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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  Beware of the wind noise - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Wayne - November 28 - 9:27 am

  The car runs well. However, if you are sensitive to noise, you will hate this car. On my car, a 2017 model, there is a wind intrusion, whistling noise on the passenger side window above 45 MPH; None on the drivers side. Dealer acknowledged the problem but said that its a "normal characteristic" of the car until Toyota issues a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on how to fix it. You can google the internet and see how many other people are having the same problem. I would not have bought this car had I known about this. The noise is very annoying and persistent. None of my other Toyotas (2014 Avalon, 2006 Sienna, 2003 Sequoia) have this problem.

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  Many Problems - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Charlie - November 28 - 5:06 am

  I bought this car used with 20,000 miles on it. The dash board has a tear, buttons have fallen off the radio and all the interior seems to be made of cheap plastic pieces which break if you try to fix any thing. Power window motor died on the driver side. Windshield washer fluid reservoir broke and would not hold any fluid. Water pump broke off and broke the timing belt when it happened. A/C died, thermostat closed and shot off a hose. Car doesnt beep when you lock it and the trunk button doesnt work on the remote. Headlight leaks in water, now yellow. Paint chips very easily. Currently we are fixing the radiator because it is leaking engine coolant.

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  Love my Highlander! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Pat Hardin - November 28 - 3:26 am

  Extremely comfortable to drive. Easy to get in and out of (Im short). Lots of get up and go when you need it. I was really surprised the first time I passed someone on a 2 lane. Very quiet...you have to really listed to hear it running.

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  My First SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Joseph Greene - November 27 - 2:30 pm

  This is the first SUV I have owned. With about 1000 miles on the odometer its still early but we love it. My wife and I spar over whos going to drive it. It is really fun to drive, very practical and very comfortable. Our other car is a Volvo S80 which we have enjoyed. But the thrill is with the RAV4. We are a little disappointed with our gas mileage. Its running a tad under 20 MPG. We live in Palm Beach County Florida where a lot of driving is stop and go, long traffic lights to wait for heavy traffic on the roads and we havent had it on the open road except for brief trips on the Turnpike or I95 so the jury is still out. But so far we love the car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Marty - November 27 - 7:40 am

  At first I must admit that i wasnt too fond of this car since it was more popular to have a small sport compact cars. But i am glad that i did stick with the Camry. The cabin space is unbelievable and the trunk space is great! I love the handling and braking.

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  Couldnt Be A Toyota - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By azmark - November 27 - 2:30 am

  Great highway cruiser. Very comfortable. However, not the Toyota quality I expected. Interior trim pieces kept falling off. Had to do a $2200 front brake job (entire front brake system!) due to poor quality in original materials. Toyota knew about this from the early Tundras, but never fessed up. Ive owned several Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans. This SUV was a big disappointment. Did I mention the poor gas mileage and anemic power? HP up for the latter years, but the original engine was smooth, put underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. Shame on you Toyota!

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  You get what you pay for! - 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By AEK - November 26 - 9:40 pm

  The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser is as advertised. A classy but understated go-anywhere vehicle with all the creature comforts youd expect in a $65K SUV. We looked at the Land Rover LR3, Lexus GX470, BMW X5 and several other vehicles but nothing matched our needs better than the Land Cruiser. Toyota reliability, a decent 3rd row seat, lots of technology and creature comforts all in a vehicle trusted around the world to get people through any kind of terrain and weather. If you want a large SUV that doesnt seem gigantic like the Sequoia or Lincoln Navigator, and some offroading or challenging environments are in your future, take a serious look at the LC. You wont be disappointed!

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  Truck of the Year And I can prove it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By thegyn - November 26 - 12:43 pm

  I had reviewed trucks for a year before purchasing. I actually didnt want the truck because I didnt think it would haul, tow, and still maintain its ablitly to drive to work everyday. I was WRONG. This truck is FUN, and economical. I would like better gas mileage but I know what I was getting into with a V6. The power & comfort that the truck provides is excellent but yet it feels like a car while driving. When needed, the truck will traverse terrain and tow with ease.

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  Not Worthy - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dadeo7432 - November 26 - 9:23 am

  Our 4Runner had transmission and catalytic converter problems. When we got to the third catalytic converter and the second transmission we decided to trade it in. Only 46,000 miles in just over three years. No we did not have to pay for this work, but the trips to the dealer were getting old, and no I did not feel like towing on a long trip to have the transmission die while towing the boat. The car stank the first year until they finally replaced the catalytic converter. The transmisson vibrated under light acceleration before and after it was replaced. Then the dashboard lighted up like a Christmas tree only a day after the transmission was replaced. We traded ours, hope you dont buy it.

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  Nice reliable vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ARW - November 26 - 2:56 am

  Great vehicle all around. No issues since the day I bought it. Just regular Maintenance. I would say the tires that came with the truck are junk. Soft rubber the promote smooth ride but they were gone after 28k. Switched to Bridgestone Revos (fantastic tires). Got 60k out of those and now working on the 2nd set.