2005 Toyota HiLux Reviews

The news that the Toyota HiLux had become Australia's top-selling vehicle confirmed that Australians were looking beyond traditional sedans and hatches.

The Toyota HiLux was well on its way to becoming an Aussie staple by the time the sixth-generation model was launched in 1997. And it's not hard to see why.

The arrival of the Toyota Hilux at the top of the sales chart a couple of years ago showed that Australians were looking for an all-  round vehicle that could perform a number of roles. In its high-end dual-cab configuration it could be a family car, but at the same time it could haul a tradie's trailer, tow the caravan around the country on the trip of a lifetime, or simply look cool cruising to the beach. The humble ute is no longer just a working class vehicle. Toyota covered all bases by offering a wide range of body styles in two and four-wheel configurations, and the choice of petrol or turbo-  diesel engines. The 2005 Hilux had more cabin space, bigger payloads, better performance and economy, and improved safety, comfort and equipment.Underneath lay a conventional ladder chassis with coil spring front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension. Steering was by power-assisted rack-and-pinion and brakes were a combination of front discs and rear drums, with ABS available on the SR5.At the working class end of the range the Workmate had an updated 2.7-  litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but the heroes of the line-up had new V6 and turbo-diesel engines. The new 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine put out an imp ressive 175 kW and 376 Nm, which gave it all the punch you could possibly want on the road. The stunning performance did come at a cost, however, as the big V6 sucked unleaded like there was no tomorrow. The answer to the pump blues was the turbo-diesel, which boasted impressive performance with 120 kW and 343 Nm, while delivering much better fuel economy. Both the V6 and the turbo-diesel could be coupled with manual or automatic transmissions, and both were available with rear two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.Now Toyota has always boasted that the Hilux is unbreakable, but perhaps it's not as unbreakable as they've led us to believe. A potentially very serious problem has come to light affecting the 1KD-FTV diesel engine used in the Hilux (and the Prado) relating to the fuel-injector seals. The seals can leak letting blow-by gases enter the engine oil stream, which can turn the oil to carbon and eventually clog the oil pickup in the sump and in some cased starve the engine of oil. The worst case scenario is engine seizure. Such is the seriousness of the issue that Toyota has had a recall on Hiluxes in the UK, while in New Zealand the company has introduced a requirement to change the injector seals every 45,000 km, presumably to avoid the problem affecting engines in that country. We have had a report of one total engine failure here at Carsguide, requiring a new engine, and two others where the engines were inspected and found to have carbon at least partly clogging the oil pickup. In these cases the engines were saved before they too seized. The suggestion is that had they not been inspected and allowed to run on they too would have suffered a major engine meltdown. To date there has been no indication from Toyota here that they will instigate a similar recall campaign as their UK cousins have done. Owners of Hiluxes with the 1KD-FTV engine would be well advised to have their dealers inspect the oil pickup to check on carbon buildup and have it cleaned if carbon is found.It's possible to inspect the oil pickup by inserting a probe through the oil drain plug without removing the sump. It would also be prudent to change the injector oil seals. In 2010 Toyota recalled 4WD models to check for a possible failure of the tailshaft support bracket.Ensure any vehicle you're thinking of buying has been checked and cleared of this problem. With the potential to be used as a tradie's work hack or offroad it's important to thoroughly inspect any Hilux being considered for purchase. It's particularly important to check underneath any 4WD model for damage. We've heard of CV joint seals splitting, so make these one of your checks. Check for regular servicing and, particularly in light of the potential issues with the diesel, check for evidence of regular oil changes.SMITHY SAYSTough as nails, but be aware of potential for oil starvation problems with the diesel engine. It's a deal-breaker.Toyota Hilux 2005-2009Price new: $20,990 to $51,850Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 118 kW/241 Nm; 4.0-litre V6 petrol, 175 kW/376 Nm; 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 120 kW/343 Nm.Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto (V6), 4-speed auto (TD), RWD, 4WDEconomy: 13.1 L/100 km (V6), 8.5 L/100 km (TD)Body: single cab, extra cab, double cabVariants: Workmate, SR, SR5Safety: 4-star ANCAP

Australians have long been known for their love of the work ute, and the humble HiLux has long been their clear favourite.

