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, but hybrid may not be worth it - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Michael - April 21 - 4:45 am

  The Highlander Hybrid is comfortable and looks great inside and out. The "hybrid" part so far is a big disappointment in terms of performance and gas mileage. On long drives, we have simply decided to forego Eco Mode and avoid what feels like a battle between car and driver otherwise. Our gas mileage so far has been 25.5mpg at best and 19mpg at worst during a long trip between northern and southern California. Eco mode on the long trip only improved this by 2mpg. So, unless you need to cross the 6,000gvwr for business reasons, I don;t see any advantage to the hybrid.

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  Cheap interior - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By PenneyPearl - April 20 - 11:50 pm

  Cute, cute vehicle, which is why I bought it. I use it for business, paid cash, and can write if off. I will probably be trading soon. The plastic dash is so very cheap, as is the upholstery. For what sure be a rugged little truck, the interior quality is for little old people, who dont move much, or drive much.

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  Very Uncomfortable Seats. Stay Away! - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Richard Hastings - April 15 - 12:46 am

  This is supposed to be a luxury car and I bought it thinking it was. After a few hours from leaving the dealership I started having back and sciatic pain. None of my other cars cause this problem including a Mini-Cooper, a Mercedes, and 2 old British Sports cars! This car is nearly un-drivable for me as-is and I dread long drives in it. Luxury car my butt! I am extremely disappointed in Toyota. I have had several others and was a loyal customer. Review Update: I could never get comfortable in the seats and I traded the car in for a Lincoln. Were very happy now.

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  what a mistake - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dougie G - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle with 8000 miles. 4 wheel drive has gone out. parts coming from japan. Brakes soft, master cylinder bad. Very bad smell from engine. Told its sulfur and nothing I can do. Horrible gas mileage,17 mpg.Started to rust on the back. Told it was rail dust. It seems no one knows what that is. We have had it. I am buying a Sequoia.

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  Not good with kids - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By stephanie - April 5 - 2:23 pm

  This truck is not good for kids and small children. There is not enough room for two car seats to sit side-by-side. That means there is wasted space in the middle. My kids legs are crammed against our seats. I have hit my head in there numerous times getting them into the truck. The door design is horrible. If you park close to another car, you are sure to hit another car with the door getting your kids out. There isnt anything wrong with this truck if you dont have children. Its a good, reliable vehicle, but its just not compatible with small children in car seats.

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  Had it with Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By johnzorba - April 5 - 4:30 am

  Ive had several warranty repairs on this car. The motor for the Camry driver seat back went just after the warranty expired. I probably used it less than a dozen times. The electric drivers window can not be set to partial open. Its noisy. I keep thinking a window is open somewhat. Gas mileage is not what was listed. My A/C is intermittent and the dealer cant fix it until it is totally gone. If you drop something between the drivers seat and the console, good luck trying to get to it. Paint job needs improvement. Ive always bought Toyoyas, but this may be my last.

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  Dont waste your money... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dissapointed - April 2 - 2:40 pm

  This was my first and will be my last Toyota. Toyotas 4 Runners are not the high quality advertised. My past 6 Jeeps and 3 Buicks were all better. Worst, for a vehicle that is advertised to perform well in adverse weather, beware. Its rear doors freeze to the wheel wells after running through even the slightest mud and allowing the vehicle to sit overnight in below freezing temporatures. Bad design. Despite numerous contacts with Toyota, they refuse to even acknowledge the problem or do anything about what could be a serious safety defect, one that would prevent emerency egrees. "Oh, what a feeling..."

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  98 4Runner SR5 4WD - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By lindeman23 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car thinking that I would get around better gas millage than my V8 Grand Cherokee and be able to pull a trailer similarly, but not even close. Im very dissappointed in the power. A downshift is the responce to even the smallest hill empty. I pull 2 Sea Doos (2200 lbs) and it struggles. Have replace both O2 sensors (arent cheap) and the battery. But it is a toyota and I now that it will last forever, I just wish it has a smoother ride and more power.

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  Decent Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By BillZ - March 23 - 9:43 pm

  Overall it is not a bad car to drive. The transmission is really smooth and the car provides enough power for most drivers in this segment. Steering is electric and feels every bit of it; that is okay for some but not others. This is my first Toyota and I have to say Im left underwhelmed. Its bland which is Toyota, but my car has not been "reliable". The interior dash rattles due to hard plastics it seems, had to take it in for the recall, fix a loose bracket on the muffler, and replace the front struts - all with under 8000KMS on it, and the bumper half came off when it brushed up against a curb. I dont suggest not buying it, but Toyotas quality might be slipping with this one.

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  Cheap, cheap cheap - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By dmarquis - March 22 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this truck febuary of last year. One of the biggest mistakes I have ever made! I have only 23,000 miles on this truck, and as of now its in the shop being worked on once again. Two transmissions, one rear differential, Bed is cheap - you cant load anything on it, the tail gate can only hold 100 pounds! So many more things to list that make me regret buying this truck. I had a 96 tacoma 4wd and it has 160k. Ive never put anything into it, so I know its not driver error. If youre not considering buying an older tacoma forget this!!