directing airflow down across the tailgate helping keep the rear window quite clear. It also has another trick up its sleeve, press a button on the centre console, and a portion of the spoiler extends downwards revealing a mirror to enable you to see your rear bumper when reversing. A useful feature slightly marred by the fitment of the spare wheel carrier, which partly blocks the view offered by this mirror. On the subject of the rear wheel carrier, not all models have them, in theory they are only fitted to the range topping SSR-G model, this is the only model to receive the trick spoiler too, however it can be a little misleading quoting the specifications of these vehicles, as many have had optional features fitted from new, so its not unusual to see what should be a lower spec'ed model with all the extras normally associated with a higher model.
The models should go like this (ranging from base to top-spec), SSR SSR Ltd SSR-X SSR-X Ltd SSR-G
Back to the spare wheel carrier, if you need to access the boot area frequently, than the underslung spare may be a better option, save having to swing the spare to the side every time you need to gain access. Many people however, myself included, prefer the appearance of the rear-mounted option.
On road performance from the 3.0TD is excellent, with bags of torque, it never has any difficulty keeping up with whatever traffic situation it may find itself in. Fuel economy is excellent too, rarely varying much from 26mpg. Drive one of these on the road and if you are used to other off-roaders than you should be in for a pleasant surprise, the Surf exhibits very little of the body roll normally found in such vehicles. The road holding and handling are such that it's in many ways more comparable to a normal estate car than other off-roaders. It will cruise all happily all day at motorway speeds, with little wind or road noise, and makes any journey a relaxing affair. One criticism here is the seats, they are not as supportive as those fitted to some prior models, look out for the very desirable Recaro seats option. In short it's terrific on the road.
Yet this does not compromise its off-roading ability. 4wd may be selected on the move both on and off the road on these models. Unlike many of its competitors is has a proper centre diff, allowing permanent 4wd usage if desired. It naturally has a low range fitted and of course a lock for the centre diff. Even fitted with normal road tyres many would be surprised at the ease with which it can tackle mud, gravel, sharp accents and descents. The ground clearance and approach angles are good, although the long overhang to the rear may compromise the departure angle if serious off-roading is called for.
Having now had this model for over 2 years, it has been a joy to own. It had required nothing other than routine servicing and performs all that I ask it to flawlessly. With just over 200,000Kms clocked up, it could easily pass as a much younger example with less than 60,000Kms.
A pleasure to own, it's the second Surf I've had (3rd off-roader in total) and I don't see myself exchanging it for some time to come, when I do it will probably be for another one.
I'm such a fan of the Hilux Surf, both 2nd & 3rd generation models, I even have a site for them at www.hiluxsurf.eu
Advantages: great quality for the price Disadvantages: poor seats as standard. boot level high
having looked at these for a long time i eventually bought one 2months ago. i was a land rover man for years. this car is great. i am 6ft4 and can get in and out easily for a change. the quality of the fit is great for its age the design being ahead of its time. mine has the door mounted spare and the cover is great for advertising purposes but a pain when you are using the boot alot as its heavy enough and need to remember its there when reversing ... ...drawers and a big between seat console. the heater is fantastic and the kids love the heater behind the front seats. the seats arent comfortable and probably advisable to replace with recarro if not already in place if you have long journeys in mind or towing etc. i am a wheelchair user and can store mine either behind the seat or flat in the boot without too much difficulty but its a high lift. its still better than the current landrover tail gate. ...
128plant 15.02.2007
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota Hilux Surf
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Quick review of Toyota Hilux Surf
I have had my Surf 2.4 for 5+ years now. The head gave me problems when I first purchased it. As it was still within warranty it was repaired twice by the garage I bought it from. Since then I have been on numerous trips to France and in the Uk and my other half said she would cut my goo***s off if I ever tried to sell it. It is brilliant!! My son desperately want me to "pimp my ride" ie better rims etc, but I am quite happy with her looks. I am going to keep it FOREVER!!! A bit thirsty on town runs , but long distance, I think is comparable to any new vehicle of it's size.GET ONE ! To hell with global warming... lol :) ...
hamilton18 01.08.2008
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota Hilux Surf
Advantages: FUN,ADAPTABILITY,RELIABILITY,ALL ROUND WORK HORSE!! Disadvantages: FUEL ECONOMY,SOME PRONE TO HEAD PROBLEMS!
Ive had my surf now for 18 months and have never enjoyed owning and maintaining a vehicle so much! although its a japanese import parts and insurance are easily available.apart from regular servicing i have had to do nothing to it except clean it!extras do vary through the range on my 91 model i have air con electric windows&mirrors, heated seats,plenty of storage compartments etc.i woud of rather bought a 3.0ltr td version as this has more power,but ... ...diesel)most are automatics which probably surprise a lot of people but i can assure you they are perfectly adept on or off road.if not properly maintained they can suffer from head faults (ie overheating and cracking the cylinder head)this can cost in upwards of £900!! the 'grin factor' when driving this vehicle is so unique im sure other owners know what i mean! my final comment is... if jeremy clarkson and top gear cant destroy it its gotta be ...
stormwarrior72 15.11.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota Hilux Surf
Advantages: spacious, lovely to look at Disadvantages: imported??
We have had our Toyota Hilus Surf for 4 years and we have had no problems with it whatsoever. It is now 10 years old. We have not found a problem with it being a Japenese import, if you need any parts usually a garage can direct you to a local supplier (ours is round the corne!) I would advise you to shop around for insurance as some say it is hard to get - it isn't! I filled in an online comparison and then let people come to us, it worked! and ...
jad1965 15.05.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota Hilux Surf
Advantages: ultimate reliability. super tough chassis, body, paint. comfort. offroad. Disadvantages: 2.4td head cracks on some; once fixed, truck is pretty much failsafe.
i've owned my 2.4td surf for nearly 2yrs. in that time, i've driven to prague (in the snow), ireland, and recently the southern alps, nr italy. in LOTS of snow! add to that tens of thousands of UK motorway miles. comfort: great left foot rest, light steering, can be adjusted. nice arm rests. good to kip overnight in: the backseats fold to give 6ft flat room! great heaters front and rear
driving: connected/direct feel. hard suspension mode great ... ...how far you drive. grip excellent in 4wd utility: offroad great fun, super tough. Low ratio4wd works awesome. switch on the go from 2wd to 4wd. can't stop it. reliable, always starts, low maintenance.
my last trip was to the southern alps. i forgot the anti freeze. the first day the needle shot into the red, the engine water was...frozen. switched engine off. two minutes later, it defrosted, started, and went on. added anti freeze that day, no problems ...
pickanme 20.12.2007
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota Hilux Surf