And you need a cowboy hat, of course. No HiLux worth its salt would be seen being driven by someone not in a cowboy hat.OK, that part's not true. You don't have to be a cowboy but it is fun to play dress-ups. But it's not as though you're roughing it in a HiLux – they are built with comfort and looks in mind.This is no clapped-out ute. This is a sleek, classy vehicle that just happens to have a tray on the back and be much bigger than the other cars on the road.The chrome trim looks awesome and the inside could not be more comfortable. All the mod cons are at your disposal. And there's another benefit to the HiLux ... it's a boy magnet.Fellas find out you're driving one and everyone wants to come to check out your car.Sadly, next to this beast, you pale into insignificance.You can preen and pose all you like but the guys are only interested in torque, pull and acceleration.Funny thing about having a ute. All of a sudden you're everyone's best friend ... then it hits you – they want you for your car and its ability to fit stuff in it. I only had the car for a few days, yet I still found myself helping a friend move house.Like the perfect accessory, the HiLux goes with everything. You can dress it up or down. Chuck a kelpie in the back (chained up, of course) and its the perfect knock-around machine.But put on your little black number and the HiLux steps up a notch.The HiLux ads show cars getting out of its way and while the shower head at Semaphore didn't bend Uri Geller-style at my passing, traffic certainly does clear out for you. It may have something to do with the sheer size of you. It's a big car. My little Ford Fiesta looked hilarious beside it in the driveway ... talk about a size complex.But, I have to admit, I did find the massiveness of the HiLux a bit of a pain at times.Finding a car park at Marion shopping centre on a Thursday night is hard enough without having to find one HiLux-sized.But, like all fashion accessories, sacrifices have to be made.And the extra time in the car park does give you more of a chance to make eyes at that cute boy checking you out ... no, it's the car he's looking at, isn't it? Well, I'll take whatever looks come my way.LOVE IT LEAVE ITToyota Hilux 4x2 V6 Extra Cab SR5Price: $37,420LOVE ITRIDE 'em, cowboy. This not-so-little baby is just plain fun. It takes you back to your dress-ups days, running around the back yard on your hobby horseLEAVE ITSIZE isn't everything but it does matter ... finding parks long and wide enough can be a problem as can getting into tight parking spots.

All because I'd spent some time getting dirty on construction sites.I admit that was years ago. I know that because it suddenly dawned on me that the type of person who is driving a ute today is definitely not the same type of person, and in some cases, not remotely of the same species, as in the 1970s.A ute was driven by a toughie. Now, it could be a petite mother, a grandad on his way to the hardware store, a student travelling to school or, on the odd occasions, a clean-cut tradesman.Utes have also gone the way of their owners.No longer rough and ready, they're smooth, car-like and, well, a bit soft.Toyota has made utes since 1967 and has certainly gone from the tough to the functional look.The inside of the latest Hilux is all Camry. It is a car with a tray in the back. But it's not quite soft.I'm not 100 per cent sold on the look of the new Hilux, and the ute has had a price rise that appears out of step with its hungry rivals.Externally, the styling is subjectively brash. It boasts high side sheet metal which dwarfs the wheels, and a front borrowed from a monstrous Dodge Ram 4WD out of a Midwest US town.But all that hides a more sophisticated chassis than its predecessor.A new front suspension has done wonders for the car's, er, that should read ute's, handling and straight-line stability.My error came from driving the latest Hilux SR5 4WD dual-cab out of town. Forget what you're driving and you'd swear this was a car.It holds its line smoothly through the corners, brakes solidly and sits on the road with very little need for the driver to constantly correct the steering.It is just as responsive in the dirt. The 4WD system is a Plain Jane part-time arrangement, though it has manual freewheeling hubs.Engagement is from a second floor-mounted lever, which isbecoming passe compared with some other companies that use a dashboard-mounted switch to electronically engage 4WD Low.However, it could be argued that the Hilux's manual system is more reliable and just as quick.The four-litre V6 is an awfully strong mill with heaps of power.Combined with a leaf-sprung rear suspension and live axle, the off-road ability is excellent.Toyota is renowned for quality engineering at a premium price. By comparison with its rivals, it doesn't offer the same level of features, so you pay more for less, but get it back again when you sell.The dual-cab is versatile and perfect for the weekly worker and weekend family man.Heavens, this could almost be good as a tradie's car. All you need is a dog and a can of Passiona.

