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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  What a truck, amazing - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By morsnow - December 28 - 10:26 pm

  My first Tundra was a 2000 SR5 and after 8 years of faithful service I traded up to a 2008 DC, 4X4, LTD, TRD. The new Tundra is amazing, powerful, rides good, smooth and quiet. Lots of room for the family and can haul anything you want. I am getting 15 mpg in town and over 20 mpg on the highway which is way better than my 00. The JBL sounds great and its nice having the Bluetooth wireless for my cell. The brakes are impressive and can stop it on a dime. I have the TRD sway bar on the rear and it handles like a sports car. If you are in the market for a full size truck you need to take a close look at the new Tundra.

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  Taco four out the door - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By EIO - December 28 - 8:30 pm

  This is actually Tacoma #4 for me (1998, 2003, 2006 for the prior trucks) Pros: Comfort - since Ive spent 15+ years in other Tacomas, I was already used to the ergonomics. For myself, if the seat would lower 1/2" more and the steering wheel would go up 1/2" it would be better. My mother (who has several back issues) found both the front and rear seats very comfortable. Top-end power - once you are up and going (over 4k rpm), there is no shortage of passing power. Fit and finish - everything on this truck feels sharp, tight, and well made to me. Road noise - this is easily the quietest Tacoma Ive owned, but it allows me to hear the engine and other needed sounds. Those who do not want any engine noise will probably do better buying an Prius. Storage - I love the under-seat, behind the seat and other storage areas (I have alot of tools and straps that I like to hide out of sight). I dont fully understand the need for all of the bottle holders in the doors though, but if you ever need to carry 8 1-liter bottles and 5 large cups this is your truck. Cons: Limited availability of the manual trans - All of my other trucks were manuals, and I would have preferred to do so again but its only available in either the base trucks (I did not want to give up on a rear sear, cruise control, ect) or with the TRD packages ($6k more for options I am not interested in). If you want the SR5 like I did, youre stuck with the auto. The auto - while not the worst auto Ive ever driven, its hardly the best. Shifting is too slow for me, and even in manual mode there is a noticeable delay when changing gears. I actually test drove a different truck which seemed even worse, so I am guessing there is some programming difference between trucks. Im hoping that someone comes out with a tuner soon so I can try to fix some of the issue myself. Bottom-end power - the truck feels rather gutless off of the line; until you hit about 4k rpms the truck is unimpressive. Giant cup holders - they are all so damn huge! Try placing a Pepsi 1892 in one and youll see what I mean. [non-permissible content removed] moment - why still drums? Toyota seems to be full of excuses, but they are all rather weak (for off-roading, disks are better because the dont pack up with mud and debris like drums do). They have rear disks on the 4-runner and TC Cruiser, so why keep them on the Tacoma? Overall I am very happy with the truck, but there is still alot of room for improvements. I mostly went Toyota again because the Nissan Frontier is too old (why buy a new truck that looks/performs exactly the same as one from 11 years ago?) and the Canyon/Colorado is too GM (my father and brother still like and buy GMs, but I am not as impressed). I was going to wait to check out the 2017 Ford Ranger, but wound up getting too good of a trade in to wait.

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  XLE Limited 300,000 Miles with only Minor Issues - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By walleyeman57 - December 28 - 6:38 pm

  I purchased this van with 60K miles on it in 2007. Since then I have put over 240 more. This has been the most reliable car or truck I have ever owned. The items I have repaired or replaced include tires, brakes, spark plugs, and two timing belts. I had to have a new A/C compressor last summer. Both power sliding door cables broke some time ago but I have not fixed them because the doors open and close with one finger-they are a waste. This van still has the original alternator, starter, shocks, springs and of course engine and transmission. It rides and drives nice with no real issues. I would rate the comfort very good.

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  This car is BULLETPROOF - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By x1mjp1x - December 28 - 4:51 pm

  Ive racked up over 300,000 miles on this thing and the engine still starts and runs as quiet as the day I bought it back when it had 70K miles on it. The only mistake Ive ever made was a valve repair job at the Toyota dealership that cost me $1300. Couldve taken it anywhere else for half that price. Outside of that, for a car to be this old, replacing parts is normal, but infrequent. Its ridiculously over-powered and has higher horse power, torque, and towing capacity than some brand new SUVs. Why Toyota decide a car this size needed this much power in its class, who knows. Ive never towed a damn thing with it. I love this car. I talk to it and tell it so. I believe it loves me too.

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  Best toyota - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By rolo - December 28 - 3:10 am

  My echo is the best car I have ever owned. Never stops running, no repairs whatsoever. Have only replaced brakes, front only, and oil changes. Have replaced spark plugs and air filter, thats it. Runs like a champ. No Wonder they stopped making them. They could had become the VW beetle of the 2000s

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  Gas Mileage - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By KO - December 28 - 12:10 am

  Thought it would be good to be ecologically thoughtful and bought a Prius. Other than the good gas mileage, everything else about the vehicle just ticks us off. Seats are lousy, cant see out the back, if something breaks it will cost you a fortune because the average do-it-yourself person cant even change the headlight bulb. If all you are interested in is getting from point A to point B with using as little fuel as possible, this is the car for you. If you plan on driving more than 10 miles or hauling anything, buy a mini-van. You wont get 45 mpg but you can get a nice one for 1/3 the cost of this Prius. 20K buys A LOT of gasoline and you can ride around in comfort with tons of space.

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  Just bought a 2010 4runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By DennyG - December 27 - 7:40 pm

  Took delivery of my 2010 4Runner Limited (Blk/Blk) on April 15, 2010. Love it. Typical Toyota build quality. Ive only put 180 miles on it so far, but it is fun to drive, comfortable, great interior passenger space. Would like to see a power rear hatch instead of the manual one. Not too impressed with the sliding rear cargo tray. Takes up space.

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  Less appealing as the miles add up - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By watervalley88 - December 27 - 6:27 pm

  We have had ours over a year now and 34,000 m. The first 20,000 miles were great, but lately lots of problems both major and minor have croped up. This cuv has many rattles inside, one required the removal of the windshield, dash assembly, and centre console to fix! now we just notice the other ticks, and creeks inside. The rear struts have been replaced twice now and the sub assembly re-shimed. the steering seems to wander, Toyota said this is the E-assist and is not adjustable. The interior materials are wearing VERY quickly and are of low quality. Currently it is on day 16 at the shop waiting for a new transmission, Common on this model they say. this is the E-assist and is non adjstable

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  FJ 4x2 - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kanayon - December 27 - 1:06 pm

  PROS: fun to drive, performs best with premium gas, retro styling. CONS: inconvenient suicide doors, limited rearward visibility but over-all styling is A+, notwithstanding above-mentioned negatives.

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  Happy, excited driver - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Palmetto Lady - December 27 - 8:43 am

  My husband is a "car" enthusiast but 15 years ago I started picking and buying my car. My Toyota 4WD Sport RAV 4 is his favorite. We have even been stopped in parking lots and asked what it is, what do we like about it and "can I take a peek". Good gas mileage, a smooth comfortable ride and great looks with plenty of room. We have made 2 11/hour trips to South Florida since the purchase and were very comfortable.