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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  96 Tacoma LX Xtra Cab 4WD 2.7L I4 5 spd - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By KB3OGV - July 30 - 10:46 am

  This is a great truck, I bought it used with 169,986 miles on it and it currently has 179,090 miles on it. I have the aluminum wheels with 30 inch. tires. The only thing I wish I had was the locking rear differental but I didnt buy it new or I wouldve opt for that. Since Ive had it the only thing needed to be replaced was the cat. converter (which all vehicles need eventually) and a clutch (which replaced the original from factory @ 175,000 miles). This truck is a great truck for on and off roading. You cant go wrong with a Toyota.

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  2007 Access Cab - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brian - July 29 - 10:00 pm

  Overall great truck. First new truck I have purchased and so far, no major disappointments. Ride gets a little "squirrely" when driving on grooved concrete highway, doesnt seem to stay on track. Ride gets bouncy when empty, but not sure what happens when it is loaded. So far, Ive only driven it empty. My old truck was a full-size crew cab, and this is a welcome change when buying fuel. So far, getting around 21 mpg, and havent used cruise control yet. Im hoping to improve to about 23 mpg. Plenty of power, but I havent really tested it yet (still in break in). Im getting used to the shift configuration, and should have it down soon, but it is not what Im familiar with.

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  Many have not had a truck! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Dr K - July 29 - 8:03 pm

  Have to laugh re: those people complaining about "rides like a truck". Probably most have not HAD a truck. Definite car-like ride, I have 1,000 miles. No rattles, good layout inside (agree with the remark about the blower speed knob in front of transmission lever when in "park", although one would usually use the a/c when driving). Handles well, good acceleration for this type, no tire squealing, no rattles, and I like the styling better than the pontiac Vibe. Good stereo, I have the ABS and sunroof too. I got it for cargo space, flexibility, and true hiway mpg of over 35 (31 around town) .Mostly I use my motorcycle but sometimes I need a car, and a Corolla underneath - great.

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  Great Car, Could be faster but it is a 4 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By sam - July 29 - 5:00 pm

  The car overall is a great car with many good features. It gets great gas mileage for a larger car. It is surprising how spacious the interior is on a long trip. Its nice to drive a car with the body kit and sporty feel, but still get great fuel economy. The top speed of the car is much higher than most domestic cars too.

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  Great car for the price - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By yogione75 - July 29 - 2:45 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota and it is just what I would expect from the brand. Pros: Well equipped for price, nice ride, quiet interior, great style inside and out (never thought I would be able to say that one about a Corolla), average about 38. I dont know what folks are talking about when they say it gets bad gas milage - they must either have a lead foot or are using really cheap gas. Cons: rear hip room could be better if you have to cart 5 people around more often I would go with the Camry but 4 sit very comfortably in this car. A little under powered, buy if you are looking for more power than you likely are not shopping for a compact sedan.

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  Truly Satisfying Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel K - July 29 - 2:03 pm

  I have, up to now, been a loyal Honda Accord owner, but after a terrible experience with a vibrating 2007 V6 EX Accord, I finally traded for a 2009 V6 XLE Camry, and I am totally satisfied with my decision-even though it cost me $3000 dollars to trade out-worth every cent. The Camry is awesome, quiet, powerful engine, good looking, well laid out interior, and it does not vibrate and shake like the Accord did! The 440 watt JBL stereo system sounds very nice, and the bluetooth option is way cool. A recent road trip at speeds of 75+mph achieved 29.5 miles per gallon! And when you want to accelerate, hold on! There is a reason for so many of them are on the road - drive one - oh what a feeling!

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  Trip comfort/clearance - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Ruth - July 29 - 5:36 am

  This is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever had for short and long distance trips. The comfort level is excellent,the gas mileage very good. We drove from AZ to WI and back as far as Colorado before running over a piece of metal possibly from a semi tranmission that took out the underparts of our van. Its still in Colorado. We fly up friday to retrive van from dealer that is replacing all the damaged parts. Wish it was a little higher off the ground, lost the brake lines, rear ac, transmission pan, shield off gas tank, exhaust system, cross something or other in front and even dented floor pan in rear. But was pretty big chunk of steel and no way to miss it because of traffic.

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  Plenty of Room - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Giving-back - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a quality automobile. We have had the car only one month but so far it is everything we expected and then some. There is a specific reason we purchased the Avalon. ROOM. I am a taller person and have a problem with any automobile with a moon roof. Most upscale automoblies come with a moon roof as standard equipment. I therefore could not purchase a Lexus, Acura etc. The Avalon XL we purchased has many luxury options but does not have a moon roof and therefore has plenty of head room. I might also say that the bench seat is very comfortable for the passenger as well as anyone in the back seat.

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  great suv - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jim p - July 29 - 2:00 am

  2 months -very happy

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  Quiet & Smooth Ride - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Peter Rhee - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Smoothest and quitest of the mid size segment, Best Pick in off set crash test results. Friend and honest prices at Miller Toyota. A styling car with classy interior layout and easy to see and read with Toyota reputation!