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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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Todd Bertuzzi - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have been completely thrilled with this vehicle. It is everything I was looking for: practical, spacious, comfortable, quiet, reliable, convenient. The engine provides plenty of power. Climate controls allow you to forget about managing the interior. All the controls and systems are easy to deploy/utilize. My only complaint is that the radio controls are a long stretch if you are changing radio stations, CDs, etc. (although there are volume controls on the steering wheel). If youre in the market for a minivan, check out the Sienna.

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  Entune JBL audio sucks, everything else is Toyota! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Michael Y - June 11 - 7:43 am

  Purchased XSE at a great deal, like its driving but suffers its JBL audio. The sound quality is beyond bad, even worse than my old 98 Camry. It has no clarity, no bass. Anyone with a minimal requirement on audio quality if you still must have a Toyota, research sound quality upgrades prior your purchase. I have not found a path to upgrade yet, still doing my research. Besides the sound quality, I like everything of it. We are a Toyota family, have owned all Toyota vehicles and never disappointed with Toyota quality. But this new purchase, Toyota reputation is ruined by JBL. Shame on both of them.

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  AWD sienna review - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Matt - June 10 - 5:20 am

  Overall the best minivan available. Odyssey drives/handles better and has better mileage but is not available with AWD (helpful for MN winters). Very happy with fit/finish and build quality however cabin noise is excessive at highway speeds (70+) and chassis rumbles over rough surfaces. No rattles yet but seems likely well get some down the road.

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  my 4runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jtate - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent suv with low depreciation

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  Great Vechile - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JJCC - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a Ford windstar that could not handle are growing family and pulling our tent trailer. Does everything well. Quiet and powerful. Was considering the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer/Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. After many test drives and much research I purchased the Sequoia. We are very happy. This will not leave are family for a long time.

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  You really do get what you pay for(alot) - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ewelch - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I originally intended on purchasing a new Trailblazer but was scared off by its current lack of reliability. Final choice was between 4runner and the Honda Pilot. For me, the only catagory won by the Pilot was interior space and that wasnt enough. Absolutely love the smooth, quiet ride of this vehicle! Power is effortless and surprising for a vehicle over 2 tons. While it took a little while adapting to the climate control system, the optional JBL stereo system is definitly worth the money. 4x4 ability is excellent with the exception of front and rear overhangs and side clearance.

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  2008 Rav4 V6 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Max - June 9 - 6:56 pm

  We traded in our sports car for the new RAV4. Our hope was to achieve the gas mileage abilities of our Nissan Maxima (family car) while gaining a more versatile vehicle. We did have one noise issue that was hard to track down since it would only happen at freeway speeds. The source of the noise was the roof rack cross member (it was loose). This caused a noise as it shifted position due to wind speed pushing it backward. The 2nd noise source was a loose radio antenna. We are averaging between 22.5-24 MPG in mixed driving (65%+ city) with the V6. Our RAV has just over 1000 miles on it and I suspect the MPG will be increasing.

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  2016 Highlander Feedback - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By name withheld - June 9 - 5:16 pm

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  Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By john Wittig - June 8 - 10:40 pm

  Have had car towed to dealer twice for no start. My first and last Toyota. Never had new car towed before. Car has some good features, great fuel economy, great performance. Love cooled seats. Hid headlights are great. Stereo is great. I no longer feel reliability is there. Transmission is terrible very jerky. Will make last payment soon and car will be gone. Wife wanted Toyota for quality but is disappointed

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  nice body - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Monica Fiorentino - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I just got the 4 runner s5 a week ago.I love it so far and my kids love it too.