Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  4x4 tacoma - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tuan vo - December 29 - 11:53 pm

  Use car 80,000 miles a lot problems! too much money to fix ( every time $3,000 - $6,000 to fix ) not happy.

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  2001 Highlander awd - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Maurice - March 30 - 10:46 pm

  Bought used, a beater, with 79K in 2009 now has 127K and like Toyotas it has never let me down. Easy to drive, blasts trough rain and snow, computer controlled traction control is the way to go, plus 4 wheel antilock disc brakes make this a great SUV for the $. The 3.5 L in the 2008+ models are even more improved. Cons: Thirsty in city driving.

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  Four wheel drive - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sheila stambush - July 15 - 2:41 pm

  I bought this highlander knowing that I need a four wheel drive to get out of my drive. It works when it senses slip. If you start out on a hill, you are going nowhere. That is my only complaint on the highlander.

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  Reliable but not so fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Topaz - December 30 - 2:10 pm

  Its a very reliable car. Low maintenance. However, when I need a sudden burst to accelerate on the freeway, it almost redlines going from 55mph to 65mph.

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  Mixed bag - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By RonC - December 28 - 1:57 pm

  Pros: Roomy, great gas mileage, dependable, good dealer network, good driver lumbar support. Cons: Armrest placement awkward for trip comfort, suction cup marks on windshield, handles rough pavement poorly, wind noise very noticeable at highway speeds, outside rearview mirrors block side views, no way to judge your parking as fender height totally blocks any visibility for parking. Overall road comfort feel is like a truck.This is my seventh toyota and I feel the rav 4 did not meet my expectations.

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  Problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bridge - December 21 - 11:26 am

  Very uncomfortable when driving long distances. Replaced radio at 15k. Transmission was very rough, dealership re-programmed, its ok now. Gas mileage not the best (regular 87).

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  Pick another year - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By litedog - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I too had the brake problems from day one, front and rear. Also had both exhaust manifold crack. In addition, over the past year it began blowing O2 sensors on a regular basis. When the transmission began slipping, I had enough. The Toyota dealers refuse to believe that there is something wrong with these trucks. My last Toyota.

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  Toyota 2wd 2002 - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Derek1231212 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in great shape. Lately, it has been shifting its automatic transmission too early and bogging the engine. Also, at idle it has a rattle now. It is only 6 months old. Not what I expect from a Toyota.

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  Completely Over-rated - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By mhan - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Within two weeks a puddle collected under the driver side carpets. This truck looks rugged but is built like a Coke can. Its basically a raised Corolla with 4 wheel drive. Chintsy interior - cheap plastic controls, door handles, center console and lousy sounding 6 spkr CD stereo. Being built in Fremont, CA is part of the downfall. They couldnt even include a lock on the gas lids. This truck is way too expensive with little real value.

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  Step Back For Sure - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dan - December 10 - 2:51 am

  The Pros: Great looking truck; comfortable ride; good navigation; good electronics; good gas mileage; great long term resale value; good choice for those who dont care; The Cons: Horrible fit and finish; windows rattle in the down position; horrible engine/transmission combination - this truck has no low end torque and its geared for gas mileage nothing else; even with the "turbo" button it goes from weird to weirder; I hated the engine and trans so much I got rid of my truck already after 7 months and 8000 miles. traded for $30k. I lost some money but could have been worse. I just couldnt handle it any more. The truck is a step up in technology but a definite step back in fit and finish and drivetrain. Also, truck had weird whistle noise at highway speeds which the dealer could not rectify. That alone was the icing on the cake. Toyota didnt do its homework with this one. I bought a Nissan Murano instead. Ill miss my truck but not the issues. Overall gas mileage was 18 city and maybe 21 on highway at 75 mph. So not bad but not as advertised either.