Toyota
25 May 2013
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Toyota road test reports and car reviews
Toyota is at the heart of global manufactuting, a company that has grown to become the worlds largest vehicle manufacturer. As it addresses the challenges of the 21st century, Toyota continues to lead the world in terms of developing and realising new transport and production solutions while respecting and protecting the global environment.
Latest Toyota road tests
Toyota Prius
+ 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol T Spirit - The base T4 model retains that notoriously green tailpipe, emitting 96g/km of CO2 to become the first seven-seater MPV to breach the 100g barrier while the higher spec T Spirit trim just misses out on the free tax disc with 101g/km. [...]
Toyota Prius
Plug-in - Joining the existing Prius and Prius+ in Toyota’s growing Prius stable is the new Prius Plug-in. The Plug-in is also a petrol/electric hybrid, but unlike the existing models, its batteries can be re-charged from the mains and it can drive much further in EV mode. And it can return over 100mpg, easy! [...]
Toyota Yaris
Hybrid - With the third-generation Yaris having been designed from the outset to be either petrol-, diesel- or hybrid-powered, the new Hybrid version now joins the existing models to become the new Yaris range-topper and first full hybrid supermini. Despite being powered by two motors and a big battery, inte [...]
Toyota Verso-S
T-Spirit 1.33 Dual VVT-i Multidrive S - First impressions of the Verso-S are that the spiritual successor to the Yaris Verso is doing a much better job than the earlier car. Externally, it's a sharp edged mini MPV rather than the rather bulbous 'popemobile' of old. There's a similarity to its most obvious rival, the Honda Jazz, but there' [...]
Toyota GT86
manual and auto - It’s been a few years since Toyota had a proper sports car in its range, but that’s about to change with the GT86. Co-developed with Subaru, this fine-looking new coupé goes back to basics by combining decent punch with low weight, a fine chassis and straightforward simplicity. It’s a cracker. [...]
The Toyota range
Toyota Yaris
Average driver rating ( based on 170 reviews )
Toyota Aygo
Average driver rating ( based on 124 reviews )
Toyota Hiace
Average driver rating ( based on 85 reviews )
Toyota Auris
Average driver rating ( based on 34 reviews )
Toyota Prius
Average driver rating ( based on 20 reviews )
Toyota Avensis Hatchback
Average driver rating ( based on 15 reviews )
Toyota Corolla Verso
Average driver rating ( based on 14 reviews )
Toyota Land Cruiser
Average driver rating ( based on 14 reviews )
Toyota Picnic
Average driver rating ( based on 14 reviews )
Toyota Hilux
Average driver rating ( based on 13 reviews )
Toyota consumer car reviews
The latest Toyota driver reviews and road test reports. The views expressed in these consumer reviews do not reflect the thoughts and opinions of ReallyGoodDomains.com
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Tomaz, London
Toyota Hiace 2011
I am very surprised by reading all these fantastic reviews as my 2 year old Toyota Hiace has just broken down for the third time! There is major fuel injection problem, filter or pump, and after 2 years they found out that they need to modify this part. Plus points:- Price. Minus points:- Gear box is absolutely useles, these days all vans are fitted with 6 rather than 5, you will feel that especially on motorways. It’s a very stiff gear box that is often difficult to get into first gear or reverse, you may need to attempt this several times; diesel consumption, my previous VW transporter could make nearly 100 miles more on full tank; rear drive, this is again a very bad thing, try to go up a hill in winter and you will know what I mean; sound proofing of engine, the noise in this van is terrible especially on motorways, I can compare as previously I was driving a Transporter and Transit; 2.5 ltr engine and no dynamic movement at all. Overall there are more minuses than pluses. Compared to a VW Transporter this vehicle is absolutely rubbish and I would never recommend it to anyone. I do not know what made me change to it. Perhaps money as I paid £17,800 for this wreck? Major problem with fuel injection made a massive influence of my opinion, but it’s all these "little" things above that are making Toyata the poorest van on market for me and I cannot wait till the finance finishes and I am able to sell this wreck to somebody else.
Submitted: 25/05/2013 12:13:23
Trevor Whelan, Ireland
Toyota Hiace 2000
Bought this van 3 years ago with 197,000 on the clock and the van is still flying. Never any trouble and always starts in any weather even in the minus degrees. A little heavy on diesel, but that’s only a small price to pay for a bullet proof van.