Other cars are getting out of my way and the second glances and nods of approval are unbelievable, even embarrassing.I think the girls like the bright blue paint job – very similar to Ford's XR6. But the boys, too, give it the thumbs up.Yes, unabashed approval. Even the guys on the SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island had to ask "What's she like?" as we manoeuvred the Hilux with ease into a tight spot.I had to admit that "she" wasn't mine but that didn't stop the questions and admiring glances.And I learned a lot that I hadn't yet discovered such as the longer wheelbase and deeper tray that this model boasts. That was according to two more blokes standing by my window unashamedly sizing up the SR5 and discussing "her" assets.But what's with the female tag? Toyota's SR5 4x4 extra cab is all beefy bloke – and it's not just another ute. It's a big, chunky, weekday workhorse that transforms very nicely into weekend playboy packed with a four-litre, V6 petrol engine, five-speed manual transmission and 4WD options.Dirt roads, puddles and potholes? No probs. Sandy slopes weaving around bushes to secluded beach houses? Easy. Winding roads in pelting rain? Bring 'em on.How about long stretches of highway with hundreds of kangaroos and wallabies? Not even a big red could dent our enthusiasm – or the Hilux. And it tried very hard, leaping out from the bushes and slamming into the passenger door.Thankfully, he jumped off leaving only a bit of fur.Although this big boy is tough on the outside, inside he's soft, comfortable (in the front seats) and stylishly simple – perfect for no-nonsense drivers and techno-phobes alike who enjoy such gadgets as flashy-looking instrumentation with CD stackers, but who just want to turn them on and then not worry about the details.Space-wise, there's room to party in the front with plenty of head and leg room. The back "extra cab" section though, is minimalist to say the least. It's really meant for expensive tools and the odd person – you need to be odd to be comfortable. The seat is unforgivingly upright and there's not a great deal of padding or room to move.Unfortunately, with no loads to move, I didn't need to use the ute part of the Hilux and without weight in the back, the ride is quite bumpy.LOVE IT LEAVE ITToyota Hilux 4x4 SR5$45,290LOVE ITThe attention and RESPECT. Flash dash that lets you keep an eye on average fuel consumption. Very sensible handles inside the front doors, good for height-challenged drivers and passengers.LEAVE ITCould do with two more doors (and they are available) – shifting seats to load and unload gear from the back seats is awkward. Cup holder blocks air vent.

This is the first time a six cylinder Hilux 2WD has been offered and the new 4.0-litre petrol V6 ( from Prado) is an absolute cracker.It's offered in a variety of models in five speed manual or five speed auto and puts down startling performance for what is essentially a tough-as-teak workhorse.The 2WD, single cab, SR manual is, for want of a better term, the performance front runner offering incredible acceleration for a Hilux backed up with super strong torque. Though not in the same league as something from HSV or FPV, this long bed tonne-toter won't be found lacking in the legs department.That's because there's a hearty 175kW of power and about 350Nm of torque percolating out of the high tech engine. It's a noisy beast but what's that matter when you're hauling a big load.The manual stick shift is long but the mechanism is typically Toyota "rifle bolt" in action. Gearing is bang on for the weight and size of the truck, its intended purpose and how the engine delivers power. But getting all that grunt to the ground is at times problematic, especially in wet weather.Fuel consumption is commendably low given what's provided and the tank holds a handy 76 litres.As you'd expect the ride is firm even with coils at the front and the brakes are strong.That's because this little worker can carry a whopping 1320kg payload.We never came close to that (despite trying) and 500kg in the long tray barely dents performance, smooths the ride though.At this level, there are the necessities inside the cabin but aircon is extra and the middle seat has a lap only seat belt.The cab is comfy and driving the beast is not onerous.Just a last word about the styling: big head, slab sided, enough said.

