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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  Amazing - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - March 25 - 11:46 pm

  I love my Tacoma it has handled everything that I could throw at it, including carrying a 7200 fully loading trailer, as well as 1800 pounds in the bed. (Not at the same time). All in all I am very impressed with my truck, and wouldnt get anything else.

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  MULTI USE VEHICLE - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By zebra - March 25 - 5:53 pm

  Van used for hauling furniture and then converted to a grandkid bus. Extremely quiet, even at speed. Gas mileage almost equal to my other compact car. Mileage well up into the 20s (mostly highway). Fold down seats great feature. Power doors actually are easier on the vehicle, and us. No service problems, same as our last 4 Toyota vehicles.

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  Roomy, reliable, ponderous gas-hog - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By AZDave - March 25 - 9:46 am

  After five years and 27,000 miles, I have mixed feelings about our 2002 Highlander. Like all Toyotas it has been super-reliable, and maintenance has cost less than $600 including one pair of tires. However, even with the V6 engine this vehicle is fairly sluggish and gets about 16-17 mpg around town and 20-22 mpg on the highway. Handling is secure but feels ponderous. There is a bewildering array of levers protruding from the steering column. The storage compartment between the two front seats is horrible: narrow and deep, with a two-part cover that jams easily. The seats are only semi-comfortable on long trips. OK if you need an SUV, I guess, but nothing to get excited about.

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  A Good Choice - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Anthony - March 25 - 5:50 am

  I spent 30 years driving domestic cars and recently found myself disappointed with Chrysler. I was in the market for a car-based SUV and chose the Highlander since I know many happy Toyota owners. Can honestly say I have never owned a new vehicle that has been this good from day one. No warranty items in first six months of ownership. The fit and finish is world class and the interior materials are of high quality. I am satisfied thus far with both the engine performance and fuel economy. I do not drive the V6 aggressively and average just over 20 mpg. The Highlander has met my expectations. Am glad I paid a bit more for the Toyota and did not buy a lesser quality product based on incentives

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  My Sport - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Jennifer Walthall - March 25 - 5:43 am

  Love it! Drives like a Camry and just as quiet, luxurious and comfortable too. Handles well in all situations. Just all-around great performance! Stereo, air conditioning and heating are incredible in sound and performance. Everything its cracked up to be.

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  Tacoma engine/tranny combo a joke - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Unhappy Tacoma owner - March 25 - 1:48 am

  My 2016 shifts up and down whenever it feels like it. Sometimes 2 gears at a time on a flat road with the cruise on and no wind. The 6 cylinder engine is a piece of crap teamed with a 6 speed tranny which the 5th and 6th gears not being used at speeds over 75. Had mine back to the shop 4 times and they said this is how they run. Well after owning 9 previous Tacomas that isnt how the older ones run. I hooked it up to my boat and it couldnt get out of 3rd gear with my boat behind it. I had to turn and unhook the boat and I drove right to my dealer and demanded my 2014 Tacoma back. The 2014 pulls the same small boat perfectly. Im 5 11" and my head hits the sunroof constantly and I would be worried if I hit a big bump while driving the 2016. Beware and give it a nice long test drive if your interested in buying a new Tacoma, they have a ton of engine/tranny problems. Just google 2016 Tacoma shifting problems and you can read 1000s of post about unhappy owners like myself. Oh yeah, mileage on 8 fill ups was 12.5 to 13.4, no kidding. I probably had a big lemon, but Toyota Corp. told me this is how they run so Ill leave it up to you to decide. Ive read enough posts to know theres MANY others just like me out there.

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  Venza or Camry - Easy Decision, Venza! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By dave - March 24 - 11:53 pm

  Needed the ease of entering and exiting vehicle that a SUV offers rather then sitting down into a sedan. This was the perfect choice. In between a sedan and SUV. Picked it up last week, first one sold at dealer. Impressed with design and performance. The base model comes with all the features you would expect to pay more for in Camry LE. Dual A/C, fog lights, power driver seat, instrument display for temp, time, trip, lighted vanity mirrors, built in satellite radio, nice rims, tinted glass. Far more value and features then Camry LE sedan model offered let alone roomier.

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  Well, it is 15 years old - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By BSS - March 24 - 11:30 pm

  I got my Camry w/low mileage in 2002, & currently it has 117,000 mi. After just replacing cv jt, the starter went out. I knew it was leaking a little oil & power steering fluid--but it turns out I shouldve had those checked first. Water pump, timing belt, entire power steering system, & valve cover gasket all on their way out. I dont expect even a Toyota to run forever, but this is at 117,000 mi. I dont skip oil changes, & am not that hard on cars--tho I didnt realize how serious a pwr steering leak can be. Overall its been pretty reliable--just hate its all going at once. Im trying Honda next.

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  This is the CAR to BUY! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mary Johnsen - March 24 - 8:13 pm

  Once this car comes out with a fixed boot for the convertible top then I will trade up. Using the boot is a nuisance with taking it off and on when you want to secure the vehicle. In the meanwhile I plan on driving this vehicle for the next 7 years. Spacious, comfortable, stylish. Just a great vehicle and a real head turner. As with most larger convertibles, there is noticable body quiver going over bumps, but no big deal. Toyota reliability, excellent gas mileage, well into the 30s on the highway in a 225HP V6. I simply can not say enough positive things about this wonderful car. A great buy for the money.

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  Impulse buy - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Marla - March 24 - 7:36 pm

  We spent 3 hours looking at and test driving a Camry Hybrid...and then saw a Venza sitting in front of the showroom. It was love at first sight with both the exterior and interior. After sitting in it and test driving it, we were sold. The interior is roomy, upscale, and has lots of storage. Ride and handling excellent.