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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  What is there to say? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - December 22 - 12:10 pm

  I mean its a Toyota. The car seems good on gas mileage and the steering assistance is really good. The brakes seem very mushy and numb. The ride seem so stiff, especially on Michigan roads. My 89 Cadillac rides a lot better. I will probaby end up selling it and buy a GM car.

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  If you enjoy burning money, flushing it down the toilet or lighting cigars with $100 bills, this is the car for you! Or, Ive never been this dissatisfied with an 11 month old car. - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By wtftoyota - December 22 - 3:44 am

  Ok, I was a bit torn purchasing this vehicle. I am a lifelong car guy and having a wife that wanted nothing other than a minivan, this was something my Yang just had to yield to its far superior Ying. Also mommy needs AWD, this is the only AWD minivan currently in production, so its not like I had the choice of another Odyssey or anything else for that matter. I will simply leave you with this; you have been warned. This bunch of buffoons at Toyota will not stand behind their products, no matter how aggressively you ask or pursue it, not if you push it up the chain at corporate or mention your uncle the pope. I am not sure there is enough room here to express my disdain for Toyota.

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  Im too tall for this vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By a bit disappointed - December 22 - 3:36 am

  Im 6 feet tall and my husband is 62". This vehicle is designed for much shorter drivers. There is not much thigh support and 3 hour drives are torture. I am looking to find a "booster seat" type of seat for me because Id planned to have this van for many years. I bought it because I had a used 2000 Sienna XLE that I flipped over on icy roads and no one was hurt although the van was totaled. I am disappointed because I am so uncomfortable driving it. It is currently at the dealership because the radio malfunctioned and one of the tire pressure gauges is broken and shows that we always have a low tire. I love Toyota normally but have been so disappointed with this one.

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  The Future - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dikran - December 22 - 1:23 am

  Love this car. No power complaints and I have driven t-birds and a range rover but then its a stick. At 55,000 and still get low 40s mpg on the Highway and mid 30 in town. I love the design interior. And with the fuel situation being what it might be this is a great great car. Fifth in mileage and the top four are hybrids. Drive regularly up and down East Coast in great comfort so no idea what strange driving position is all about. So learn to drive a stick, i.e. real driving, and welcome to the future

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  Nice XLS - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By ejmann - December 21 - 11:20 pm

  Bought the XLS vs a 300C and love the car. Ordered the VSC and heated seats for safety and comfort. Drives great, excellent mileage for a large car. And very quick!

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  A great looking car! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Stephen - December 21 - 5:23 pm

  This car has everything someone who needs space, but wants a sporty look, could want. Assume it is a great car, except for the following: 1.What really bugs me is that the transmission balks on re-acceleration after slowing down to about 6 m.p.h. (say you are slowing for a traffic light and it turns green just before you get there.) It jerks forward when you apply the gas in this situation. There is no way to avoid this without slowing traffic behind you while you gingerly nurse the gas pedal. 2. Forget trying to back out of a driveway with confidence. The beautiful lines that we love to look at from the outside hamper the visibilty from the inside - back and sides.

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  Update - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By mary Lubinski - December 21 - 4:36 pm

  The car has given good performance and few repairs. Normal upkeep has served me well.

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  Its a swing and a miss! The new Tacoma strikes out - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By MD60 - December 21 - 4:26 pm

  Couple of Details and info for you. I live in Denver 5280 feet above sea level, this may affect my outcome. Second this is my 3rd Tacoma a 1997 then a 2007 now the 2016. I have past trucks to compare to. The new Tacoma is a giant disapointment! The power is way lower than the previous 2005 to 2015 trucks. If you own one of those keep it! The gas mileage on my 2007 was an average of 18 mpg, my new 2016 is averaging 15 mpg! 3 mpg less from a newer truck with a 6 speed transmission. Speaking of the 6 speed transmission, why did Toyota waste the money putting it in? The engine makes so little torque and power that I never get to use 6th, 4th and 5th mostly. In the mountain 3rd and 4th work best. Save your money on this over-priced failed updated from Toyota. I will sell mine right after the holidays, my only question is what to buy? Having owned 3 Tacomas just not sure what I will buy since Toyota has nothing I want.

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  Tundra is the way to go... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By andywx - December 21 - 3:46 pm

  Just purchased an 05 SR5 Double Cab and love it. I was debating between the double cab 05 Tacoma and the 05 Tundra and decided that the ride quality in the Tundra was too good to leave behind. The Tacoma still seemed bouncy relative to my 02 Access Cab Tundra. The interior on the 05 Tacoma was impressive but considering the extended wheelbase, I would have expected a better, less bouncy ride. All in all theyre both amazing trucks. After owning 5 Toyotas in the last 10 years without a single problem to report, you simply cannot beat Toyota reliability. If you dont need to tow something heavy, I wouldnt even bother with the "big 3".

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  TRD Sport - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By XBGUIDO - December 21 - 9:23 am

  2009 Tacoma 4x4, Automatic TRD Sport with JBL, Long Bed, Tow Package. Purchased 10/2008 from Hometown Toyota in Ontario, OR. Good experience with dealer. Truck is really great. Performance, comfort, drive-ability all very good. Style and quality are better than any other truck on the market today in my opinion. Gas mileage was 18.5 average added K&N air intake and is now 20.5 average. Would like to see Toyota work on the gas mileage, should be better. Would also like to see Toyota offer leather seats, heated seats/mirrors. Price paid, less taxes, $29,600 Great truck, recommended.