The first two generations were produced from factory as pickup trucks, conversions to other body styles were conducted by local third-party companies.

The Kijang was relatively affordable in the markets where it was sold when compared to the four-wheel drive vehicles (it is predominantly rear-wheel drive) and had high seating capacity, high ground clearance and rugged suspension, popular features in an area with generally poor road conditions and large extended families.

[8] The first-generation Kijang is a compact, light pickup truck powered by a carburetted 1.2-litre 3K four-cylinder OHV petrol engine matched to a 4-speed manual transmission.

[11][better source needed] The second-generation Kijang (designated KF20), launched in June 1981, retained its boxy style although the body panels were different.

[15] The Kijang started selling very strongly in 1983 and 1984, catching up to erstwhile market leaders such as the Suzuki Super Carry and the Daihatsu Hijet.

The more powerful Kijang offered more carrying capacity, while the engine placement made it safer than its cheaper, kei truck-based competitors.

Pilipinas Nissan bought the designs from Ford (after their exit in 1984) for what would have been the Fiera IV and marketed it as the "Bida" ("protagonist" in Tagalog), which resembles the long-wheelbase Tamaraw.

The Tamaraw FX was offered in 5 door long wheelbase wagon in either Standard,[23] Deluxe[24] and GL trim levels.

The Kijang was built and sold in South Africa in three body styles as the High roof station wagon Venture, or as a commercial vehicle under the Stallion nameplate available either as a panel van or pickup truck.

Standard equipment includes Gear lock, Rear wiper and Washer, Power steering (unavailable with the 1.8 petrol engine), Air conditioning (available for 2.2-engined models only), and a ten-seat configuration.

However, Qualis was a hit as the vehicle was welcomed by taxi companies, fleet operators and large Indian families over others like Tata's Sumo and Mahindra's Bolero.

[41] The model range would get revamped in 2002 that brought roll down windows to the second-row doors[42] with power windows for all four doors and central locking being standard to the now 8 seater only GS variant[43] with rear AC and rear wiper and washer offered as options while the range topping GST/GST Super was replaced by a new 7-seater RS variant with captain seats.

Either the carburetted 7K or the fuel-injected 7K-E-powered Kijang was the most popular model due to its low maintenance cost, despite being underpowered compared to the 2.0-litre 1RZ-E unit.

Some versions called Grand Rover Ace and Jantan Raider, which were made by local coachbuilders, was also sold only in a few units.

Changes included new multi-reflector headlamps, integrated spotlights into the front bumper, clear lenses with coloured bulbs for the tail lights and a new steering wheel design[60] available in either petrol (GLi) or diesel trims (GLD).

The GLX, SR and LXV has a six speaker radio/tape set-up, fog lamps, alloy wheels, a rear wiper and all power amenities.

This variant lacks a tachometer, and is equipped only with a tape deck/radio receiver, 2 speakers in the front row only, vinyl interior and it has 14-inch steel wheels with center ornament.

The GL is the "higher-end entry level" with radio-CD setup, fabric interior, tachometer, and steel wheels with hubcaps.

Only the SR-J, a special version of the SR (distinct wheels, unique livery), the GSX and the VX200 and VX200J had 2.0-litre petrol engines and automatic power wing-mounted radio antennas.

Front-facing third-row seats were made as an option albeit without three-point seatbelts,[65] a rarity for the vehicle type at that time in the Philippines.

DLX, GL were the bottom trims to choose from while GLX, GSX and SR variants were considered the mid-range players.

It received a badge revision, availability of new colours and exterior and interior details, including a 3 spoke steering wheel with a chrome Toyota logo, larger headlamps and fog lamps, J100 Land Cruiser style tail lamps (which are present in the fourth-generation Kijang), upgraded audio systems and other additional features.

For the SR, chrome appointments on the dashboard, a new livery was introduced, as well as the words "SPORT RUNNER" executed in plain text, discontinuing the use of the font used for the Supra.

The Condor was sold as well in Left hand drive Ghana and Nigerian markets with 1.8-litre 2Y and 3.0-litre 5L engines with a 10-seat configuration with a 4x4 option being available to the diesel models.

[78] Competing in the 4-cylinder production class category (Class E) modifications include an uprated engine (initially to 155 PS (114 kW; 153 hp), later increased to 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)), Addition of a rear limited slip differential, a 260-litre fuel tank, strengthened suspension, as well a roll cage and associated safety equipment.

Unique to the Zace Surf is the use of a printed window antenna, the option of a roof mounted VCD player and a car phone in later, higher end trims like the VX-surf or VX Prerunner.

[66][69][68] The Toyota Zace was introduced to Vietnam in 1999 as the GL and DX equipped with 1.8 litre EFI petrol engine with 62 kW (83 hp) at 4,800 rpm.

In 2004, Toyota introduced the GL limited with 200 units produced, a revised exterior, wood-panelled interior, and upholstered seats.

[citation needed] Due to its diversified roles in its respective markets, the Kijang was succeeded by the Avanza and IMV platform vehicles.

The Fortuner, then codenamed IMV4, was slated to be imported by local distributor Hotai Motors as to reflect the Zace Surf's then current lineup however due to strategic consideration by Toyota, the Innova was launched in 2007 instead with the 2TR-FE to meet emission regulations with the smaller 1TR-FE being introduced later to replace the larger engine.