Submitted: 25/05/2013 10:53:03
Sue Brown, England
Toyota Yaris 2013
I purchase my 2013 Yaris on 28th March and have now noticed that one of the rubber trims on the roof is missing. I went back to the dealer and they say that someone must have pinched it, I do not think so because there is no sign that the car has been tampered with. They also asked why did I not notice it when I collected the car? I did not notice this because I am too short to see it, it was my husband who noticed it when he went to get in the passenger side of the car. They have told me that they can not replace this under warranty and that it will cost me £85.01 to have a new one fitted. I feel this is very bad after sales service as I have only had the car just over one month.
Submitted: 18/05/2013 22:33:30
Patrick, New Zealand
Toyota Hiace Len 1995
I have 5 Hiaces at the moment, all forward control Japanese versions. The oldest is a 4x4 1990 and the newest is 2009. All are diesels and all have high mileage, the lowest being the oldest with 220,000km and the highest with 787,000 km. They have had no engine or transmission work except for cam belts and a water pump at 600,000km. The oldest has had a very hard life, but is always serviced and starts and runs as it did when new. I don’t buy anything but Toyotas! I do wonder how long the d4d engines will go for with their injector issues? I have just bought 2 new Hilux’s and they seem to like fleecing me at the Toyota dealer with servicing! You can’t beat the old L series 2.4 and 2.8 non turbo engines, they just won’t die.
Submitted: 12/05/2013 12:51:58
Jean Kilpatrick, Ireland
Toyota Rav4 2010
Very reliable and comfortable, but not happy with fuel consumption. Presently doing about 28 mpg, but should be doing much more. I had expected it to do around 40 mpg.
Submitted: 28/04/2013 10:25:14
Ian Kirk, Dorset
Toyota Hiace SWB 2.4 petrol 1996
I have owned my Hiace for over ten years and it has been exemplary for reliability - apart from a fondness for batteries (every two years) and lots of rear light bulbs. The front suspension has creaked loudly on full lock ever since I had it. It also needs driving with care in the wet if you don’t want the back end to step out. This petrol version is rare but fuel consumption has been about 28mpg over the years so not too bad - its also a lively van and surprisingly quick. However its wonderful run of reliability came to a sudden shuddering stop last week when the prop shaft broke. I was driving at about 30mph when it snapped, dug into the road, lifted the rear wheels off the road and spun the van around in a spectacular and scary fashion. Fortunately the road was empty of other vehicles. The breakdown driver was amazed. he said he never gets to pick up Hiaces as they are so reliable and he has never seen a snapped main propshaft before. So now it has gone to the scrapyard and been replaced by a Nissan Primastar.
Submitted: 25/04/2013 00:08:04
Lee Wilmerson, Norfolk
Toyota Auris 2.2 d4d t180 2007
I have just bought a Toyota Auris which has only done 30000 miles and the power steering has gone. They tell me I need a new ECU. I’ve only had the car eight months and love it, but now it’s gonna cost me £700 to put it right and who’s to say this won’t happen again as I’ve been reading on other forums that this has been a common problem cars of this particular year (2007). Seems like an awful lot of cash to shell out, so I am considering getting rid as it seems Toyota have had just too many electrical faults with the ECU and power steering. Perhaps I should look at the Honda Civic instead?!
Submitted: 24/04/2013 23:59:17
Adrian Calder, Australia
Toyota Hiace 2006
I manage a small air conditioning company (contemporary air conditioning) and service all of Queensland. I purchased 5 Hiace vans with delivery 2006 and I have had all the servicing done. I found that after about 150,000 kms the water pump seals started to leak just a little bit, so I replaced all the water pumps with new seals and they have done over 200,000 kms. The roads we travel on are less than comfortable between Toowoomba-moura-Rockhampton-Biloela-Nebo-Collinsville, actually some are so bad, 80 kms long goat track between Nebo and Collinsville, you wonder if you’re going to make it! However, not a problem (with the exception of a skipping CD as my head hits the roof and my tools play musical chairs) lol. The point is BUY A TOYOTA! They are fantastic vehicles!
