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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  Toy Hauler Special - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - September 14 - 9:20 pm

  Traded in my Tundra for the FJ in May 2006 in Raleigh, NC. FJ is loaded, from super sound system to trailer hitch. I pull my 18 Toy Hauler, loaded with a Triumph Rocket Mcyl and luggage, with no problem. Trailer dealership installed trailer brakes for $300.00. On the road at 65MPH I get 9.3 MPG. Normal mileage is 17/23, depending on road travelled. Lack of lumbar support was solved with a $10.00 back support from AAA. Installed Toyota window guards for looks, but for those who drive with windows open its worth the money. The FJ is an attention getter, I have the Voodoo Blue. With the iPod outlet, the music never stops. I love my Toyota FJ Cruiser.

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  Took awhile, but now I love mine. - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By WhoMe? - September 14 - 6:40 pm

  I was a died-in-the-wool Honda guy, driving my second Accord (an 89) into the ground, so I really pictured myself in a Fit. But the black- interior only, no-sunroof, constraints knocked them out. I got busted for DUI the third night I had it, and it cast a real pall over that wonderful "new car" feeling. (Im not a bad guy... its a long story). Anyway - LOVE it now. They finally fixed a minor rumble/rattle from the back that I lived with the first year, and it looks like new and suits me to a T. I bought it specifically for hauling things with the seats down, and its great - the cargo nets help a lot.

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  Had it a year and love it!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Carrie in PA - September 14 - 6:03 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is fun to drive and when I want to get up and go she just flies. I have recommended a RAV4 to many people and they too have purchased them and loved them just as much. It has a nice turning radius, great on snow and ice, no lagging on hills. It cleans easily with just a wet rag, I did purchase rubber husky mats to preserve the floors (recommended). I average around 25.5 mpg and have gotten as much as 28 mpg on the highway. It is a bit lower in the winter (21-22 mpg) but I figure it is because of the AWD being used. Definitely not complaining there since I want to be safe.

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  Pretty Good SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By bud - September 14 - 11:06 am

  The 2004 4runner was our first Toyota. Almost 5 years now and it has about 55K on it with no major breakdowns. In extremely low temps the heater motor will not work, which seems to be a common failure I have read in other reviews. Also, the AC has a relay that seems to be a weak part that they have upgraded on the newer models. When the relay pukes out, the AC light blinks and will not get cold. Cost about $75 for the part, but I have read some horror stories with getting it repaired or diagnosed properly. Overall, this SUV has been superior to the US made SUVs I have had in prior years. Like all used vehicles, Toyota trade-in value is disappointing. Makes me keep what I have longer.

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  All around, its a good truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Christopher - September 14 - 5:53 am

  I was a little hesitant when buying my tacoma. I got a TRD offroad 4x4 black. I originally wanted it in their dark gray option because the black color does trap in heat, but its a small issue. The price was another thing that put me off a little saying that it was a little over 44,000, but now that I have it, I have fallen in love with it. I have heard others complain about the head room and seat adjustment, but it is not that big of an issue for me saying that I am 5 foot 7. Although I do have to agree that it is a bit tricky to find that perfect seating position. I originally had a 2006 explorer (another great vehicle), and you could adjust the seating position in just about any way you desired. The gas mileage is not a serious issue in my case. The tacoma advertises around 22 mpg for the base sr 2x4 model, but if I drive carefully, I can average up to 24 mpg in the trd offroad 4x4, which is said to get the worst gas mileage out of all the tacoma models. I would have enjoyed an extended gas tank option because I seem to be at the gas station quite often. The only real complaint I have is the acceleration. I didnt expect it to compete with sport cars or anything, but compared to other pick ups, it is quite sluggish. But, I guess if one really wanted to solve that problem, they could add something after market to give it a little more get up and go.

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  Transmission Problems - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jefferson - September 13 - 1:09 pm

  Purchased in Jan. 2016. After a few weeks I noticed a lag/hesitation when I would try to accelerate, followed by erratic transmission shifting. I thought it was part of the breaking in process. The problem got worse. I called Toyota Corp. and they opened a case file. A few days later they called and said no recall had been issued on the vehicle so they would take no corrective action. I had the dealer do several software updates in hopes this would remedy the problems. All efforts were met with negative results. My Tacoma was driving so badly I was concerned I could potentially become involved in a traffic crash so it set parked. On April 1, 2017, I traded in my Tacoma for a 2016 4Runner which runs 100% better than the 35 thousand dollar piece of junk truck that Toyota sold me. Very Disappointing.

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  Great Mileage - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By sidelinedude - September 13 - 9:24 am

  Bought the car because we are downsizing in our lives. Went from a Silverado HD pickup getting 16 mpg to the Prius V to get the great mileage & have some room for hauling stuff. It fits the bill on both counts. Currently averaging 45 mpg & have gotten as high as 54 mpg. Pretty good ride for a small car. The fit & finish are excellent as is expected from Toyota. I would sacrifice a couple of mpgs for electric adjustable seats & a more adjustable steering wheel. Toyota really dropped the ball on driver comfort with the V. Would also like to be able to adjust the Smart Key locking features without having to take it to the dealer. Overall, the car has met our expectations.

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  Another Great Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By arjay - September 13 - 2:36 am

  This is my second Camry, trading in my 97 after driving it 179000 trouble- free miles. The 06 is much more refined - smoother, quieter and more comfortable seats. Beautiful, tasteful interior.

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  Cost Cutting? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By OOMPA - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We finally got our new 03 SR5 Sequoia. We did not think it would ever arrive, especially since we ordered it over 5 months back. We formerly owned a 2001 Chevy Tahoe. Wow, what a big improvement over that clunk. We were a bit disappointed with all the dealer gouging on this particular model. If you want the Sequoia, you will pay a small premium. The engine is smooth and torquey and the ride is quiet. We especially like the dealer installed TRD supercharger and the power rear hatch window. The Engine compartment is also well laid out and very spacious.

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  Bumping In The Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Bankrup - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Getting a Black Prius was the best decision Ive ever made!!!