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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  Bought used at 90K miles, doing great - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By UncleTurbo - August 7 - 9:10 am

  I needed a vehicle to tow a 2 horse trailer on a $10K budget. Found my Sequoia used with 89K miles in Oct. 2008. The dealer had detailed it so that it took a lot of hard looking to tell it was not a new car. Still at 90K miles you have to wonder. I checked it over and bought it and immediately changed all the fluids and made sure all maintenance was up to date. This motor needs a new timing belt at 90K and got that done, changed the plugs and they might have been the originals. The gas mileage computer showed the previous owner got 14 mpg. I am getting 18 overall. Great used vehicle for me, no issues now at 110K miles and 1 1/2 years later. Pulls the trailer great, lot of room.

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  Best Mid Size Truck Available - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Howard - August 7 - 3:26 am

  This is my second Tacoma, and I find the quality of this vehicle far superior to any of the others that I have owned over the years. A solid, built tough truck, that is comfortable enough to take on a family vacation!!

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  Love my Prius! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sue L. - August 6 - 11:03 pm

  Less than 2 years old, and Im replacing a headlight bulb... for $311 plus labor! Ouch! So much for having an inexpensive "green" car! Come on Toyota!!

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  My 4th Sienna, overall 4 stars - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By lou - August 6 - 9:59 pm

  Just want to let you all know, it took me a long time to moved up to this 3rd Gen Sienna. And here is why... We used to have 04 LE AWD, 05 LE, 07 LE. When we picked up our 07 (used) we spent lot of time compare that 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen (2011+) and we just didnt see the wow factory so we settle for an used 07 :) You all know the 2011-2014 has a pretty bad review for its interior design and material. In this 2015 we just picked up, the inside is now more in par with other current new cars on the road. the bigger screen with backup cam does work much better. The new touch screen radio is a very good update over the 2014. Many options and settings, with big Text. Other nice features (for LE) is the build in blind spot corner mirrors. I have been telling my wife about how Ford made it standard years ago and all the sudden, the Sienna has it. Build in windows screen for 2nd and 3rd rows is another feature that my kids love. Couple cost cutting items, the not lighted speedometer is bad. Very hard to see during the day. The other is the non powered windows on the rear. It used to be standard on all 2nd Gen but now you have to get to XLE or higher to get that feature.

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  Boring but nice - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By mmmodem - August 6 - 9:06 pm

  When you buy a Corolla, you know youre not getting a sporty chick magnet kind of vehicle. Youre getting a safe reliable car that will get you from point A to point B in comfort. And the Corolla does that just fine. The engine is extremely loud at low speeds. Brakes are not that great but acceptable. Handling is subpar. But the engine does calm down a lot at cruising speeds and the car becomes luxury like quiet. Bumps and rattles are nonexistent, its a very smooth ride. Theres lots of headroom due to the car being so tall. Its taller than a Camry. The intrument panel illumination is a very clear and bright white but it doesnt match the green from the stereo and HVAC controls.

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  Toyta 4 Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike C - August 6 - 2:50 pm

  Overall Very Good, needs running boards and mudflaps. Also, very attractive vehicle, needs more options.

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  What Camry should be! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Vladimir - August 6 - 1:11 pm

  The only reason why I bought the 2008 Camry was because I owned a 1993 Camry that lasted 300,000 mile without any major repair or problem. I bought it used in 2010 with 28000 miles, it was a lease return vehicle. 100,000 miles later, it still looks and drives like new and never had any major problems with it. The only thing I repaired in the car was the rear passenger hub bearing which cost less than $150. I just replaced the original brakes last year simply because I wanted to. I changed the tires twice and battery one time, usual car wear and tear. It is nice to drive, comfortable and quiet. The only this I probably dont like with this car is that it drives very light, too light for the size and type of car. Toyota contacted me for all of the recalls and they fixed those. They sent me extended warranties for the dashboard (cracks and warp dashboard) and engine (excessive oil loss), but never had to use them. We really need a van or SUV for the growing family, but we cant imagine trading or selling this car since it has been really great to us. Over all we really love this car, at this pace this one might reach 300,000 miles too.

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  Mixed Review - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By tnboy - August 6 - 6:45 am

  Less than a week ago I bought a 2013 Highlander Limited with no options or accessories. I rated it three stars in all categories because Ive had it for only a few days. The good: Exterior is up to Toyotas relatively high standards...fit and finish appear to be good. Interior room is good for four adults. Engine power is adequate for the weight of the vehicle but not superb. The bad: Entry space at every door is too small. Either the doors dont open wide enough or the seats (even in their most rearward positions) dont allow enough room to comfortably enter the vehicle. The interior has way too many plastic surfaces for a $38K vehicle (more below).

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  My cool 4Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By escalante - August 6 - 4:33 am

  Great driving, I love this car but needs better gas mileage, had no mechanical problems other than regular maintenance.

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  Love the RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Brio - August 6 - 4:06 am

  I bought my RAV4 last week, just before 2 major snowstorms hit upstate NY. The RAV4 handles deep snow and slippery roads as though they are dry pavement. Im averaging 24 mpg. Great car! (so far).