Second Generation: 1995 JDM Hilux Surf Turbo Diesel 2-door
At this point, Toyota still marketed the 4Runner as the Hilux Surf in Japanese domestic markets, since the Hilux name remained popular over there (no chicken tax). What’s even weirder about this model, though? Most people associate this with the initial 4-door 4Runner’s classic look. But for the uninitiated, check out the 2-door variant. They’re very hard to find in the US because they commanded higher prices, due to being classified as trucks. But the angled rear pillar lends a very distinctive look that immediately distinguishes them from the myriad of other 90s 2-door compact SUVs. It’s definitely an acquired taste as far as trucks go. But it’s unique, functional, and as practical as any Cherokee or Jimmy of the day. And adding in a turbo diesel means that it’ll outlast the heat death of the universe. A quirky but no-nonsense and reliable truck.
I've been an automotive aficionado since I had baby teeth. My path was set when I first leaned on my grandfather's classic Porsche as I learned how to walk. One of my first memories was my mother sitting me behind the wheel of her Pontiac and talking me through the instrumentation and controls. Even though I was a mere three or four years old, I was instantly sold, and filled notebooks with technical drawings, sketches, and collections of manuals of all sorts of cars. I've actively tracked developments in automotive and motorsport technology for well over 20 years, and pride myself on being intimately familiar with the functions and history of a wide range of vehicles.
My primary goal as a writer and enthusiast is to equally learn and share what I've learned in a constructive and interesting way. I maintain connections with people from around the world and can read technical manuals in Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, granting me access to a wide array of resources. My primary focuses are deep-dives into historical topics, motorsport discussion, and learning about the complex mechanical elements of such vehicles. As such, my research is never perfect; as anyone into cars will attest, the more you learn about cars, the more you realize how little you actually know. Therefore, I always welcome fresh knowledge and corrections to help me better my work in the future.
