Here at Great Vacs we are frequently asked about the age and model sequence of Tristar Vacuum Cleaners. This page is just designed to cover model sequence and some of the differences we have personally seen. This is not a model specifics page. I am sorry this page is not more specific. There really is not much information on the older model Filter Queens so I was not able to enter any more information than what is contained here. Because of the lack of information available, I am providing information on the features I have noticed in all the different models of Tristar Vacuums (we have serviced hundreds of them and know them very well). This is not a technical page about Tristar vacuums and wont cover all the data on models.  For that you will need to contact Tristar.  The models we will cover will be the Tristar Compact DXL, EXL, MG1, MG2, and MG3 (A101R) models.

Disclaimer - Great Vacs is not in any way associated with, retained by, contracted by, or remunerated by Tristar or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, or related companies, nor do we represent the Tristar Company on any level. This informaiton has been gathered for information purposes only. For official and technical information you will have to contact Tristar. We have tried to make this as accurate as possible but do not guarantee it to be 100% accurate.   The data contained in these pages represents our opinionated and one-sided perspectives only and must not be construed, interpreted, disseminated, or quoted as Health Mor/Filter Queen policy, philosophy, practices, regulations, guidelines, or opinions. If you have any knowledge or information you would like to share to improve this page, please email us.   We do stand behind Tristar as a quality vacuum and do sale used or refurbished model's and service them.   While we sell lightly used Tristar vacuums if you want to buy a brand new Tristar vacuums you will need to buy one from your local authorized Tristar dealer.

About the Tristar Vacuum. Tristar Vacuums is one of the best vacuums made and very popular.   We stand behind them as a quality vacuum as they have been making them since about 1946.   The design from 1946 to 1998 was similar in design with improvements on all the models.    These models were made of metal largely and are sometimes referred to as "Compacts".  The last model made like these is the DXL model made from 1993 to 1998.   This model is where we start today and is still one of our best sellers as it was the most recent and best (according to us) of all the Compact models.   Tristar vacuums have several advantages.   It was designed so that as the bag filled with dirt the air flow would not decrease (take that James Dyson).   They are known for high powered air flow (for deep cleaning) and they are a quality made vacuum that lasts for decades.   It is very common to see a 30 year old Tristar working perfectly.   They also have excellent filtration for allergies.

	Tristar DXL. Many people claim this was the best model.   It is the work horse of Tristars and was made of metal and very dependable.   This was made from about 1993 to 1998.   We still sell lots of this model and they are very nice.
	Tristar EXL. Starting with the EXL model they made lots of good changes that remain constant with the new style of Tristar.   This one seemed to have more plastic on it and also seemed to have a larger motor.   I never verified the facts but we had a Tristar dealer tell us of all the newer models of Tristar the EXL has the most powerful motor.  With the EXL and models after it they made the hoses, tools and wands larger (for increased air flow I believe).  They also introduced the HEPA after filter as well.   The tools and head on the EXL models and MG1, MG2, MG3 will all fit each other but the tools and electric head on the DXL models and older will not fit.   Was made from about 1999 to 2001.
	Tristar MG1. This model they went away from some of the plastic the EXL had and made the vacuum a lot more lightweight.   It was made of a lightweight metal alloy and easy to use.   The basic look and style of tools hose and wands remained the same.    We noticed a problem with the MG1 though.  After a few years the metal seems to get discolored.   Little black splotches will start to show up.   It does not make anything wrong with the vacuum it just looks bad.  I had a Tristar dealer tell us thats why they came out with the MG2 which does not have this issue and looks very nice.   However if you want a new model Tristar and are on a budget and dont care about the paint job consider looking at the MG1 as it has the same features as the newer models but is a lot cheaper.  Was made from about 2002 to 2005.
	Tristar MG2.  This is a very good looking Tristar model with a nice clear coat finish to it.   There may have been some additional changes from the MG1 besides the finish but we did not see any.    Same lightweight easy to use vacuum with the HEPA filter and same style of tools, and wands.   I think they will have a hard time improving on this model.   I dont know the exact years but I think they were made from about 2006 to about 2008 or 2009.
	Tristar MG3 or A101R.  As of the writing of this article this is the new model.   Besides a slight looks change (color and decal) I dont see many changes between this and the MG2.   I think they may have changed the motor in it as well but I dont know for sure.   They did seem to add some additional attachment though.   I noticed they sometimes come into us with a hand held shampooer.   Its basically a spray gun that can be use to shampoo upholstery or spray other cleaners.
	Tools & Attachments. Tristar does make a Air Purifier called the Purestar but I dont believe we have ever seen one.  Its actually made by another company.   They also make the motorized mini head that works on EXL, MG1, MG2, and MG3 models called the mini star.   These are very popular but also very rare.   Standard tools are crevice tool, upholstery tool, crevice tool and floor tool.   The hand held shampooer will also work on the recent models as well but from what I have seen just recently came out and is not part of the standard tool set that we have seen.   The Tristar bags work on all the models of Tristar that we have seen.   Here we sell just about all the recent models of Tristar vacuums reconditioned and with warranties through us.   We also sell parts and supplies for them as well.   If you are unsure of the right model for you feel free to contact us with your questions and we would love to help you pick the perfect vacuum for you :)
	As far as recomendations, I would say that age is not a big factor because of how long they last. I would go for model features, looks and what you can fit in your budget. I personally like the MG1 and MG2 as the best buy for your money.