Toyota Van
Encyclopedia
The Toyota MasterAce is a vehicle that was produced by Toyota and distributed worldwide under several names, with "MasterAce" being the name used in Japan. North American markets received the MasterAce as the Toyota Van (VanWagon in early press materials). In parts of Europe it was known as the Toyota Space Cruiser, while Australia referred to the vehicle as the Toyota Tarago (named after Tarago, New South Wales
). In Germany, Sweden
, Norway
, China
and some countries of Latin America
it was sold as the Toyota Model F.
The MasterAce was a slightly larger version of the Toyota LiteAce
/TownAce
. It featured a sharply sloped front, in contrast to the upright flat found in the Toyota HiAce
. When introduced in November 1982, only the carbureted
1,812 cc 2Y petrol engine
was available. Most markets gained the option of the 1,974 cc 2C diesel engine
in May 1983. North American market sales started in 1983 with the fuel-injected
1,998 cc 3Y (87 hp), which was later replaced with the 102 hp 2,237 cc 4Y engine for the 1986 model year.
The Toyota MasterAce was replaced with the production of the Toyota Previa
in 1990.
in 1983 (for the 1984 model year), the same year as the Dodge Caravan
. Rear-wheel drive versions were sold in the United States
between 1983 and 1989, while four-wheel drive
models were sold between 1987 and 1989. The four wheel drive models came with skid plates and a transfer case for Low and High four wheel drive. All trim levels starting in 1986 had a cornering lamp system.
Toyota's advertising campaign referred to the passenger vans (DLX and LE trim levels) as the "Wonderwagon" while the CRG trim level was referred to as the "Cargo Van". The Van used a front mid-engine layout where the driver and front passenger sat directly above the front axle. The VanWagon's short wheelbase
contributed to a very bumpy ride but a short turning radius of 15 feet. Deluxe and LE (Limited Edition) versions were offered as well as an ice maker/refrigerator between the front seats in the floorboard, which was connected into the a/c refrigerant lines. The VanWagon also offered dual air conditioning
, captains chairs, dual sunroof
s (the front tilted and rear opened fully), digital clock, satellite radio controls, fog lights, tachometer, power locks, power windows, and a tinted glass privacy package. LE models had color matched bumpers and front grill along with power mirrors, chrome headlight bezels, and chrome Toyota emblems. Base models came with black bumpers and grill with white Toyota emblems. Base models have the reverse lights incorporated into the tail light assembly whereas the LE models had them incorporated into the rear hatch.
In 1986, a special EXPO86 version was available in Canada only. The 1986 "Espirit" model was finished in a unique light blue color with a white wave pattern on the lower half. A unique bronze colored plaque was affixed to the B pillar behind the drivers and passengers doors that said 'Spirit of 86' inside a globe. A 2WD pickup was also offered with the same paint and stripe scheme. Both models are quite rare.
Tarago, New South Wales
Tarago is a town in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia in Goulburn Mulwaree Council. It is situated 39 kilometres south of the city of Goulburn and 69 kilometres northeast of Canberra, the capital city of Australia...
). In Germany, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and some countries of Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
it was sold as the Toyota Model F.
The MasterAce was a slightly larger version of the Toyota LiteAce
Toyota Liteace
The Toyota Liteace is a line of motor vehicles produced by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota. Launched in 1970, the Liteace is a medium-sized van which was most commonly exported to Asia, Australia and Africa....
/TownAce
Toyota TownAce
The Toyota TownAce was introduced by Toyota in Japan in April 1978 as a short wheelbase, mid-engined luxury 7/8 seat MPV resembling the Space Cruiser. A 4WD version was introduced in December 1985. These were produced until a facelift in September 1993 to body type CR31 which was produced until...
. It featured a sharply sloped front, in contrast to the upright flat found in the Toyota HiAce
Toyota Hiace
The Toyota HiAce is a motor vehicle produced by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota. First launched in 1967, the HiAce has since been available in a wide range of configurations, including minivan and minibus, van, pick-up, taxi, and ambulance....
. When introduced in November 1982, only the carbureted
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
1,812 cc 2Y petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
was available. Most markets gained the option of the 1,974 cc 2C diesel engine
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
in May 1983. North American market sales started in 1983 with the fuel-injected
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
1,998 cc 3Y (87 hp), which was later replaced with the 102 hp 2,237 cc 4Y engine for the 1986 model year.
The Toyota MasterAce was replaced with the production of the Toyota Previa
Toyota Previa
The Toyota Previa, also known as the Toyota Estima in Japan and the Toyota Tarago in Australia, is an MPV or multi-purpose vehicle produced by Toyota Motor Corporation since 1990...
in 1990.
North America
The Toyota Van was introduced to North AmericaNorth America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
in 1983 (for the 1984 model year), the same year as the Dodge Caravan
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is a family minivan manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC and sold under its Dodge brand. Along with its nameplate variant, the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was introduced for the 1984 model year. In 1987, the Dodge Grand Caravan long-wheelbase model was introduced and sold...
. Rear-wheel drive versions were sold in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
between 1983 and 1989, while four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
models were sold between 1987 and 1989. The four wheel drive models came with skid plates and a transfer case for Low and High four wheel drive. All trim levels starting in 1986 had a cornering lamp system.
Toyota's advertising campaign referred to the passenger vans (DLX and LE trim levels) as the "Wonderwagon" while the CRG trim level was referred to as the "Cargo Van". The Van used a front mid-engine layout where the driver and front passenger sat directly above the front axle. The VanWagon's short wheelbase
Wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
contributed to a very bumpy ride but a short turning radius of 15 feet. Deluxe and LE (Limited Edition) versions were offered as well as an ice maker/refrigerator between the front seats in the floorboard, which was connected into the a/c refrigerant lines. The VanWagon also offered dual air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
, captains chairs, dual sunroof
Sunroof
An automotive sunroof is a fixed or operable opening in an automobile roof which allows light and/or fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs may be manually operated or motor driven, and are available in many shapes, sizes and styles...
s (the front tilted and rear opened fully), digital clock, satellite radio controls, fog lights, tachometer, power locks, power windows, and a tinted glass privacy package. LE models had color matched bumpers and front grill along with power mirrors, chrome headlight bezels, and chrome Toyota emblems. Base models came with black bumpers and grill with white Toyota emblems. Base models have the reverse lights incorporated into the tail light assembly whereas the LE models had them incorporated into the rear hatch.
In 1986, a special EXPO86 version was available in Canada only. The 1986 "Espirit" model was finished in a unique light blue color with a white wave pattern on the lower half. A unique bronze colored plaque was affixed to the B pillar behind the drivers and passengers doors that said 'Spirit of 86' inside a globe. A 2WD pickup was also offered with the same paint and stripe scheme. Both models are quite rare.