Submitted: 02/04/2013 19:19:12
Charles Jeanes, England
Toyota MR2 Turbo 1991
I bought my Toyota in 2000 it was a 1991 model in red it had 2 lady owners in Ireland and was imported from Japan in 1994. I found it in a garage in Gillingham, Dorset, it had done 138.000 miles and it has never let me down, always starting first time. I have taken it to a lot of classic car shows in the 13 years I have owned it, it really is "the Japanese Ferrari". The performance is quite awesome it developes 300 bhp with a top speed of 160mph and is a lot cheaper to run and buy than a Ferrari and it has the look, which is fantastic. It always puts a big smile on my face when I drive it. Best wishes to all MR2 owners.
Submitted: 19/03/2013 21:27:50
Anthony Long, Northumberland
Toyota Yaris 2009
There is a problem with the indicators as they do not always not cancel and sometimes you forget to cancel them. Also, although not a serious fault sometimes the gear change is not very good.
Submitted: 16/03/2013 14:00:38
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Fred Phillips, England
Toyota Hiace swb 2008
Mine is 5 years old. I’ve had to buy tyres and pay for a service. It’s slow, old looking, with limited seat adjustment, poor side mirror vision and all that said - I absolutly love it! 40mpg max down to 20mpg if fully loaded and on the motorway. I’ve not even had a so much as a bulb fail. Going to keep mine forever.
Submitted: 08/03/2013 21:58:11
Phil, England
Toyota Hiace 2005
Bought our 05 plate Hi Ace after reading the reviews on this site. Brilliant van, tough as old boots. It has just turned 100k and still feels like a new van to drive. Failed its MOT on a blown number plate bulb! Don’t bother looking at anything else if you want 100% reliability.
Submitted: 02/03/2013 22:54:26
Williem Sully, Rhondda Cynon Taff
Toyota Picnic 2000 cc petrol 2002
I have had my Picnic 5 years; it’s a 2000 cc petrol with 183000 on the clock. I’ve never had any problems and it still runs well.
Submitted: 01/03/2013 22:15:38
L Dearden, Lancashire
Toyota Auris Diesel 2012
I have been loaned this car whilst waiting for an extremely costly gearbox repair on my 21,000 mile Yaris which warranty refuse to cover! I have found it fantastic to drive and it really packs some punch. I have been getting around 57 miles to the gallon, so its very economical. It took a little time getting used to the automatic engine cut off when the car is put into neutral whilst waiting at lights, but you can turn this function off when driving around town so its not an issue. I don’t like to ride the clutch on my cars if possible! It feels smooth to drive and I like the gear transmission. Its a great looking car and I will be sad to hand it back!
Submitted: 01/03/2013 22:10:55
L Dearden, Lancashire
Toyota Yaris 2009
I bought this car new in September 2009. It has done 21,000 miles and the gearbox started making a whistling sound. I took out extended warranty on the car so I took it to the dealers for them to inspect it. They said it would take 3 days for them to strip it down and do an investigation. The warranty people have refused to pay out stating that its wear and tear! I am now facing a huge bill from the dealers. I would not waste my money on extended warranty as everything seems to be "wear and tear". Previous to this I drove a Corsa for 10 years and it never broke down! I wish I still had it, it was more reliable!
Submitted: 01/03/2013 22:07:12
Bill Kiely, Derbyshire
Toyota Hiace 2008
I’m in the roofing business, so I need a van that is tough. They do not come tougher than this. I had Transits for many years which were ok, when a friend said to look at the Hiace when it was time to change. I could not believe how brilliant it was and did 13000 miles in it before selling it to another friend in demolition who still runs it now (six years later)all over the country; he tells me his men always argue over who gets the Hiace rather than his other vans, which are newer. I bought a Vauxall inbetween because I liked the look of them and the engine blew up at 27000m and cost £2,000 to put right. I sold it the day after I got it back and bought my latest Hiace, which is just fantastic. I’ve had it five years now and would not swap it for any of the new fancy vans. A proper work horse!
