Toyota LiteAce: a simple but reliable people carrier 

The LiteAce was the first van offered by Toyota in the Philippines, making it the predecessor to the Hiace that we know today. To be specific, its plain-old “LiteAce” variant was released locally back in 1989. As such, the LiteAce predates the Hiace as the latter was introduced locally later  in 1995. For that matter, the LiteAce van model also filled in what the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is offering consumers nowadays: a reliable people-carrier with an abundance of interior space.

The non-GXL variant LiteAce released in the Philippines back in 1989 [Image source: favcars.com]

The older generation is probably familiar with the aforementioned facts. Some of you might have had the pleasure of riding the LiteAce or driving one back in the day. And of course, most of the 90s kids that are reading this might have ridden on one which functioned as a school bus. As such, many people will have a soft spot for this van, and it might even awaken some fond memories of the days of one’s youth. 

Before being released in the Philippines however, the LiteAce’s first- and second-generation versions were unavailable locally. Sure, there were some imported models that were running around at that time, but it wasn’t until the third-generation version of this model when we got our hands on it. 

There are two versions of the Philippine-spec LiteAce. The earlier one, known simply as the “LiteAce” was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, eight-seater van propelled by a 1.5-liter 5K eight-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine. Mechanically, it was as simple as a brick. Fuel was delivered via a carburetor, and it only made 64 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. While it wasn’t powerful, the 1.5-liter 5K mill was simple to fix, and was known to be very reliable.  

The Toyota LiteAce's simple, 1.5-liter carbureted gasoline engine [Image source: Vaa, Wiki Commons]

As a testament to this, one can see one or two of these vans running around in the Philippines. Of note, the 5K, and the Toyota K-series in general is a very popular engine. It was made until 2007, and Toyota sold a lot of models that used this series of engines. 

In today’s van standards however, the LiteAce is a tad spartan inside and out. It rode on a set of tiny 13-inch alloy wheels, and it came with a simple dial-type manual air-conditioning system. It did have an AM/FM and Cassette audio system, which was par for the course when it came to cars of its era.  

Like its modern counterparts, the LiteAce provided oodles of space [Image source: favcars.com]

Later in 1993, Toyota introduced the LiteAce GXL. Now this newer model used the same engine, the same chassis, and the same double wishbone and multi-link front and rear suspension system as the 1989 version. However, it was fitted with power steering, power door locks and power windows, as well as power mirrors. As far as looks went however, the only thing that distinguishes it from the older variant, is a body sticker. 

Do you have good memories of the LiteAce? Would you like the chance to drive and/or ride one today?  

For more nostalgic articles like this, as well as the latest car news, and car reviews, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.