Although slightly slab-sided from the rear three-quarter view, the chromed sports roll bar and side-steps (which seem a little vulnerable to damage in off-road scenarios) give it a macho look.It's no shrinking violet – now 5255mm long, 1835mm wide, 1805mm tall and sitting on a 3085mm wheelbase, the seventh-generation Hilux also boasts 215mm of ground clearance.A five-speed manual gearbox directs drive to a fairly conventional part-time 4WD system, although the driver has a bit of a stretch to engage the front wheels.The first downpour on dusty, oily roads meant the system needed to be employed before any dirt tracks were sought, as the loadless leaf-sprung rear end moved like a pendulum. The specs sheet lists a rear limited-slip diff as standard but the amount of spinning from the rear wheels in wet conditions suggests it has its work cut out.Without a load in the rear, the leaf springs don't provide the greatest ride quality, but under a bit of load it improves, getting closer to relatively civilised front-end suspension and steering behaviour.The front end is now held up by a new coil-spring double-wishbone front suspension system, with a ball-joint mounted stabiliser bar.Combined with the new power-assisted rack and pinion steering, pointing the Hilux around suburban streets or open road corners is a smoother operation.Getting the Hilux a little bit dirty showed there's plenty of scope for rock-hopping and slithering with confidence in muddy conditions. The road-biased tyres might have some limitations but the suspension and steering allow the driver to easily negotiate tricky tracks without too much concern.It's a comfortable cabin in which to work, with the dicky seats providing the option for two extra occupants, but strictly for short journies.Instrumentation looks more like the dials from a luxury Lexus than something for a workhorse.For something that purports to workhorse tendencies, the SR5 Hilux extra-cab copes well with daily duties without giving occupants a stiff neck or a sore back.SMALL TORQUEPower gamesTHE four-litre V6 petrol engine generates 175kW of power and 343Nm of torque in the Hilux, down slightly on the output it produces when powering the Prado wagon. The 24-valve DOHC V6 is tuned to run on normal ULP and lays claim to a fuel consumption of 13.1 litres/100km. The four-litre motor is expected to account for more than 40 per cent of Hilux sales.Fancy featuresAMONG the features list for the top-spec Hilux are 15in alloy wheels, dual airbags, body-coloured front bumper and grille, a chromed sports bar and rear bumper, chrome door handles, power windows and mirrors, anti-lock brakes and body-coloured wheel arch flares. The workhorse also gets airconditioning and in-dash CD sound system.Record runTHE Hilux 4x4 rocketed to the top of its market segment with a May record of 1501 sales, beating its previous best of 1461, set in 1984.

The wallabies head for the slopes, bell birds are ringing and the rattled gum leaves fall back to the road.There is nothing slack about this new Toyota. Apart, maybe, from that unloaded back end dancing through the rippled corner.But with 175kW, slick five-speed automatic and independent front end it is all smoothness and quickness at the front end of the HiLux.Those tyres may look a tad underdone for off-road work but here on this back road bitumen, the Toyota's front Bridgestones are working well, offering plenty of grip and helping that rack and pinion steering find the direct and correct spots.Knock the stick and pull to the right, out of fifth for fourth. From here it's back to third, maybe a touch of brake, turn and then slip back to second for punching out of the tighter corners.If this new breed of HiLux is nothing else, it is a tonne of fun for hustling up a mountain road. It will not match a Holden SS Ute or Ford XR6 for grip and handling and ride but this high-stepping HiLux has some sting and a tonne of willingness.This can cause some opposite lock dramas on wet bitumen or loose dirt. Without any load in that tray (and it's a decent-sized tray, 165mm longer than the previous HiLux, for a dual cab) the HiLux's rear needs due care and attention plus gentle throttle prodding to keep things in a straight line. Or not.So there is a deal of point-to-point speed in this seventh-generation HiLux and a decent amount of front-end grip and balance.Less appreciated is the propensity of the rear end (here without a major load) to hop and skip over those middle-size bumps. Fine on the bigger swoops and rises, the suspension can be that bit jittery on the smaller stuff; here it is not as well behaved as some of the opposition.And too much fun can lead to fuel consumption heading past 14 litres per 100km.Down a long road a more supportive driver's seat would be appreciated, the cushion is a little flat and narrow.There is little else to quibble about in this all-new and very flash cabin. It is quiet, well-organised and well-finished. There's more room in this Double Cab than before with back seat passengers scoring better head and knee room than previous models plus storage space under the rear seats.Instruments are clear and legible, the dashboard all very logical and there's a decent CD/radio stereo. The shifter for two-wheel drive to four-high to four-low is out front of the automatic transmission lever.This is one of the best parts, this active and adaptive five-speed gearbox, just as handy for slipping back through the gears when out in the rough as around the town.Low-low is well-geared for a petrol V6, there is a decent amount of engine braking for steep downhill runs and enough steady torque for clambering through the real rough stuff.Care is needed here for the HiLux's new-found independent front end leaves a couple of wishbone arms dangling lower than before. The book claims 210mm of ground clearance.And those 16-inch tyres standard on the Double Cab SR can have trouble finding grip; this rubber is more biased toward ride and handling on good surfaces than offering grip on rough stuff. As a practical and comfortable four-wheel drive, dual cab ute the HiLux Double Cab SR for getting around the country continues to offer a good mix. It is a more comfortable family machine than before, an easier ute to drive.Still unsure about the new style, that pretty nose and slab sides make the HiLux look under-tyred, but guess everyone will get used to it. Toyota reckon they can shift 12,000 extra this year, taking the year's tally to a record 40,000. It's been an "avalon" time since Toyota Australia missed a forecast.