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:

• 

  awesome vehicl - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By stephanie fargo - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had othe SUVs but once i got into the Toyota 4Runners, I will never go back. I also purchased a Land Cruiser that I also suggest buying.

• 

  Comfort and Reliability -- YES! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Pete Mor - February 26 - 2:00 am

  The Avalon ride is outstanding. It is also extremely quiet, even with the potholes in the Washington DC area! Based on past experience (THIS car is too new), the Toyota reliability should be excellent. Experience with the dealer was typical (they pushed undercoating and extended warranties). I initially tried foolishly to order a car with the exact features I want. Finally, after two months with at least another month to go, I bought one "off the lot". The 7-speaker sound system is as smooth as the Avalons ride. Attention to detail in both design and construction are extraordinary. I am delighted with the car.

• 

  New Limited 4Runner with Nav System - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JohnNasch - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV with effortless excelleration. Its so good my wife now wants another one for herself.

• 

  My Toyota Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Romain Giger - February 25 - 10:50 pm

  I do like my Toyota Truck. It is a Pre- Runner Double Cab 4X2/V6. It has a lot of torque in the lower RPMs. The color, Lunar Mist and trim package SR5 looks very good and Im proud to own it. The interior is really nice, carpeted, good seats, an excellent sound system with six speakers. My wife really likes the air conditioner because it works so well. I think the fuel consumption is a little high. But then it is a truck. To ease the pain I try to hold the speed limit and seldom drive over 60 mph. Since Im a short person, 5"3", the truck is a little high for me to get comfortable in and out.

• 

  Great Vehicle to Own - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Charlie - February 25 - 2:33 pm

  I love the way the Vehicle rides. Since it has the same body style and car frame as a Lexus RX 330. I felt the price sold it.

• 

  Loven it - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner man - February 25 - 12:23 pm

  I traded my 2000 4runner limited for the 2005 2WD Limited I have to say this vehicle is by far the best vehicle I have owned, a nav system, 10 speaker sound system, leather heated seats, a back up camera, power moon roof 17 mpg city 23 hwy, and a ride that is excellent. 245 hp, a tow package (5000 lbs) well you get the picture, love everything about my 4runner. Oh it comes with 4 different airbags. Plan on keep it for a long time. Oh yeah it runs on regular unleaded fuel, yahoo!!!

• 

  Great SUV - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By lagman - February 25 - 5:10 am

  Wonderful car. Feels sturdy and dependable. Also very powerful.

• 

  Dont believe terrible hype! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By ThePhoenixKing - February 25 - 3:36 am

  Okay i felt more than compelled to write a review about this car. You see all official sites that review cars (I.E. Motortrend, Edmunds, CarandDriver, etc) severely underrate this car. Its criminal really. If based your purchase off the magazine reviews or youtube. You would be robbed of a great car. And im serious. The 2015-2017 Camry SE model is a superb handler. I have chucked this car into many corners bit hot. And the car simply settles in and hunches down. Body roll is very minimum. Acceleration great in sport mode. However in regular drive sometimes the transmission doesnt give you the gear want for more rapid takeoffs. My remedy is simply throwing the shifter into sport. Dropping down two gears and you dont even have nail the gas for it to fly off. Over 100 miles an hour though and the governor limits the otherwise good pulling power. Brakes are excellent as well. However when compared to the Chrysler 200 (2015-2017) the brakes take more pedal really bite down and kill off momentum. This is most prevalent on the highway when you suddenly need to stop because traffic is getting congested. But once biting the brakes are good and front end dive is minimum with all other body motions. The fuel economy is excellent since the car always wants to be in ECO mode(which contributes to the sometimes slower takeoff speeds). The smaller tank means 20 dollars has full or an hair under the full tank mark. The interior is lovely. Materials are good for the class. I have the ashette color scheme(ash colored seats with leatherette fabric mixed) Back seat room is mind boggling. My customers always give me compliments(I uber Lyft) and some have even said they cant tell difference between my car and a luxury vehicle. (I am not making this up). The fact is owners do nothing but PRAISE the camry. Its only reviewers that make the Camry seem subpar. And ive driven the class favorite Madza 6(2016). Both are neck and neck but overall I prefer my car. Its the number 1 car in AMERICA 15 YEARS STRONG FOR GOOD REASON. THEY GOT IT RIGHT ON THE MONEY!

