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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  Before you buy 2015/2016 Sienna you should know - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert - August 19 - 2:26 am

  2015 and 2016 Sienna is a good looking van but please do your due diligence before you buy. I wish I have done it more my self but too late now. You can buy what you like but do a search on 2015 / 2016 sienna vibration or problems because it is true and its common. I have it too and cant be fixed. Not doing enough researching for a family van I bought it because it was "TOYOTA" and have read good reviews on a 2015 Sienna with new improvements. Few days after the purchase around 300 miles on the Sienna. Feel dash, steering wheel and floor buzz vibration starting from complete stop on a hill when reaches 1150 to 1200 RPM (15~20 mph) and happens again after shifting to 2nd gear under 20 mph. Often passenger slider door gets stuck half way closing with beep and wont go back or close with switch. While holding traffic at school drop off lane switch the door switch to manual then get out show my face to angry people and have to close it manually then it works fine for a while. Both rear slider door glass makes metal tapping noise when driving with window open more than 3" under 15 ~25 miles. Sounds like glass rattling on the window channel seems like loose screw or no rubber on the channel. Front passenger door interior leather by the handle has wavy looks like from side view glue coming off or someone poked with fingers when gluing the upholstery. I have addressed these few concerns on my new sienna to the purchased dealer and they had some one from Toyota to inspect the Sienna. Conclusion to my concerns were that Toyota DSPM have compared to other sienna on the lot and since other Sienna does the same so it is normal and it is not warrantable and have no solution to correct the problems. Basically live with it or sell it because warranty is not going to cover it because its normal to them. Why is Toyota comparing with other vehicles and call it " NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE " when I want to find out how to correct the problems. Sounds like they have engineered to rattle, vibrate and no solution to the problems so live with it or sell it to someone else who can live with it. Did I miss lists of " NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE SHEET " when I bought the van? If this is the case Toyota needs to disclosed on the catalog that these van does make noise & vibrations before the purchase not after the purchased. Not too happy and already lost interest in new vehicle less than a month. Warranty and Toyota customer is really bad. Its a compared warranty not to correct them. I like the 2015 and up design but I am ready to sell my Sienna already for something else because I can not accept all these $37K normal vibrations and rattles came with the van plus Toyota said its normal too. My believe level in Toyota product is gone for good. Good luck on your decision ! !

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  Former Ford Guy, Turned to Tacoma - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By trophyf1 - August 19 - 12:56 am

  I have only owned Rangers and F150s my whole life. Its 2012 and Ford no longer makes the Ranger nor did they ever offer a 4 cyl double cab. I turned to Toyota due to claims of reliability and the size of the Tacoma. Its the perfect size. Bought the Double cab prerunner with the 4 cyl motor and LOVE it. Plenty of power to get around. MPG is right on EPA estimates which I cant say about my F150. So far have averaged 21.4MPG with heavy city driving. The build quality is great as are numerous features of the truck. It looks tough and sits high which I like for visibility.

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  Engine Malfunction (Internal malfunction in the throttle body assembly) - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By prabhu2 - August 18 - 3:26 pm

  I had really bad experience with Toyota Corolla 2010. When I was driving, all of a sudden I felt that my steering wheel was tightened up and very hard to turn. Lights on my dashboard (ABS, ENGINE MALFUNCTION/CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR, BREAK, VSC OFF) were lightened up and my car came to a total stop after about 3 minutes. I was very scared as I had my baby and family in the car when this happened. I tried starting my car several times but it failed to respond. I towed the car to the local dealer.The dealership people got back to me saying there was an internal malfunction in the throttle body assembly. They fixed and I took back the car and I put another 100 miles and again the same incident ha

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  Great Truck for the Money - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shane - August 18 - 1:26 pm

  I had been looking at trucks for over a year when I finally took the plunge and purchased the Tacoma. It is a great truck for what I need it for. Adequate room for all the stuff I need for work and the children are comfy in the back seat. I added several options to the truck that I felt should almost come as standard features in this day and age (iPod hookup, all weather mats, hands free phone, etc.).

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  Farming Man - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Cattlehauler - August 18 - 11:26 am

  This truck is very nicely designed, does everything that I bought it for. Right now there is no truck that has as much horsepower than the 5.7. Great truck.

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  The most enjoyable car I have ever owned - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank - August 17 - 6:06 pm

  I have had no problems with this car, it drives great, and is quick when taking off from a stop, quicker than most cars because of its electric motor that provides a lot of torque when needed. It is a fun car to drive and has a great resale value. I enjoy driving and owning this car very much.

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  Great small SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By NorthernMD - August 17 - 3:23 pm

  Not a lot of miles yet. Very tight car. V6 has excessive power, very quick. Have had 5 people in the car with no lack of pep. Last tank 23 mpg, 65% city, 35% highway. Sport trim has the best look. Road noise, wind, etc is as I expected for this type of car but still very quiet (I dont usually turn on the stereo for short trips). So far it matches up to my pre-purchase research.

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  Dead spot - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Clutch problems - August 17 - 11:03 am

  I really like most things about this car. It fits my need for comfort, space, versatility, and mileage. However, the clutch to acceleration from first gear bogs down unless I really rev the RPMs. I have been put in some dangerous positions due to this.

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  Toyota Camry SE 2016 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By bill stevenson - August 17 - 6:24 am

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  Its a good truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By the tacoma - August 17 - 5:36 am

  its a good solid reliable truck all the way around.