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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  Rock Warrior - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By M - August 23 - 9:50 am

  I have owned two Toyota Tacomas and loved them both. Bought this Tundra for more towing power as well as an overall larger truck. Saw Rock Warrior package and immediately loved the rims and tires especially. This truck has exceeded all expectations. If you complain about a bumpy ride, gauges, and gas mileage then go back to driving a Saab. This is a truck. I am getting 16 mpg city/rural driving and that is more than my last Tacoma with a V6.

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  Never own anyhing but Toyota - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin - August 23 - 9:00 am

  Just bought the 06 V-6 a few months ago with 74k on it after having an 04 4 cyl. Absolutely love the feel of the V- 6 the power is awesome and the car shifts extremely smooth. Getting rite at 28 mpg back and forth to work everyday. Driving 30 miles round trip. The quality of Toyota cant be measured against any American vehicle. Plan to drive this car til it falls apart!

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  2002 Tacoma 4x4 TRD - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By hunkele3 - August 23 - 6:30 am

  Ive only had the vehicle for 3 months, but I am extremely impressed with the quality, performance, and good looks. This is definitely the best small pick-up on the market - no contest!

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  Careful of the Paint Job - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By nasoj1 - August 23 - 5:56 am

  I am mostly happy with the Hybrid. However the paint is beginning to blister in small areas the size of a pencil eraser. I have found that this type of paint problem has been found before with Toyota vehicles. I have had the SUV for about five months now and the dealer told me to contact Toyota USA to resolve the problem.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Micheal - August 22 - 11:36 pm

  I have had my Prius for about 6 months and I am nothing but pleased. I have not found that it has less power than other sedans because of the high amount of torque, I can burn rubber just about any time if I really wanted to do so. Also, in terms of the real-world driving, it is on par with 90% of cars that real world only get about 80-90% of the estimates. It just seems to be bigger because you see a bigger difference in 20% of 60 than 20% of 30. My lifetime MPG is slightly over 45, but this is from driving less than five minutes during colder temps. When we have done 20 min trips or longer, we average 50-55 mpg. I would buy another if I could afford it!

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  The Best Car That I Have Ever Owned! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Tom P. - August 22 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 90,000km on the odom. I paid the full price as if it was brand new: $33,000. The interior was not in great condition. I hated the silver color. I drove it 5,000km before it was stolen from Edmonton, Alberta. It was recovered 3 months later with 40,000km than when I bought it. It was driven day and night and was stolen by drug dealers I suppose. The engine was gone on the vehicle due to not changing the oil. If you are going to steal a vehicle maybe perhaps check the oil once in a while! The car while I had it was fun to drive and with the 4 cylinder extremely excellent!

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  Proud new owner - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mountaineer Toy - August 22 - 2:50 pm

  I had to get rid of my 2004 Tacoma to get a baby seat in. I was sad to see it go but this new one made me forget pretty quick, it has the power when I need it though it comes at a price with the mileage sometimes, and the back-up camera is extremely useful. I would like to see the 4wd selector lit up but other than that Toyota hit a home run when designing this truck.

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  Decent truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By fresnotruckman - August 22 - 2:03 pm

  I was one of the first to buy my gray double cab tundra with the supposed 381 hp engine. I bought it Feburary 1st and took it on my first test of towing. My 5500 toy hauler loaded with water, fuel, and 4 quads maybe 8700ib. My brother has a 2005 ford with the 5.4 triton and he has a larger trailer and outran me up questa grade. Doesnt tow as well as the ford or dodge. Seats feel very stiff, but overall I feel I made a good decision. Averaged 6 mpg towing and in town 11.8mpg.

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  Nice nimble car but it has problems - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Walter - August 22 - 12:16 pm

  The brakes are awful. Pedal sinks to floor while coming to slow stops. Requires pumping to bring pedal up. Dealer says everything in spec.. Next issue is steering. The electric steering is very nimble but car wanders around lanes at highway speed. You can hold the steering wheel rock steady and still drift in and out of you lane, Dealer says everything in spec. Last issue is the radio. It changes modes, volume goes up and down by itself and, on the way home from the last service at Toyota, it turned itself on with high volume. Less than 5000 miles since new. Its a cute, nimble car around town and the best snow vehicle we ever owned (traded in a Jeep). If someone would address these issues it could be a real winner. 06/2017 Rear camera is great at night. Completely worthless during the daylight hours or in rain The angle of the srceen is great for back seat people but worthless for driver or passengers up front. Cannot safely be used. Constant chimes and alerts are way overdone. Many times, the alerts point to no cause and we give up and walk away with the beeping or chimes. Sometimes not possible since doors wont lock. Crazy. Windshield is leaking some clear polymer. Strangest thing evet. First thought it was tree sap but it only appears in the exact same places. This legendary Toyota quality is a fraud. So many simple things gone so wrong. Last Toyota in our household. Update 12.28.17 Still runs well and mileage is improving. Some other things you should be aware of include: FEW BACKLIT SWITCHES. Very dangerous at night since placement of switches is downright silly at times. Not knowing what a switch does make it dangerous. EXTREMELY POOR INTERIOR LIGHTING No lighting would be a better description. Now that days are short you realize that there are virtually no lights throughout the interior - but especially in the rear areas.LACK OF A TRUE ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL It moves about 4 inches up/down and theup lift height is a joke. INFORMATION PANEL IS A JOKE Utterly worthless due to small size. INTERIOR PANELS LIGHTS DIM TOO MUCH If your put your headlights on with your wipers (a law in our state) display lights like the clock are invisible.. CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW POOR THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN IS Because it does not adjust it is only useful at night. And even then you must lean over the center console to see it. Dumb, dumb. WATCH YOUR HEAD WITH THE POWER TAILGATE LIFT TUBES. Unique propblem here. They are positionned perfectly to smash your head. I also have a Dodge Grand Caravan that does not cause brain damage.

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  Lexus-quality - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By kansas6 - August 22 - 10:13 am

  If reliability and quiet, smooth ride are important to you this is your van! This is a quality ride. Consumer reports uses term Lexus-quality to describe the van and I would agree.