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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  2007 Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By usvet92 - September 21 - 11:13 am

  This truck has lived up to all expectations. The 5.7 has more power than you could ever want. Its just a dream to own!

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  Love the Venza! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By KY - September 21 - 9:53 am

  I went into the dealership looking for a small 4 wheel drive SUV but Im so glad the salesman directed me to the Venza. Its perfect for my needs. It has plenty of room, is fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. I love the way it looks and the interior is really nice for the money. Great car!

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By opus132 - September 21 - 4:46 am

  Loved my 2001 Prius, but the new one is even better. Quiet, smooth, fast enough, roomy, comfortable, and feels good to drive knowing it sips gas so slowly.

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  Loon Country - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By B123 - September 21 - 1:53 am

  Quite a good little performer. I find that the 1.8L 4 cyl engine outdoes the 2.4L of the competition that I drove. This car is not a dud at all. It can cruise down the highway smooth and quiet at 70mph or more. The LE has all the equipment you ever need. 30mpg around town is common. 40mpg or close to it at highway speeds. I hauled 4 adults, one of them over 300 lbs, from the airport without crowding or noticeable loss of power due to being heavily loaded. I like this car more every day and am happy it was my choice over competition.

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  Tacoma Blues - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By James Chaffin - September 21 - 12:28 am

  I am writing this review to help identify problems for future buyers of 2016 Tacomas. I purchased a 2016 Double cab 4 door Limited , listing for over $40,000.00 , and I am having problems with the motor noise, accelerating , and lack of power . The truck sounds like a sewing machine running, and accelerating in traffic is a real problem. I am afraid to try and get on the freeway because the lack of power almost gets me ran over. I paid more for the Limited Addition, and I feel Toyota should be responsible for getting rid of the above mentioned problems . I forgot to mention the transmission shifting is very rough, and not smooth . I am also hearing outside exhaust noise in the cab ( Not quiet at all , like a new truck should be . ) What has gone wrong with Toyota, I traded a 2005 Tacoma in for this truck, and the 2005 was better the day I traded it in on this vehicle, than this 2016 truck will ever be. I have just 3000 miles on the new truck, but I feel the problems will be passed over, as I have heard others having the same problems, and dealers telling them -"Thats just normal for this truck " but I know better. I have not taken my truck to the dealer yet for repairs, as I have only had it for appx. 3 months. I know other 2016 Tacoma owners that have been to dealers with their trucks, and been told --" You just have to live with the problem, theres nothing wrong. I am considering selling this new truck that I have had only 3 months, and that is pitiful. I hope Toyota sees this review, and responds , as I would seriously like to talk to someone about the above mentioned problems

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  Update after 18 months - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill - September 20 - 8:36 pm

  Currently i have about 32K miles after 18 months. The car averages between 36- 38, with 38 being the norm in warmer weather. Folks getting these lower mileage numbers perhaps need a few lessons on driving a hybrid. You glide, not stomp on the gas. Have noticed that the mileage is better when combined with around the town and highway mileage. Still a great car, despite the publicity with Toyota.

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  Awesome all around car! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By shannon - September 20 - 2:46 pm

  Just wanted to let everyone know what a wonderful car this has been so far. Very reliable and super smooth and comfortable Lexus like ride. Hell, this car is better b/c it is same parts, one third less price. Slow off the line but kicks in big time like a turbo, and throws you in the seat, really. The trick is to do a rolling start then this heavy granny getter rolls! Only problem so far has been gas cap loosening. No biggy, just return extra clicks and engine light will eventually go off. Stereo rocks. Upgraded with aftermarket hids and foglights, that really made it Lexus like. Totally love this car for many years to come. 34 avg. mile per gallon. Thanks Toyota, love you! Always!

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  This really is an "all new Corolla" - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Michelle - September 20 - 2:50 am

  Looked at Corollas for 2 yrs and could not pay the price for them because of engine noise, sloppy handling and boring looks. The 2009 S that I just bought exceeds all of my expectations. It looks great, out handles my 08 Xb with 18" wheels and TRD springs, gets outstanding city mpg (29-30), the engine is quiet and there is little cabin noise when driving, ride is exceptional for a car in this class. Love the bluetooth.

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  SSSMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOTH Ride - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By New Avy 4 Me - September 20 - 12:13 am

  I think the review title says it all. It is without a doubt the smoothest riding vehicle I have ever driven. My daily commute is 70 miles round trip, mostly highway, and this car sails. The Avy is also VERY quite, which I enjoy as I can really decompress on my commute home.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By SterlingVT - September 19 - 8:43 pm

  Compared to my Neon, my new Camry is a luxury car. Excellent ride and fuel economy. Good acceleration. Not one worry about it breaking down on me. Im confident that it will have many trouble free years with it. Ill never buy anything other than a Toyota from now on. (Looking forward to getting a Camry Hybrid in the future)