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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  Not what I was hoping for - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brenda - July 24 - 9:21 pm

  The truck idles high when in park, lunges when going from park into drive or reverse, and is continuously searching for gears when going down the road. It also feels as if I am constantly pulling a boat behind me. These issues can cause damage to the transmission over time. The dealership says the truck is "learning my driving habits", but at 3,500 miles, the truck should already be in sync with how I drive. The mechanic said he has had several complaints about the same issue. He said he did not experience the problem when he test drove mine, & it didnt show any problems when they hooked it up for a computer diagnostic test. I called Toyotas corporate office to file a complaint. I go this week to have the service manager test drive the truck with me in it. He is also going to check the transmission fluid levels. A different lot of 2016 Tacomas came off the assembly line with low transmission fluid. What those customers described as being their problem is exactly what Im experiencing. It appears to me Toyota is handling each complaint individually as customers speak up, instead of doing a mass recall. What a money saver for them. This is my first Toyota, and I really wanted to like it. Nothing but a disappointment so far. Did I mention it does not come standard with interrmitant wipers??? Those cost extra!!!! I should have bought a Chevy!!!

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  Love our Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Bill - July 24 - 7:46 pm

  We bought a Venza from Boch Toyota in Norwood, MA in April. My wife drives it and loves the entire car. The many features and the way it handles makes it a perfect car. The many features such as the automatic lift on the rear hatch allows for easy storage. The car has comfortable seating and beautiful styling. Everywhere it draws favorable attention. You cant beat a Toyota for quality. We have had several different brands and now have a Highlander in addition to the Venza.

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  Sweet - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Happy - July 24 - 1:06 pm

  Rides very smooth and quiet for a SUV. Easy to get in and out of and easy to park. Great on gas. Comfortable inside. Great quality throughout. Excellent sound system. High quality interior. Every seam lines up. Excellent power. Handles well. Surprisingly roomy. The 3rd row is small but kids fit and I can easily get 7 people into the Highlander if need be. I like the sound system, the auxilliary heat controls for the rear and the 4WD does the job in snow. I looked around and this is the BEST midsized SUV available. And it is reasonably priced.

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  Awesome - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By kkm - July 24 - 12:43 pm

  You will not find a better SUV on the market. Everthing is excellent about the 4Runner. A smooth quiet ride. Good acceleration and for an SUV, the gas mileage is not that bad.

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  2005 Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Barry Q - July 24 - 8:50 am

  I traded in a 2004 Camry SE V6 for this car. The Camry needed Premium and never got better than 24 MPG even on long highway trips. First, I can say I like getting 37-38 MPG. But when I have to fill up, it take a few extra minutes. If I just fill till it clicks, and hit a few more times, it is still not full. I slowly put usually another 2 gallons or so in it. The stereo even with 6 speakers is pretty weak. I like changing gears. I have had this car 6 months and have about 23,000 miles on it. I just can NOT find a good driving position. I avg about 1000 miles a week. My back kills me some days. It has very little Lumbar support. It is sporty to look at and 2 real adults can fit in the back.

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  Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By connie winter - July 24 - 5:16 am

  I love this convertible. It is fun to drive. Heads turn when they see it. Several people have said what a beautiful car. It is also a pretty, cosmic blue. It is a classy car to own and drive. I cant wait until the weather get warmer, so I can drive with the top down.

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  I like my RAV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By beverly - July 24 - 3:30 am

  I do love my RAV, but there are things that are disappointing since it is a Toyota. The ride could be smoother and I do not get the gas mileage reported on the sticker, my 6 disk indash CD player display also messes up a lot. I love the look, design on the inside and the room that it offers for a small SUV.

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  Big Ed from Plymouth - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By BigEd - July 24 - 12:06 am

  A pleasure to drive. Handles very well with plenty of power. Get the GPS navigation system. Its a must!

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  Thought more of a Toyota - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By John M - July 23 - 3:46 pm

  My wife purchased this without test driving other cars. Fell in love at first 10 minute drive up the street. Almost 1.5 years later she has been constantly begging to trade in for something with more space (the folding back seats do not lie flat), better gas mileage, and a smoother ride. For a vehicle built on the corolla platform it rides more like a hummer (military version). She is so dissapointed, that she will not consider another Toyota.

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  Front seat issue - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By BB - July 23 - 1:23 pm

  The front seats are very poorly constructed. There is not enough cushion on the seat and it becomes very uncomfortable to ride after just a short drive. You feel like you are riding on a board!