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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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By scottp999 - May 10 - 9:50 am

  So far, I love this car. I got tired of getting an avg 17 miles per gal in a 2003 4runner, so I traded it on this S corolla. In MD you pay 42 cents per gal in taxes. I just cut down the number of gal I consume by 50%. The car rides great, build is amazing. Interior and exterior design of the car is nice. There is a decent size trunk and I am 64" and there seems to be more headroom than the 4runner. I could not be happier.

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  TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB, FORGET F150 - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By dennis Kasprzak - May 10 - 7:50 am

  I love my tundra. I waited to review it until I had it for a while 8 months now. 15000 mile service, and the first car I have owned, that hasnt been to the shop multiple times for engine lights, breakdowns. As you can tell this is the first toyota I have owned. Hauls great had 2000 lbs of sod with minimal rear end sag. Towed 16 foot enclosed trailer rated above the 6800 lbs towing capacity with no problems, trailer brakes were wired and only required 4 wire hook up. Never a problem with power, will be adding trd supercharger when it becomes available. Only problem thus far has been on door panels. The carpet keeps comming unglued, will adress that at the 15000 mile service coming up.

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  The best Crossover vehicle on market - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Jackson - May 10 - 4:36 am

  Bought my Venza V6 FWD at the end of the year to take advantage of the new car sales tax incentive. Only if I had known Toyota would be in such trouble + incentive of $1500 cash, I would have waited. Felt like I was short changed by Toyota. Other than that, the Venza is great! I was drawn to the styling inside and out since day 1 of introduction. Took me a year to take ownership. Love the 20" wheels and aggressive styling. The interior is spacious and center console well designed.

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  Love my Toyota - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Elaina - May 10 - 4:13 am

  My friends thought me a bit dowdy when they learned I was purchasing a van. But I love my Sienna! The handling is car-like, and the AWD performance is better than with my Infinity SUV 4WD, all with Toyota dependability! I wish their were a bit more legroom in the drivers seat, otherwise I have no complaints.

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  Decent, but disappointed - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Jim - May 10 - 2:36 am

  I bought this minivan in 2001. Our first choice was a Honda Odyssey, but in that year Hondas were so in demand wed have to order one and wait. The Toyota Sienna has been a decent alternative. We have traveled across the country with it and it has never broken down. It has issues, however. Among them are the engine light and low tire inflation light constantly going on and annoying little repairs (struts, CV joints, shocks, and assorted other annoyances) such that I generally have to sink $2000 every two years into the thing to keep it going. Most recent repair bill in April 08 was just under $2000. Brakes seem to need to be replaced often.

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  great car - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Myra Garvansites - May 10 - 2:33 am

  This is my third Camry I love it so far. The sales person Jim OBrien was helpful in getting a good deal. Basically all the people on staff were pleasant. The only minor issue I have was the low level of color selection of car. Wanted something that popped but settled for white (maybe it will be cooler w/ all this heat). Still a smart car. Gets me from point A to point B. Breaks worked good as well as the A/C. Really liked the new design.

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  Good not Great - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Vantrader - May 10 - 1:10 am

  Overall, a good truck, but not great like Id thought it would be. Anti- lock brake system makes a "doosh!" sound when the vehicle is initially started and begins to move. Brought it to the dealership and was told it was the brake system doing a "self test", hmmmm. Annoying more than anything else as it was a 30k vehicle. Find myself keeping the tranny in D4 around town as it is quick to upshift into the highway gear but slow to downshift. Should have gotten the limited slip option as it slips pretty easy in loose gravel or greasy hard-top after a rain. Have not towed with it yet but have used the bed and it performed well.

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  Good SUV, Bad Tires - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By TopDawg - May 9 - 11:40 am

  Love the car itself. Have 22K miles on it so far. Toyo A20 245/55R19 tires are nearing the end. Dealers in town know these tires are fast wearing but only want to sell the same or the equally bad Bridgestone Dueler HL. Toyota still putting A20 on 2010 models. Local dealer said I can change size but it may throw off performance. I see posts of near accidents related to tires on this site. Otherwise car handles quite nicely with VSC option and has lots of room and zoom (V6).

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  Best Mid-Sized SUV on Market! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By klegg - May 9 - 10:56 am

  Ive read most of the posts here, and most of positive ones are right on. We have the 2005 v8 4x4, and its exceeded our expectations. Plenty of power, interior room is good and the height-adjustable driver seat is very comfortable and accommodates a variety of body types. Towing our 2300 lb popup camper from Denver to Page AZ with climate control gave us 16mpg at average of 65mph! Thats pretty good! Control layout is very good. MPG in town has been a consistent 17, and weve had as much as 24 on highway. Its been as bad as 16, but if you dont drive it like you stole it, it will easily do 18.

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  A comfortable powerful cruiser - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By tblewy - May 9 - 6:50 am

  A very comfortable highway cruiser with good safety features and gas mileage. We love this car for its space, comfort level driving ease. Long trips are much less tedious than in the old (1997) Intrepid although it is a nice car it is not near the equal of this new Avalon.