Submitted: 26/02/2013 21:25:15
John Owen, Kent
Toyota Aygo aygoblue 2009
This was my second Aygo, I had only done 6000 miles in 3 years when in late November 2012 the clutch gave up. It was repaired under warranty with 2 weeks left on it, but no reason was given by the dealer for the failure, but car did not feel the same so I traded it for 62 reg Suzuki Splash auto. My Splash is perfect, well finished and feels very solid and refined; bye bye Toyota! I heard on the grapevine that the traded Aygo let the new owner down (clutch failure) 2 weeks after buying it. I feel very sorry for new owner and relief for myself, but come on Toyota, sort it out quickly before we all head for the exit (non-leaking doors)!
Submitted: 23/02/2013 21:48:21
Paul, Berkshire
Toyota Yaris 1.4D4D SR MMT 5DR 2012
Great little car. Down sized to this car from my old Avensis after doing over 140K miles without any problems and wanting to save a fortune on fuel, road tax and insurance costs. It is so cheap to run: lowest mpg was 57mpg and highest was on one trip at 74mpg. I chose this car as I wanted a practical 5 door hatchback with built in sat nav and an auto gearbox with less than 120gCO2/km. Not many cars can match this, apart from the Prius, but that costs so much more to buy than the Yaris and probably isn’t as economical on fuel? I have done over 20K miles in the last year and it has only been back to the dealer for a recall for the electric window switch. Sports suspension has great road holding, but quite a firm ride, so swapped tyres from 195/50R16V to 195/55R16T for a more supple ride. Great car and only really miss the heated door mirrors in the Winter that my Avensis had.
Submitted: 16/02/2013 21:35:04
Derek Barkaway, Hampshire
Toyota Yaris multi mode 2012
I have just purchased this car, which is lovely to drive. Some people complain of the gear change, but I don’t have any problems or complaints, it is the best car. I used to own the Honda Jazz multi Mode gear box, I had it 8 months and found it lethal to drive. I complained to Honda, but they could not care less! I am now a really a happy bunny with this Toyota Yaris. I intend to purchase the later model next time round. I will swear that this Toyota is the best car I have driven for a very long time.
Submitted: 10/02/2013 15:09:22
Shaun, Wales
Toyota Aygo 2006
I’ll start by telling you I’m a mechanic. My water pump, clutch, brake discs and pads, suspension drop links and top mounts and boot grommets have all failed at one point in the car’s life. I bought all non Toyota parts and fitted them myself and ever since there are no problems to report. So a word of advice, if your Aygo is in its warranty period go to Toyota. If it’s out and you get component failure look to buy non Toyota parts and get a competent garage to carry out the work. Apart from that good car :-)
Submitted: 10/02/2013 15:00:37
Paul Atkinson, Yorkshire
Toyota Hilux 280 VX MWB 2005
I bought this vehicle last year and though it is in vgc, the tyres were shot, and I had difficulty in getting 15" off road tyres, as I need to use it off road for my work. I eventully found Toyo All Country tyres and since fitting them I have had no problem in thick mud, snow, etc.
Submitted: 10/02/2013 14:49:06
Noel Schmitt, Yorkshire
Toyota Avensis Tourer 1.8 T3S 2004
My 2004 1.8 T3S Toyota Avensis Tourer has now reached 106,000 miles and I still haven’t had a single problem. It passes its MOTs with flying colours every year. I decided a year ago to buy an Avensis 1.8 T3X for myself to go to work. It has 60000 miles on the clock and it runs beautifully. I don’t care what car manufacturers produce, I will stick to my two Avensis until they die. These cars offer me safety, comfort, reliability and stressfree motoring and they are dead cheap to run as I haven’t paid anything at all in repairs for the past 8 years. What more do I need? I am not surprised that the Avensis is popular with taxi drivers but remember not to buy a diesel as they will have more problems and the repair bills are horrendous. This is not a problem with the Avensis in particular, but with any diesel cars in general. Well done Toyota for producing such an amazing car and I will keep you posted when I have a problem. Let’s see what these cars are really made of!
