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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  Good Sporty car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rscarawa - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchase this V6 5speed car about 6 months ago and have been very happy with it. It is a roomy 2 door coupe with similiar room to the camry. The engine is reasonably powerful and the interior rid is quiet. I have the JBL radio. It does pretty good but some songs seem to be unbalanced. The suspension is not sporty. It is very soft and there is much body roll. The clutch has a very smooth feel and the gears shift quickly. Gas mileage is 25 city and 31 hwy I added the TRD struts, springs and swaybar to improve the handling of the car. This makes the Solara handle like a much smaller car. If you like the small car feel, this is the way to go.

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  Believe the Tundras crash ratings!!!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By A. Thomas Young - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Really believe those Tundra crash ratings! Took on a 1 ft. diameter tree sideways at 50 mph. Tree impacted the drivers door right by my shoulder. Totaled the Tundra but zero damage to me. Excellent all around safety design with a great focus on protecting occupants!!!!!! I am a believer and am now looking for another Tundra.

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  Love this Car - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By JANICEDAWG - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Just bought used Highlander last month. Got all bell and whistles for same price as 2003 base model, with only 8800 miles on it- Aloways wanted one since I departed from my 4-runner 2 years ago. Went to a sedan (hated it).

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  Quite an automobile - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Bri Guy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is quite an automobile. I was hesitant to trade in my top-of-the- line SUV for a minivan, but with more cargo space than an SUV and all the amenities you would find in a luxury vehicle, its hard to go wrong with this one. It drives like a car and is virtually silent (as Id expect from a Toyota). All in all, I havent found a thing Id change yet, except for the sticker and inability to negotiate due to short supply--we had to wait almost 6 weeks to find one locally with all the options we wanted.

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  Head of the Class - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By leapyeardad - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Ordered this from the factory and have done two 600 mi Round trip vacations in it already and not a complaint yet. Great around town, after adjusting to the size. It is our first minivan and were very happy we waited for this one. Gas mileage is great and we have to remmeber to fill the tank cause it lasts so long. Even though the size is similar to the Honda, it is comfortable to ride in, versus the airplane cabin feel you get from the Honda.

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  GREAT CAR BUT ROUGH RIDE - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By Ralph Cataldo - August 21 - 8:01 am

  If you want a large SUV Hybrid with lots of room, good mileage, but not the price of Luxury car this is a good one. However I love the car but it does not ride smoothly. It is quite bumpy and does not absorb bumps and spots in row good at all. It has excellent mileage if you use the ECO setting. Of course the ECO setting you have to realize the power will be much lower when you need acceleration. The storage is outstanding, gas mileage outstanding, room inside car. I do NOT like the back up camera. It peeps when in reverse and has the color guide to how close you are when backing up. However it lacks beeping sound to warn you how close you are getting. It also lacks a birds eye view. If Toyota would improve the ride, fix the camera (instead of annoying beep beep beep to beeping when getting close to a perfect car for those wanting great mileage, large cargo space, comfortable seats, and a good quality car.

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  Love my Sienna! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Scott Meltzer - August 21 - 4:20 am

  Unbelievable car- w/ nav. system it ets you anywhere, and the AWD is a bonus, Had an Oddesey last three years, but this is FAR superior.

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  Is motor flying apart - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By elkhorn4x4 - August 21 - 1:56 am

  the v6 is the noise king of all vehicles. engine thrashes like a 100 year old combine. real low quality front brakes. this truck is junk. had a 93 model & was 3 times a better truck. all the 4.0 engines are like this. Probably worst vehicle I ever bought. Knocking noise is on left side of engine . Not normal or it would be on both sides .

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  WILL NEVER TOYOTA AGAIN!!! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By tanniel - August 20 - 8:44 pm

  I have always owned a Toyota vehicle. I am a loyal customer of that brand. However, I WILL NEVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN!!!!! EVER!!!! Marietta Toyota on Cobb Parkway is CRAP!!!! The service center is HORRIBLE!!!! Worst attitudes there this morning as if I owe THEM SOMETHING!!! I have a 2008 Avalon that has a headlight out IN LESS THAN 5 YEARS and they will not replace it unless I pay $300!!! Toyota is crooked, and CLEARLY doesnt stand by their work/products... Hyundai has warranties that last up to TEN YEARS and 200K miles and their cars are way cheaper!!! That is a HUGE slap in the face! I was looking to get a Lexus next year but after this experience my next car WILL NOT be a Toyota!

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  4 months and still a blast - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By cjm - August 20 - 2:56 pm

  After 4 months and 7,000 miles I am extremely happy with this vehicle. It has excellent power and is very quick off the line. Entering the freeway from the on ramp is a blast, this vehicle flat out moves for an SUV of this type. Overall mpg (city and highway combined) has been 20.5 with premium gas. I find the steering very nimble, the FJ is fun and handles well in traffic. It is also very capable off road right out of the factory. The excellent approach and departure angles helped me leave my buddies behind. Their lifted Chevy Avalanche just couldnt get in to the places I took mine. This vehicle still turns heads and gets compliments where ever I go. You cant go wrong with the FJ!