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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  Overrated? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Old Tom - January 19 - 8:53 pm

  I purchased my Camry LE approximately one year ago, and I must say that my overall impression of the vehicle is average at best. The transmission, or more specifically, the power transfer is scary. There is a full 3-4 second delay when accelerating/passing, and it is downright dangerous on the interstates. The tires are noisy at 20K miles, unless it can be attributed to something more serious like wheel bearings. The reprogramming of the transmission shifting seemed to help for awhile, but its reverted back. Its also bad when decelerating, then re-accelerating. Ill probably sell it to avoid an expensive transmission repair after the extended warranty expires.

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  Very pleased so far - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runrfan - January 19 - 8:28 pm

  I own an 04 4Runner with 130,000 miles--this SUV has been as close to flawless as possible. It has never broken down on me--never.Time to hand down to daughter so I need a new SUV. Read all the reviews of the 10 and 11 4Runner and lots of negatives reviews had me looking to Jeep GC, BMW X5. Test drove all three, bought the 4Runner two months ago and havent looked back. Good and bad differences compared to my 04: eliminating the lighted running boards and locking gas cap on the 11 was disappointing, loved my 04 6 engine and its acceleration, dont love my 11 engine with its acceleration. 11 is wider interior and way more comfortable leather seats vs. 04. Overall Im happy with it

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  Great buy - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joseph - January 19 - 5:40 pm

  Make it short and sweet. I bought my taco used with exactly 20000 miles on it. I was an All-American car buyer until this vehicle and still doubted the value when I got it (Great Deal on the buy). Since Ive gotten the truck Ive put 36,000+ on it and never done anything other then oil changes. I literally love this truck more and more everyday I drive it. I would recommend it to anyone looking to buy a 4dr truck. Gets great gas mileage for a truck; has plenty of power on the street and off roading. Ive only owned 4x4s(3 Jeeps, Explorer, F150 & 250, Blazer), and this is definitely one of the best Ive owned. All around great buy.

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  Great improvements, mostly - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By desiree - January 19 - 5:36 pm

  This my 4th Rav4. Ive owned 98, 01, 06 and this 07. This model has incredible power, which is why I traded back my 06 V6. The roominess is a great improvement to old models, as is quality of interior/exterior. The gas mileage is nowhere near advertised. The cup holders should have been kept the same as 01-05 versions, Im tired of spilt coffee and looking for places to put drinks on long drives. Overall, I just love this vehicle.

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  Second Review - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By CRJ Driver - January 19 - 1:43 pm

  My second review. Bought new in 08/06.TRD SPRT. 2300 miles later and still loving it! 1560 RPMs and youre doing 65 MPH. 1800 and you are at 75. I have never seen it go over 2500 RPM. I see no reason to. Quiet, stiff enough but not brutal, nothing but two oil changes so far, poster vehicle for reliability. Seats offer good suppport, tranny shifts silky smooth, no issues with harshness, so quiet its hard to tell what gear you are in. Be smooth on the gas pedal and you will be rewarded. 19 mpg city and 23 fwy. There is no possible way to destruct this truck if you have a head over your shoulders.

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  Big Disappointment - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By jwwatl - January 19 - 12:00 pm

  After having a Ford Expedition, I would only buy a Toyota. This vehicle vibrates terribly. You will also lose your children if you open one of the rear windows while your driving. They will get sucked out the back and youll break your ear drums. This is a definite design flaw. Toyota is aware of this and is working on a redesign of the aero dynamics. I have heard that a bug guard and the rear spoiler help but Im getting rid of mine as soon as I can.

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  Poor Quality - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin - January 19 - 9:33 am

  I picked up my Toyota Tacoma in November 2007 because of its quality and dependability. In almost 3 years my rear bumper is rusting, there is rust on the roof of the cab, the plastic in the wheel well is falling out. I could go on with problems.

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  275,000 and counting - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alex - January 19 - 2:33 am

  I bought my 04 4Runner in February 2007 with 24k miles. It had 275k now. Basic maintenance its all Ive done it has never giving me any problems. From Virginia to Miami Florida over 30 times with no problems sometimes pulling two motorcycles in a 5x8 trailer. I love my 4Runner.

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  Call backs - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Nancy Hollwedel - January 19 - 12:49 am

  We have had a lot of call backs and never ending problems with the engine lights. Do not think I would buy another Rav4 The hood of the car blows up like it is loose. Not good

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  Love my Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By EricH - January 18 - 7:26 pm

  My minivan died a week ago and I was forced to buy a new car a year before I really wanted to. I had been looking at the Prius and luckily for me, the dealer had one in stock - my color and package 6. I wasnt sure if I wanted all the extras in package 6, but Im sure glad I got them. I live in South Florida and have only had the car 5 days, so the air conditioning has been on non-stop (78 degrees) since I got it. Im on my first full tank of gas, and after about 115 miles Im averaging just over 50 mpg. Cant wait to see what the mpg is when I dont need A/C (if it ever gets that cool here).