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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  Best all-around SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By coloradorunner - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my first 4Runner...I owned a Ford Explorer prior to this and it doesnt even compare. The handling on this truck is amazing (w/ X-REAS). I opted for the V6 due to a little better gas mileage. Go for the V8 if you plan to tow anything very large. This is the best all-around SUV in this segment and is not a glorified minivan (unlike the Honda Pilot).

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  Not a bad car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Wdroster - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Got a good deal on the 03 LE,$14,889 w/o tax title and license. I like everything so far except for a couple things. The gas mileage is way off. Im getting around 30 highway, not the 38 it claims. Also, it lets out a sulfur smell (rotten eggs) from time to time. Other than that, its been a good car.

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  Lived up to its rep, so far - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By John - September 6 - 5:43 am

  After 86k miles, my Camry is still trucking along with no problems, no unusual expense. The worst Ive had is tires that wore prematurely (Potenza) -- nice performance tires but wore out at 35k. On the good side, no need for brake job til 60k! Aside from that, only 1 regret that it did not come with much tinting! making it hot in summer. Otherwise a fantastic car and the only comfortable seat Ive ever owned.

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  Hard to beat Toyota longevity and resale value! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Redman - September 3 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased my 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4wd new and only have two complaints. First the brakes are grabby sometimes at start up during cold weather. I plan on upgrading the brakes with quality drilled and slotted rotors with premium brake pads soon. Second when in 4wd low there is an alarm that goes off the entire time you have 4wd low selected. Very annoying! The truck is very off road capable and in my opinion the off road version rates up there with the Jeep Rubicon! I really love this truck and get a lot of compliments on it. My wife has a 2016 Limited 4runner and the brakes are perfect on it so Toyota has improved them. We have owned several makes and models and have had the best service with Toyota brands! The last four Toyota vehicles we have owned and sold over the years we made money on or got what we paid for them minus basic maintenance costs. We take very good care of our vehicles and have not had any trouble selling our previous used Toyotas! We live in a mountainous area and all the bear hunters use Toyota Tacoma 4wd trucks due to their bullet proof reliability and go any where abilities even with 300k miles on them! Take care of them and they will last! If I could have only one truck it would be a Toyota with out a doubt! We work hard for our money and want a trouble free vehicle that is still worth something in ten years. Toyota has proven to us to be reliable trouble free vehicles especially the Tacomas and 4Runners!

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  2008 4runner 4wd - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By mabatista - September 3 - 4:48 pm

  Very reliable. have 55k. No problems. Mileage is not too good. about 16 in town(driving like a little old lady) . 20 on hy sometimes. However, ths is what it is supposed to get. Not very comfortable for me at 62" (legroom). My wife usually drives it and she is very comfortable. I am sure that it will last 200k easily.

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  Great look and performance for a buck - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Oswandi - September 3 - 11:49 am

  I get corolla LE plus sugar brown 2016,for 15777.20$ cash.include rebate.if financing with 5.64% on 17777.20$ the car great thoo. Look nice and sporty...leg room for rear seat great. If you have baby you can put car seat up front really great too and the clip work great.for first time even with 740 grade you will not get 0% apr.

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  I REALLY LIKE THIS VEHICLE... - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By RL - September 3 - 7:16 am

  Its a great car... nothing bad to say about it... wish it lived up to its mileage claims a little better but it may be my fault for driving with a little bit of a lead foot too...l Ioved it in winter on ice and snow... it saved my life with its nonslip feature at least twice this winter when the wheels just spun out and then the car shuddered and the darn thing righted itself and I didnt go into the ditch after all!!!

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  Sienna LE 06 pkg 4 - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Famof4 - September 3 - 1:23 am

  Great and very accessible features for a family of 4 or more. Handles very well. Owned a dodge van before and there is no comparison in quality and reliability. Toyota stands behind their product.

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  Superior to the competition - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By dusa - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Having owned Ford and Chevy SUVs, I tried several 03 Expeditons, Yukons and Tahoes before sampling three Sequoias. The quality of the Sequoias was clearly superior. All of the Fords and GMs had little problems (rattles, squeaks, vibrations,loose,poorly fitting or non-functional parts). The Sequoias engine and drivetrain were the smoothest and it had the quietest ride. Its technology was equal or better than the others.

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  Less than what I expected - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By HMHMHM - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was expecting a lot from all the reviews I had read. I have been disappointed in the Sienna. I have not found it to be much better than my older 1996 Grand Caravan.