• 

  Dont believe terrible hype! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By ThePhoenixKing - February 25 - 3:36 am

  Okay i felt more than compelled to write a review about this car. You see all official sites that review cars (I.E. Motortrend, Edmunds, CarandDriver, etc) severely underrate this car. Its criminal really. If based your purchase off the magazine reviews or youtube. You would be robbed of a great car. And im serious. The 2015-2017 Camry SE model is a superb handler. I have chucked this car into many corners bit hot. And the car simply settles in and hunches down. Body roll is very minimum. Acceleration great in sport mode. However in regular drive sometimes the transmission doesnt give you the gear want for more rapid takeoffs. My remedy is simply throwing the shifter into sport. Dropping down two gears and you dont even have nail the gas for it to fly off. Over 100 miles an hour though and the governor limits the otherwise good pulling power. Brakes are excellent as well. However when compared to the Chrysler 200 (2015-2017) the brakes take more pedal really bite down and kill off momentum. This is most prevalent on the highway when you suddenly need to stop because traffic is getting congested. But once biting the brakes are good and front end dive is minimum with all other body motions. The fuel economy is excellent since the car always wants to be in ECO mode(which contributes to the sometimes slower takeoff speeds). The smaller tank means 20 dollars has full or an hair under the full tank mark. The interior is lovely. Materials are good for the class. I have the ashette color scheme(ash colored seats with leatherette fabric mixed) Back seat room is mind boggling. My customers always give me compliments(I uber Lyft) and some have even said they cant tell difference between my car and a luxury vehicle. (I am not making this up). The fact is owners do nothing but PRAISE the camry. Its only reviewers that make the Camry seem subpar. And ive driven the class favorite Madza 6(2016). Both are neck and neck but overall I prefer my car. Its the number 1 car in AMERICA 15 YEARS STRONG FOR GOOD REASON. THEY GOT IT RIGHT ON THE MONEY!

• 

  Dont believe terrible hype! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By ThePhoenixKing - February 25 - 3:36 am

  Okay i felt more than compelled to write a review about this car. You see all official sites that review cars (I.E. Motortrend, Edmunds, CarandDriver, etc) severely underrate this car. Its criminal really. If based your purchase off the magazine reviews or youtube. You would be robbed of a great car. And im serious. The 2015-2017 Camry SE model is a superb handler. I have chucked this car into many corners bit hot. And the car simply settles in and hunches down. Body roll is very minimum. Acceleration great in sport mode. However in regular drive sometimes the transmission doesnt give you the gear want for more rapid takeoffs. My remedy is simply throwing the shifter into sport. Dropping down two gears and you dont even have nail the gas for it to fly off. Over 100 miles an hour though and the governor limits the otherwise good pulling power. Brakes are excellent as well. However when compared to the Chrysler 200 (2015-2017) the brakes take more pedal really bite down and kill off momentum. This is most prevalent on the highway when you suddenly need to stop because traffic is getting congested. But once biting the brakes are good and front end dive is minimum with all other body motions. The fuel economy is excellent since the car always wants to be in ECO mode(which contributes to the sometimes slower takeoff speeds). The smaller tank means 20 dollars has full or an hair under the full tank mark. The interior is lovely. Materials are good for the class. I have the ashette color scheme(ash colored seats with leatherette fabric mixed) Back seat room is mind boggling. My customers always give me compliments(I uber Lyft) and some have even said they cant tell difference between my car and a luxury vehicle. (I am not making this up). The fact is owners do nothing but PRAISE the camry. Its only reviewers that make the Camry seem subpar. And ive driven the class favorite Madza 6(2016). Both are neck and neck but overall I prefer my car. Its the number 1 car in AMERICA 15 YEARS STRONG FOR GOOD REASON. THEY GOT IT RIGHT ON THE MONEY!