2012 & 2013 Toyota Truck Reviews & Ratings

Trucks differ greatly in terms of size and specification, from enormous road freighters to small, tough, pickup trucks. These last are identified by their open cargo bay, and are also known as 'utes' and 'bakkies', in various parts of the world, as well as a host of other names.

Toyota has been manufacturing trucks for decades. They originally sold only to the internal Japanese market, but turned their attention to export markets in the 1970s and 1980s. Toyota trucks have been enormo... (full review continues below)

Trucks differ greatly in terms of size and specification, from enormous road freighters to small, tough, pickup trucks. These last are identified by their open cargo bay, and are also known as 'utes' and 'bakkies', in various parts of the world, as well as a host of other names.

Toyota has been manufacturing trucks for decades. They originally sold only to the internal Japanese market, but turned their attention to export markets in the 1970s and 1980s. Toyota trucks have been enormously popular in the USA, particularly Texas, South Africa and Australia for the last few decades.

Pickup trucks have a wide range of uses. At their core, they are utilitarian vehicles, intended for farming, hauling, off-road work and can be used for virtually any job that requires a sturdy, reliable vehicle. However, the increasing market for comfortable and stylish large cars means that they are becoming more prevalent in cities. Modern Toyota pickups are sometimes used for pursuits like camping and sailing at the weekend, and more general family and commuting purposes during the week.

The most beloved of all the Toyota pickups is the Hilux. This pickup is said to be virtually indestructible, and is extremely reliable and hard-wearing. It has been sold all over the world since in 1968, with new models being regularly released. The Hilux was discontinued in the USA in the mid-1990s, and replaced with other models. However, it remains a top seller in many markets, and is one of the most popular vehicles on sale in South Africa.

In the US, the two main models of Toyota truck in production are the Tacoma and the Tundra. The Tacoma comes in four different trims; the regular cab, the X runner, the double cab and the Access cab. The regular model is the most economical, and starts from around $16,000. The X runner is more efficient to run and has more space for passengers. The Access cab, as the name implies, is easier for seniors or mobility impaired passengers to get in and out of. The double cab is more spacious than any other version and is ideal for families. It is the most expensive Tacoma, and costs around $22,100.

The Tundra is a larger, higher specification Toyota truck, and starts from $25,000. The standard version seats 3 and has a standard 4 litre engine. The double cab model seats 4 or 5, and the premium CrewMax is a beast of a car, with an enormous 5.7 litre engine - the most expensive version costs just under $44,000.

In terms of second hand Toyota trucks, many Hilux vehicles are still going strong. It should be possible to buy one in reasonable condition for a few hundred dollars. If you're looking for a more modern Toyota pickup, then you should be able to pick up a fairly recent model for around $5,000.

Competitors to Toyota pickups include the Ford F-Series and Ford Raptor, and Hummer, Chrysler, Volkswagen and other manufacturers produce their own versions.