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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  Awesome 2 door 94 Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Tricia - July 15 - 3:23 pm

  I Love the car, its great, nothing is wrong with it. Not really sure why Im even looking for a new car. I bought this car used when it was 4 yrs old. Never had one problem with it, just normal maintenance I would not hesitate to buy another camry without a doubt

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  Its almost perfect - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Todd - July 15 - 3:13 pm

  My parents bought this car in 2004 with about 45,000 miles on it. The truck is smooth, powerful, quiet, confidence inspiring. We have been averaging 19 mpg in town and about 21 on the freeway w/out 4 wheel drive. Pretty good for a V8 and heavy truck. The only problem is the transmission...It works wonderfully until you have to tow your heavy trailer! 6500 pounds down hill broke the weaker parts in the Tranny, atleast it was safe enough to drive the rest of the way home! Otherwise, great truck...does that kill the point of having a truck? I tend to think so.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By tripgrip - July 15 - 2:36 pm

  I love this vehicle, it is fun to drive, very solid yet smooth ride. It sits up high so that you can see way up ahead the road. Gas mileage was surprising to me... I get and average of 21 mpg on the highway. Toyota is a very well built vehicle and they always have stood behind their product for me.

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  Jeffs Tacoma Review - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - July 15 - 2:20 pm

  First Toyota Tacoma ever purchased. Very wise decision for me. It has a strong V6 engine, very capable and responsive for this size of truck while still getting good fuel economy. Lots of fun to drive, especially while listening to the 6 disc CD changer. Great truck.

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  The 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is the best 4x4 of the year - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By nothing_better - July 15 - 2:12 pm

  I was first attracted to the 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro because I loved its appearance; especially in the Inferno Orange color. After driving it, I fell in love with it. Ignore the other reviews that claim it is less than enjoyable to drive on the road; that just isnt true. This truck is just awesome. Its comfortable, handles well on road AND off, and the stereo system is the best sounding stereo I have ever heard in any vehicle. The TRD suspension, shocks, wheels, tires and 1/4 inch thick skid plates underneath it make it a street legal urban tank. You will see heads turning and get lots of thumbs up from total strangers. I wanted a FUN vehicle for once in my life, and I got it!

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By thegreydog - July 15 - 8:20 am

  A great buy! I have owned many trucks and this is by far the best. It has plenty of power and it is comfortable ride. I really dont know what else to say. If you are looking for a great mid-size truck, this is the one. It has everything you ask for.

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  RAV4 w/problems - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JonG - July 14 - 5:10 pm

  After 2700 miles of driving I have had 3 events of all the idiot lights coming on plus two complete breakdowns. Dealer analyzed (Oh for the days of do it yourself cars) and replaced a fuse. Our trip from Tennessee to Florida was a disaster. All idiot lights came on plus the battery light. Power steering died and car had to be towed to dealer who replaced battery. After 250 more miles, same thing happened and had to get towed to dealer again. This dealer was good and found alternator was defective. New type with clutch for trailer package upgrade. No one has the new alternator in stock so it has to come from Cal. I love the car, but wont tolerate any more breakdowns

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  Like a Lexus ES for 10k less. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By F.P. - July 14 - 6:36 am

  I am amazed at the quiet and comfortable ride my Camry XLE V6 offers. The V6 engine is smooth and powerfull. The new headlights look like jewels, and the tail lights are bold and beautiful to look at, even more so than the Lexus ES. The look and quality feel of the wood/leather interior is beyond its class for a car in the 25k to 30k price range (I paid under 25k), and the many Lexus-like features and amenities dont hurt either. The XLE V6 is so comfortable to drive in that I always arrive at my destination feeling rested and ready to go, even after a long road trip. Thanks to the on board MPG computer, I can tell you that I have been averaging close to 30 MPG in mixed city/highway driving.

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  Steering wheel shakes - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By 06TxTaco - July 14 - 4:06 am

  Overall a great truck, good power and very comfortable truck. My truck has a shake or shimmy in the steering wheel that the dealer cant seem to fix after several attempts, they even let me drive a new 07 off the lot and it had the same problem. The truck rides fairly smoothly but the steering wheel shake between 55 and 70 MPH is extremely annoying. Other than that, I love this truck, beautiful styling, plenty of power, comfort, good gas mileage for a truck. I get between 20 and 22 MPG depending on how my right foot feels that day, combined city/highway driving.

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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By camrydc - July 14 - 4:03 am

  Turned in my 5 series bmw for this car. No more premium fuel and Im almost doubling my mileage! This is one high technology vehicle. I got all the bells and whistles. Very comfortable and after half a tank am averaging 37.1 mpg commuting into Washington DC.