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:

• 

  West Alabama Tacoma D-Cab TRD 4x4 - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Henry Moore - January 27 - 9:56 am

  I had my previous truck, a Ford, for 13 years. When it comes out of the shop, it goes to my in-laws. I loved that truck. So after test driving several brands and deciding on the Tacoma Double Cab TRD 4x4, made the purchase. This is the first month of driving, but I have been through the truck inside and out, read through all the manuals, checked out every control and taken the truck on the highway, in the city and off road. My overall reaction is pleasantly surprised but not fanatically enthusiastic. This may change in time as I am still used to my old truck and waiting to find out how the Tacoma endures the next 10-13 years with me! My main concern is long-term reliability of the components, especially the plastic fascia trim on the front and rear. I am an old-school guy who likes metal bumpers and metal components that dont flex when you push or pull on them. I am certain I can put my fist through the plastic front grill, but at least the radiator and engine block are a good 12" behind that flimsy front. Off road, the Tacoma handles much better than any other 4x4 I have owed and is much more capable. Soggy embankments and ditches covered in rain-fresh 3 foot field grass werent a problem. No bottoming or spinning. One related issue, I still havent been able to engage the crawl control even though I am following the manual. The Atkinson engine and paired transmission are another area of concern. At no load and on cruise control at 77 mph over flat to rolling 50 foot elevation changes the engine and transmission occasionally seeks for the optimum rpm and gear ratio. This V6 seems to lack some punch. Out of the four V6 vehicles I have owned, I would rank it at #2 for engine. For off-road #1. I have the trailering package and plan to pull about 2000 pounds next week so that will give me a little more feedback on the engine and tranny. My wife is more tech savvy than me and she is thrilled when driving the new Tacoma. She has paired her iPhone with the Entune audio system so that text messages are spoken to her. Yes, she now thinks this is her truck, (sigh.) Most of my hesitation on giving the Tacoma a five stars thumbs-up all around is based on longevity. If it holds up as well as my wifes decade old Prius, I will be satisfied.

• 

  CE Value Priced Choice - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Thomcin - January 27 - 6:26 am

  Purchased 2005 CE pkg 1 (cruise & roof rack)+ port installed window tint & all mats. List 26,000 Purchased ou the door 23,500 (all taxes, tags, fees) This is a real value product

• 

  2007 tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - January 27 - 3:50 am

  85,000 miles. No problems. Fun and powerful to drive. Have trd package, w/limited slip and towing package. Live in Arizona and drive it hard in hot and dusty places. 100% satisfied.

• 

  BEST VEHICLE UNDER $20K - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Joe Madsen - January 27 - 2:30 am

  Paid $17K with 20 miles on it. Ours had the power package (pw/pl/cruise/keyless entry) It has everything you need. Panic button on the key adds extra security. For this price you get a vehicle with 26/31 MPG (best of all AWD vehicles) Winner of 2003 Compact Wagon Comparison Test on this site. You cant go wrong with this Matrix!

• 

  Great Automobile! Loaded with features! - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David B. Hilton - January 26 - 11:27 pm

  Overall mpg is fantastic. Ive never owned a Hybrid car before and I wasnt ready to go all electric. This car was a welcome treat coming from a large 4-Door BMW sedan that averaged 17mpg TO now averaging 31+ mpg in the Camry. Long trips averaged about 40 mpg! This model is several thousand more than the standard non-hybrid. For those that plan on keeping the car for at least 5-years or longer can probably justify the higher price being off-set by fuel savings - especially when gas starts to climb up again. If you keep your car for only about 3-years or like to lease, than I would not recommend this model due to the higher cost. My lease is up in 5 more months. The car is in excellent shape and will be turned in with less than the maximum mileage limit. However, my purchase option (residual) is higher than the retail prices that Im seeing right now.

• 

  2006 Sequioa - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By 2006 Sequoia - January 26 - 8:30 pm

  Quality you can feel. Ive looked at all of the big SUVs. This Sequioa just beats them all. Gas mileage is not bad, but heck you pay this much for this monster, who cares about gas mileage.

• 

  Exceptional! Power, MPG, 4x4, Comfort - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By scott - January 26 - 3:56 pm

  Exceptional value for $27,200 for a new 2008 Tundra DC 5.7L 4WD bench seat long bed! This truck has taken me where only jeeps can go (major 4x4 trails) and got me back. Zero maintenance problems. 18 MPG on highway! I can seat 6 comfortably. Handicapped wife sleeps on back bench no problem! Power is amazing for stock. Tows 20 camper trailer as if it isnt even there! Note- I dont work for Toyota, I just LOVE the truck!

• 

  Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 1998 Toyota T100
  By Ron G - January 26 - 2:00 pm

  Bought it used 8 years ago, and Ive driven it like I stole it ever since. Currently has 196,000 on the clock and I can list the repairs on one hand: new ignition lock cylinder at 120k, new ignition coil and wires at 190k. Less than $600 in repairs. I get about 21 mpg on my daily commute, running it like a scalded dog. The rep on these is golden. Ive had several offers to buy mine from complete strangers. This one has made me a loyal Toyota customer for life, if not longer.

• 

  A great big little car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Katarra8 - January 26 - 11:00 am

  A fun to drive, economical car with a great style. It has more headroom than my previous Cadillac, more leg room, and the rear passengers have leg room, even with the front seats all the way back! I love not having to even take my keys out of my pocket to use the vehicle! Weve got a second Prius on order, because my husband and I BOTH want to drive the car!

• 

  The Solara SLE will blow you away! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By thetoolman - January 26 - 7:06 am

  No car is perfect but the Solara comes close. First the few cons: 1. If you are over six feet tall you will find the headroom tight especially in the rear. 2. The view out the rear window is poor. Other than that this car ROCKS! To have a smooth, powerful, reliable, beautiful loaded head turner of a car for under 27m is incredible. The interior is impeccable with high quality materials fit for the finest Lexus. Outside the car looks like the $64,000 Lexis SC430 except that it has a real back seat (roomy too!) and a big trunk. Go figure. The smooth powerful V6 is a joy to behold and the interior cabin seems soundproof. The SLE is loaded with features but the best feature is owning one.