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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  Love my Venza! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By kfifield24 - November 17 - 1:35 am

  I originally wanted a Chrysler Pacifica and was very disappointed that they stopped producing this car. I drove a Subaru Outback for 11 years and I loved this car dearly. I was planning on buying another or Venza, or a Pacifica. I loved the LOOK of the Venza, however the 2009s were pathetic inside. I waited and kept hoping it would improve. I read alot of reviews and the number one complaint was the rough ride. It definitely has a stiff ride but that to me makes it fun to drive. I loved my AWD, but the FWD is working quite nice as well. It is also does not have excellent fuel economy, but is comparable to my Subarus mileage. Everyday I tell someone, I LOVE MY VENZA!

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  Nice toy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By aldinero - November 17 - 1:03 am

  Seats are very good, ride and handling great, just a well thought out car. Great tranny, brakes are perfect. Its a car thats great to drive around town or on the road.

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  Its not a Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Truckman666 - November 16 - 6:36 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Tundra access cab 2wd. I wanted a 4 WD. The new Tundras are too big so I decided on the Tacoma Double cab with Sports package to get the upgraded interior. That upgrade makes for a firmer ride on bumps but rides great on smooth road. It had very quick steering. The seat is a little low. Not as smooth as the 04 Tundra but that should improve. Gas mileage seems better so far. Great looking truck. I get lots of compliments. As years go by I hope it will be refined to the point of the Tundras prior to the new large one.

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  Proud to Own, but... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By KC - November 16 - 11:56 am

  While I am proud to this car, I find that it lacks a few horses. Overall, it is responsive throughout the band but youre pushing the limits close when needing umph to pass. Seats are comfy and ergonomics are good other than the stereo being a bit out of reach. Handles well for a front wheel drive vehicle but not a tight turning radius though. Great fuel efficiency-perfect for todays market. Needs some rims and a shark fin antenna to be completely stylish. Only one weird anomaly- the throttle stuck on me ~4500 rpm once. Really scary and dealership mechanics cant identify the problem. What can I say though Toyotas done well with this car. I am pleased!

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  Great affordable, reliable, commuter car. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By kt1204 - November 15 - 3:07 pm

  Bought the 2013 Corolla S. Ill admit, its not a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. If you want that, pay the extra $$$. But, it doesnt claim to be a strong, powerful, luxury sedan. Its a reliable, affordable, sedan that will last for years and years. Perfect commuter for long drives, plenty of power for me.....unless you plan on driving 90 mph +, which I dont. Great gas mileage and this car will continue to pay for itself long after its time due to how reliable it is. I was surprised that it even came with a "touch screen" sound system for a basic Toyota sedan. Enjoy the gas mileage and buy a luxury car if thats what you want.

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  Over 24,000 miles with lifetime avg... - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bubbles - November 15 - 5:26 am

  Lifetime average (calculated by keeping detailed records) is just above 54mpg and has improved over the first years use. Only change weve done is to use synthetic oil. We have not babied this vehicle and drive it on short errands as well as long trips, cold weather and hot.

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  Relaiable and rich toyota heritage - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By CorollaS - November 14 - 11:20 pm

  Corolla s 2009, sporty look, comfortable, nice to drive, reliable, safe, great mileage, many features and largest car of its class. What else is missing - yes you may find it a little lower on the pick up but after all its v4. We cannot compare it with v6/v8. But anyway driving on more than 85 you will not realize a noise or vibration but be careful on steering. Civic also is good car but is smaller than this one and corolla s looks more sporty than civic. Its just 2nd week of purchase and did put more than 1000 mile just love this car for its look, reliability and space. Its like a little Camry and is very similar to Lexus people say so.

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  Solara - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marie - November 14 - 11:03 pm

  Living in Ohio I was nervous about buying a convertible but this car handles as good in the snow as the Taurus I owned before it. I bought my car in the winter and I felt no drafts. The best options about the car are the heated front leather seats, large back seat that comfortably seats adults, and the large trunk size. These are rare options to find in a convertible.

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  Terrific! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By C. - November 14 - 2:30 pm

  This is a great vehicle! Handles like a car and is very responsive; tight turning radius makes it easy to get into parking garage from the back alley. V6 is fun to drive - I almost regret the short commute. Great mileage. Sleek look, not clunky or boring like other SUVs. Lots of space for passengers in back seat, with huge storage space. Couldnt be happier with my choice and I still admire it everytime I see it! Love the MP3 capability and bottle holders in the doors. Also love adjustable backseat headrests that can be minimized to avoid blocking rear view - unlike some cars, including other Toyotas, in which they block a large portion of the view!

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  Transmission Failure at 8,253 Miles - Lemon! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Jay - November 14 - 1:46 pm

  We purchased a new 2017 Highlander XLE after comparing it to several other vehicles in its class. Toyota touts quality and safety features as their biggest sales pitch, seems its there every time we turn on a tv. The transmission problem occurred at 8,253 miles, lucky for my wife, she was at a red light when the transmission failed and nobody was injured. The vehicle was hauled to local Toyota dealer on a flatbed & sat at the dealership for 52 days. We were told by dealer that a "new" transmission was back-ordered from California. After picking up the vehicle I noticed the workorder stated: "part number 30510-48600-84 REMAN ATM and CORE RETURN". Remanufactured parts should not be used to repair a brand new vehicle under factory warranty, which hasnt seen its first oil change. The day after picking it up I drove the vehicle and very excessive power train noise was present. Vehicle went back the the shop & they replaced both front wheel bearings at 8,392 miles and it sat in the shop another 3 days. Neither one of these repairs should occur on any new vehicle or a vehicle under 100,000 for that matter. Toyota Corporate has been less than helpful & were currently going through the lemon law process. Toyota has lost another long time customer, if I could rate the 2017 Highlander 0 stars I would.