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 AWD but make car slower - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By Marcin Rokicki - October 22 - 8:22 am

  We replace 2013 FWD XLE with 2017 XLE Premium AWD. Ride is much much improved . Quality of interior compare to other minivans on the market is outstanding. Only issue/downsize is performance. Not sure if this is because of AWD or new direct injection motor/new transmission but old car was much more punchy. This new one is simply lazy.. you have to step on really hard to get any performance from it

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  Great Touring - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 2Hybrids - October 22 - 5:00 am

  My Touring Edition is still in the early ownership phase. Its current gas mileage is in the upper 30s with mostly city driving. I attribute this to a couple of factors: its new, its winter and cold, and winter blended gasahol dents the mileage. I love the handling. The interior room is OK but foot/leg position for the driver isnt quite right for me. Fit and finish are great which is typical for Toyota. Like other hybrids, there are some driving techniques which really boost the gas mileage.

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  05 Camry XLE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By frank collins - October 22 - 1:53 am

  The only thing I dislike about the new Camry is the driver/passenger seats are not near as comfortable as was in my 02 Toyota Avalon. I had the drivers seat re-padded with much softer foam and it made the comfort level go up over 50%.

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  trusty old friend - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By pedro - October 22 - 12:16 am

  I have driven over 280,000 miles in mostly urban traffic with some expressway also. This car is not a good long distance hauler due to its 3 speed tranny. I should have spent extra and gotten the 4 speed. Thank god they dont make those anymore. Its an excellent around town car even with all the miles I still get about 28mpg which is what the EPA says I should get. Mechanically very reliable, although lately I replaced the mounts with aftermarket units and I ruined the car. It now shakes and vibrates to the point of being intolerable to all but the shortest trips.

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  Extremely Dissatisfied - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Rhonda Ricci - October 21 - 8:43 pm

  I have owned the limited for less than 3 years and have had several problems with the sunroof. Had to be totally replaced in 11/2006 due to operational problems. Now, in 12/2007 unbelievably have the same problems as well as leaks in track causing condensation, electrical, and requiring replacement again! Only Toyota will not replace again and admit poor workmanship or defective parts due to expired warranty. Cost a whopping $2500. for a sunroof used in New England for merely 4 months/year. Am wheeling this disappontment and buying a lexus or murano! Also, acceleration is hesitant, problems with transmission. Dont waste your $.

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  Great Reliable Truck - But Dull to Drive - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By handsomerob1 - October 21 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this truck brand new 15 years ago and now have 72,000 miles - and shes a garage queen. Finally replaced the original tires at 66,000 and still on the original brake pads! Shocks got squishy early on so replaced them with KYBs at 51,000. The only repeat problem is with the Idle Air Control ("IAC") valve which tends to go out on these trucks. I replaced it once and now need to replace it again. The part is about $350 at Toyota and, with a couple hours work, I can install it myself. This is a great looking truck - white with the TRD package - but like most Toyotas, it drives with all the personality of a dial tone. Just plain dull, like you might as well be driving a Camry.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By fmcpherson - October 21 - 7:55 am

  I purchased my 2000 4Runner in 2009. At the time it had 100,000 miles on it. Now, at 148,000 miles it is still running strong. Other than routine maintenance and a couple of small repairs, I have had nothing go wrong. I use this truck to haul a boat, as a daily commuting vehicle and it has never failed me. The styling is timeless and, although the ride is a bit rough at times, it is comfortable and very quite. I get about 17-18 mpg around town and 20-21 on the highway - not bad for a SUV. My only gripe is the small gas tank. I can only get about 225-240 miles between fill-ups.

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  do the homework before buying - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Sin Tan - October 21 - 7:13 am

  price

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  Glad I Bought It - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By LynnDuck - October 21 - 4:43 am

  We just put the first 1,400 miles on it on a trip to AZ. The pick up for passing was great. Ride is wonderful - very roomy. Just wish there were better cup holders in front like the back has. The interior color is very light - will have to get seat covers to hide the dirt. Color we have is "Ivory". Back seats fold down for lots of storage space.

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  Great SUV, needs better tow hitch - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - October 21 - 1:23 am

  I have the V-6 with tow package and factory 3500 lb hitch installed. A standard length tow bar will not work because of the rear mounted tire and even if the tire was not there, the hitch is recessed quite a bit from the end of the bumper.