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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  Great SUV for the money - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyota Guy - December 28 - 11:56 am

  We test drove the Highlander over New Years and put over 1200 miles on it. When we came back we decided on a 4Runner instead. It had a more rugged design and feel inside, like an SUV should, but the handling felt almost the same as the highlander (built on a Camry frame). So far, with almost 2500 miles on it, gas mileage has not been that different either (avg. 19 city 25 hwy). This is a great SUV with great standard comfort features. I would suggest looking at a different vehicle if you want a 3rd row seat though. The seats fold up along the side instead of fold flat into the floor. They can get in they way often when trying to load cargo.

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  Couldnt Get Used to It! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By KC - December 28 - 11:26 am

  After having had a smaller SUV I thought I would enjoy a compact car. I love how the Corolla S looks, but inside I feel totally unsafe, too low to the ground and I cannot see out properly. This car has blind spots, and on the California freeways I feel very vulnerable. Driving is no longer a pleasure. It is scary! This car is fine for local around-the-town errands, but I could not imagine taking it on a long trip. Gas mileage is TERRIBLE! I expected about 32 - 35 MPG but I am lucky if I get 25 - 27 MPG. My small SUV did as well as that! I am going to sell this car and go back to a smaller SUV in which I have a better field of vision and do not feel so unsafe and vulnerable.

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  2006 Tacoma 4cyl. Auto Access Cab SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ed - December 28 - 7:50 am

  The four cyl. automatic has a tougher go of it in the Texas hills. Here on the coast its a good deal. It will consistently do 28 mpg on the highway at 63mph speed. Do not go to the larger wheels/tires or you will lose 2 mpg fuel economy. The optional shift or automatic (2nd, 3rd or drive only) is fun to use. I would recommend the 5 spd. manual if you want to tow with the four cyl. This long bed with the access cab can haul a lot. The short second seat is perfect for your gear, tools, groceries, or a small animal carrier. As usual for Toyota, this truck is absolutely dependable (80,500 miles in less than 3 years, w/no issues).

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  Good midsize with lots of annoyances - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jabberwocky - December 28 - 5:26 am

  Runs good most of the time (hard to start in the winter). Powerful and smooth engine. Gets around 30 mpg. Smooth, quiet ride with roomy and comfortable interior. Now the bad... Interior is very cheap; its just about falling apart. Engine does not want to start in cold weather. Car is too low. It bottoms out on everything! Hard to get parts for. Toyota charges an arm and a leg for the parts they do have. No ABS with brakes that tend to lock up all the time. Transmission likes to downshift when slowing down on a downhill. If it does that in the rain or snow your tires will lose traction! Ive had too many close calls with lost traction in this car.

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  Nice Truck - Xmission could be better - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ed - December 27 - 4:53 pm

  I bought the truck in June 09. I have had it for about 7 months now. I like the look of the Tacoma. ALL of the switches should be illuminated (ex 4x4), and there should be a foglight "on" indicator. My biggest complaint, like others, is the transmission. The transmission seems to down shift too quickly. After slowing down to turn a corner, it "hunts" to find the right gear. This should be addressed by Toyota.

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  Great Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Driver - December 27 - 4:50 pm

  I hunted high and low for a red one. I finally found it and I love it. This car gets lots of looks. It is comfortable, peppy and looks great. Plus it has real, usable back seat for my kids or adults. It has a back as big my Accord or even bigger.

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  Great little car for the Money. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Paul - December 27 - 12:40 pm

  Great Car. It rides smooth with crisp handling. It will stop on a dime and accelerate quickly through traffic. Its quiet running and its styling has an aggressive look. The fit and finish is amazing. It gets great gas mileage and its reliable, a great alternative to a gas guzzling Jeep!

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  Electrical Problems - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By lauralee - December 27 - 12:06 pm

  This vehicle is an extremely comfortable SUV. The gas mileage is terrible, but size does matter. I have had issues with the electrical system, and now the air conditioning compressor. I cannot turn of the TRAC control off or on. Occasionally, the high beams are not usable. Now the air compressor just locked up. This vehicle has led a pampered life with all maintenance taken care of by dealerships. The mileage is only 68,000. What gives? This is my first Toyota, and I purchased because of the outstanding reputation for reliability. This has not been my experience with this vehicle. The gas mileage is also terrible. 15.6 MPG.

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  Will buy again - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Jaime - December 27 - 10:16 am

  Kinda slow. But once speed up, you will be surprise how QUICK it reach its potential. Youre mileage average will be in the low 30s. It is really fun to drive- you feel safe and there is that smile that you have as you come inside. Go get one and have that pleasure that you richly deserve.

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  Good ol car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Guy - December 27 - 9:06 am

  Very comfortable, quiet and efficient. Bought this car new, now has 146000 miles. Have had the oil change intervals about every 5000 miles, had the dealer check inside the engine, its like new inside.