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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  Jeffs Tacoma Review - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - July 15 - 2:20 pm

  First Toyota Tacoma ever purchased. Very wise decision for me. It has a strong V6 engine, very capable and responsive for this size of truck while still getting good fuel economy. Lots of fun to drive, especially while listening to the 6 disc CD changer. Great truck.

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  The 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is the best 4x4 of the year - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By nothing_better - July 15 - 2:12 pm

  I was first attracted to the 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro because I loved its appearance; especially in the Inferno Orange color. After driving it, I fell in love with it. Ignore the other reviews that claim it is less than enjoyable to drive on the road; that just isnt true. This truck is just awesome. Its comfortable, handles well on road AND off, and the stereo system is the best sounding stereo I have ever heard in any vehicle. The TRD suspension, shocks, wheels, tires and 1/4 inch thick skid plates underneath it make it a street legal urban tank. You will see heads turning and get lots of thumbs up from total strangers. I wanted a FUN vehicle for once in my life, and I got it!

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By thegreydog - July 15 - 8:20 am

  A great buy! I have owned many trucks and this is by far the best. It has plenty of power and it is comfortable ride. I really dont know what else to say. If you are looking for a great mid-size truck, this is the one. It has everything you ask for.

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  Like a Lexus ES for 10k less. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By F.P. - July 14 - 6:36 am

  I am amazed at the quiet and comfortable ride my Camry XLE V6 offers. The V6 engine is smooth and powerfull. The new headlights look like jewels, and the tail lights are bold and beautiful to look at, even more so than the Lexus ES. The look and quality feel of the wood/leather interior is beyond its class for a car in the 25k to 30k price range (I paid under 25k), and the many Lexus-like features and amenities dont hurt either. The XLE V6 is so comfortable to drive in that I always arrive at my destination feeling rested and ready to go, even after a long road trip. Thanks to the on board MPG computer, I can tell you that I have been averaging close to 30 MPG in mixed city/highway driving.

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  Steering wheel shakes - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By 06TxTaco - July 14 - 4:06 am

  Overall a great truck, good power and very comfortable truck. My truck has a shake or shimmy in the steering wheel that the dealer cant seem to fix after several attempts, they even let me drive a new 07 off the lot and it had the same problem. The truck rides fairly smoothly but the steering wheel shake between 55 and 70 MPH is extremely annoying. Other than that, I love this truck, beautiful styling, plenty of power, comfort, good gas mileage for a truck. I get between 20 and 22 MPG depending on how my right foot feels that day, combined city/highway driving.

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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By camrydc - July 14 - 4:03 am

  Turned in my 5 series bmw for this car. No more premium fuel and Im almost doubling my mileage! This is one high technology vehicle. I got all the bells and whistles. Very comfortable and after half a tank am averaging 37.1 mpg commuting into Washington DC.

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  Outstanding beach car - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By justyn - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2000 Honda Civic in on this one in Dec of 2000 for the new rav4. I was highly impressed before I even bought it, especially with the way cool interior design. Afte buying, this car has blown me away with its reliability: I currently have 107,000 miles over 3 yrs, kept up with oil and maintenance, and the only problem I have had is replacing the brake pads twice total. Nothing else has gone wrong, and it has been unthinkably dependable. When you take out the back 2 seats, youve got more storage room than a Land Cruiser. Outstanding overall

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  Great job Toyota!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Walt26 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first toyota car. I use to drive all american cars. This car is very good looking especially the lexus like rear end!! It drives very smooth and i was very satisfied with it so far. No problems so far. I almost purchased a Mazda 6 but then i fell in love with the solara. looks and drives way better! i never thought i would buy one cause the old ones looked like chick cars. Also i was not about to buy a ford quality car. Hope that this will be a good experience with toyota. Love the car interior looks good and so does the outside keep up the good work toyota

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By econo - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my purchase. The ride is great. Handling is great with plenty of power. Very well thought out. My second 4R. This is a great car. Xreas, downhill assist, moon roof, hood scoop, 6 window sprays, low wiper fluid, reminder to change oil, Tran. fluid, low oil, tire pressure, special air bag, seat belt pre tensions, oil filter on top of motor, great visibility, anti skid, no difficulty steering in tight spots

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  Gogeos design. - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Adel A - July 14 - 12:09 am

  Driver position: All is an exeptional design, but small itmes that may need more attention. The driver seat may need lumber support, Arm rest to have better material and large enought. In general the councel area need some work, lift up the gear area to the arm rest level. The radio location to be tilted and little closer to driver position. The lighting of the air control (blue light) to be a neon light which straight across not to notice diferent bulb as old fasion bulb light. Also the dashboard the temp gauge should be neon background lighting or upto date tech lighting. It is outdated lifhting and touch.