Submitted: 10/02/2013 12:20:39
Jeri, Derbyshire
Toyota Aygo 2012
My work place has signed up with a company to provicde pool cars and being a good employee, eager to help the organisation meet its targets for lowering its mileage claims I have just driven one for the first time. On the plus points the car is nippy and responsive around town. It warmed up fairly quickly on a cool day and is very intuitively set up - lights, indicators, heating, wipers are all in sensible, accessible places. The rear view mirror and side mirrors are a good size and the driver’s seat, whilst hard, adjusts suitably for a car which, (in this case) will be used by a wide variety of drivers. However, I have never been more scared driving a car on the motorway and in windy conditions. She was desperately hard to control every time a gust of wind came along, and I simply could not hold her at 70mph on the motorway with the gusts, I was being pushed around like a feather on the breeze! The skin feels thin, its rather like being in a tin can, and the very plastic interior does nothing to reassure you that you are driving anything more than a toy. You can put it down to being an inexperienced driver of this car if you like, but I have driven Polos, Fiestas, Corsas, Bravos, Metro, Focus, Escort and have never been so scared as I was today! So in short, I won’t be using this car again and certainly wouldn’t buy one.
Submitted: 07/02/2013 21:53:41
Michelle Skinner, Hampshire
Toyota Prius Spirit 2012
Very happy with my choice!
Submitted: 01/02/2013 21:30:43
Ryan Marjoram, Norfolk
Toyota Picnic 2.2 td gs 1999
Our 1999 T reg 2.2 td gs is now on 194,000 miles. It is still running ok, doors creak a bit now, but it is nearly 14 years old and they get a bit of use! No major problems so far, very reliable car over 8 1/2 years of use. Still averages about 43 mpg. Recommended if you want a cheap people carrier.
Submitted: 28/01/2013 21:56:26
David Andrew, Shropshire
Toyota Yaris Verso 2000
Had a Yaris Verso from new, which we went to Denmark to buy as in 2000 you could save about £4000 just for the price of a boat ride! I’ve kept records about it ever since the start, so here are a few statistics: Mileage: 135000 Average mpg: 44.8 Totally inclusive running costs (I.e. anything spent relating to this car: purchase, depreciation, insurance, road tax, MOTs, repairs, extras): £32500. Like other users, we have run it for years as a two seater van, but more recently have reinstated the back seats, having recently taken early retirement, and moving less stuff around. It gobbles up sutff with kitchen appliances a doddle. Great golf car accomodating four players and all their clubs and kit and room for a caddie as well. Even got an IKEA computer cupboard in. The engine light stays on because it doesn’t like our non-Toyota Catalytic converter, but it sails through MOTs on emissions. I suspect this car will go on for ever; the engine is built like on ox, and the bodywork looks fantastic after all that time and distance. Toyota made a big mistake not to keep something like this in the range: we tried out the Verso-S and although it drove beautifully and had lots of fancy kit, it simply doesn’t cut it in the pratical stakes. So if we sell, a difficult thought, then I can’t see another Toyota that will fit the bill. It’s a shame that the Toyota Ractis never took off (have a look for this on Wikipedia).
Submitted: 13/01/2013 09:54:39
Ann, England
Toyota Yaris 2012
I’ve experienced all the above problems particularly the gearbox and the slowing down up hill which I think is dangerous as it forces the vehicle behind to stop suddenly, I am currently seeking legal advice as this is deemed faulty and not ’fit for purpose’ under the sale if goods act.
Submitted: 13/01/2013 09:43:22
Grant Flanagan, County Down
Toyota Celica vvti 2003
An excellent car bought 2 years ago with 72k miles. It now has 122k serviced by myself every 7k. The only thing I’ve had to replace was both rear brake calipers due to rusted pistons, but everything else has been 100% reliable. A great driving car and the design still looks fresh today. It’s not bad on fuel, averaging around 42 mpg. I have owned a few Toyota’s over the years and they have always been 100% reliable.
Submitted: 13/01/2013 09:40:16
Dawn, England
Toyota Aygo 2010
What can I say apart from, please don’t buy an AYGO. Leaks like a sieve, always inch of water in the boot and rear wells, mould on seats and now mildew on headliner. Not good with asthmatic kids. Toyota as pleasant as ever (not). New clutch after 20,000 miles, wear and tear of course although my last car had done 100,000 miles on one clutch. obviously think all women ride the clutch. Not to mention the marks that appeared on the paintwork when it was only 18 months old. Toyota said it was sunscreen, so not covered by the warranty. So please heed this warning. Don’t waste your hard earned cash. Don’t buy an Aygo!
Submitted: 13/01/2013 09:15:19
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