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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  hunter - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By hunter - August 8 - 2:00 am

  the toyota tumdra is one of the best vehicals i have ever drive and i have been driving toyota trucks for about 15 years. very econom9ical

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  Went back to the Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chubbs - August 8 - 1:50 am

  We had a 2000 Tundra that did a wonderful job for us. We moved and when it was time for a new one, the Titan pulled more weight so we got one. While the Titan was a wonderful truck, its just not a Toyota. This new Tundra is just plain gorgeous and I anticipate performance and comfort on our cross-country journeys while pulling a trailer.

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  Great SUV! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Sam - August 8 - 1:23 am

  I wanted to purchase true SUV, did not look much after test drive for Highlander. Smooth, powerful engine,easy to park,lots of room for kids in 2nd row.Steering is bit light so on highway not a top performer but just need to be careful,brakes are strong, so far gas mileage is excellent for SUV.

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  RAV 4 over new CRV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By David - August 8 - 12:23 am

  This is my fourth Toyota, and the best one yet. Silky smooth controls, very subtleshifts, and overall refinement well above average cars. My 80 pound Dobe can stand up straight in the back. Four cly. provides more than enough power here in WI, but six would be desirable in mountains. Looks awesome with 18 inch wheels and flares. Makes my Tacoma seem primitive. Drove a new CRV and it did not compare

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  few problems - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By gwl - August 7 - 8:03 pm

  I havent had a lot of problems, engine check light started coming on. Had sensor replaced, O2 and then another, cost around 1000 for both. Then battery wouldnt start. Then alternator. Except for when the battery went, its always started. Had some road noise with the pirelli tires that were on it. Changed to some goodyear comfortred and now its real quiet. I like the gas mileage and it is fun to drive. When I bought it, gas was 1.85 a gallon here, remember. Then Katrina hit and gas went up to 3.00. I was planing on more trips with this then gas got too expensive. Still, getting around isnt bad.

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  luvmosyo - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By mosyo - August 7 - 2:10 pm

  I am the original owner. I traded my 1991 BMW 325i for the 4Runner and have never looked back. It starts every single time I turn the key. One day after I had the vehicle for 7 years, it hesitated a little when I started it. I replaced the original Panasonic battery and it went right back to 100%. I had to have the antenna replaced once about 3 years ago. Other than that, the vehicle has served me flawlessly through my days as a single active duty Naval officer, my early married life and now with 3 kids and 3 dogs. My Siberian Husky never misses an opportunity to ride in "Mos Yo!" I plan to keep my 4Runner until it wont go anymore - Im thinking another 10 years. Thank you Toyota.

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  Overall Satisfied - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kurt - August 7 - 11:40 am

  I echo many of the posted comments that are happy with truck. I am very picky, and point out at stop lights and in traffic at or below idle there is a slight shudder in the drive train. It happens when the AC is on. I feel it in a slow takeoff with my pedal foot. This happens at 1k idle or less. I am surprised over bumps you get “feedback” that I would have not expected, and its likely due to needing to dampen the shocks and springs in the rear. I guess they are doing this in anticipation of the payload, but it would be nice to have the option to set the “drive” style. Other than that, excellent HP for a 6 cyl and good highway experience.

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  My first and last Toyota - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By lkt82961 - August 7 - 11:03 am

  I bought this car recently with 35,000 miles. I cant say much about the reliability yet, however, this car has a really rough ride as compared to my Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic. The rough ride was unbearable so I spent $590 on Michelin Defender tires which have improved the ride, but it still rides rougher than the other two cars I mentioned. The handling on turns is also poor and there is a rattle in the back ceiling that has been reduced with the new tires, but the car still tends to vibrate and bounce. Also the driver door locks to not work. It also has a very high idle and I dont believe I am getting as good of gas mileage as my other two cars. I am considering reselling.

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  great so far! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By camps67 - August 7 - 8:11 am

  I was not planning on buying a Camry. I looked at several cars; the Sonata, Equinox, Pilot, Optima.. My brother has a Toyota and talked me into going to the dealer. Photos of the car dont do it justice. In person it is much nicer and the interior has a classier look to it than several of the other cars I have seen. After I saw it I knew it was the car I wanted. I purchased the SE a week ago and Im still on the same tank of gas. Drives very smooth!! I love the steering..a million times better than the Volvo I used to drive. I am very happy with this purchase.

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  HATE it LOVE it - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By justadriver - August 7 - 7:18 am

  My version of the 2016 rav 4 is the most expensive with the birds eye view and thinking that spending 40,000 on this car would last me a lifetime, but I am slowly starting to count down the days until I am able to trade it in. Dont get me wrong the birds eye view is great, the blind spot sensors are great, the car is awkwardly high and low at the same time, but what bothers me the most is that I can never get the Pandora or Iheart radio to work. And the apps for Toyota are really horrible. The car itself is spacious if you are no taller than 5"10 so far the Ive only had one oil change, and seems to be running fine, but I only get 23mpg city which seems very low for an eco friendly 4 cyl. car.