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 Truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By JakeSteel41 - September 17 - 2:03 pm

  Just bought my truck and it is proving to be exceptional! Total comfort, excellent ride, sleek lines, powerful engine, great turn radius. Thoughtful extras as the mulitude of cup and water bottle/soda bottle holders, sunglass holder, extra storage area under the back seats, sliding adjustable ties downs in the bed,large storage compartment between the seats. The cabin of the truck feels large and the seats give good support and leg room. Driving a truck is actually a pleasure again.

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  If you have captain chair in 2nd row beware! - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By roadtripmom - September 17 - 1:56 pm

  This is my fourth Toyota I have owned so naturally its a brand I think I can trust. We bought van with the 2 captain chairs with arm-rests. The chair that sits behind the front passengear (seat belt is not attached to the wall of the car) I believe does not work properly. BE WARNED--If you recline the chair more then 90 degrees the seatbelt will tighten until you cannot move. Or if you are reclined at more than 90 degrees, you will not be able to strap yourself in. Have complained to Toyota and they told me this is the "design" of the chair and not a flaw. They refuse to fix or are incapable of fixing. This Toyota will be our last. Do not get DVD player from dealer. Others have same issue?

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  Fun Drive-To The Poorhouse - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Joe - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Runs as well today as it did 1st day I bought it! The issue is maintenance costs, which are considerable IF you dont do your own maintenance! Weve had no recalls, no repair under warranty, BUT the maintenance costs to-date approach $5000! That breaks down to about ($995/mo to be exact!) $3900 more than my 12 yr old pickup that I drive everyday! Ask to see the maintenance schedule & visit the repair shop and checkout the listed maintenance schedule prices! A REAL EYE OPENER! Oh, if I only knew then what I know now! OUCH!

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  2006 Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By David Skipworth - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Very unhappy with this vehicle. Have less than 70k on this car and already on 3rd set of tires. Rear door hold opens have failed and they cost nearly $300, and now the A/C compressor is out. New part is more than $1,000. Transmission has always shifted sluggish and the fuel tank is too small for the fuel economy of this vehicle. This car is a money pit. It just stays parked most of the time now. I hate it!

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  Great vehicle for me - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By UpState NY - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Over 15,000 miles and not a single problem, and it performs as advertised. The Trail version has been great for off-road, winter driving, and long trips. I tow a 3500 lbs camper, with 2 canoes on roof, easily (about 12 mpg with big hills in ADK), but day-in-day-out driving on hilly Upstate back roads I average around 19 mpg. Longer trips I average from 20 to 21 mpg highway. Kids like the back sets that can recline a bit. Overall I like the functionality of the various standard Trail options/controls.

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  Lexus Rival - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard - September 17 - 9:36 am

  Beautiful and rides well. Finish and styling superb for the price. Smart key works well but no ring or hole on the unit so that a valet can hang it up when valet key removed. car cannot be started with valet key. Front seats not comfortable enough, but adequate. transmission "slips" when shifting in certain conditions. Love the small turning radius helpful with a large car. Trunk space has been reduced by the protective lining covering the lid supports. better to remove that and allow longer items to store horizontally such as golf clubs. flat rear floor a gem. Nav. system not too convenient to operate. needs big overhaul, but works very well when finally programmed. Hate the "I agree" thing

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  Couldnt ask for more, especially at 215k miles - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chris - September 17 - 7:58 am

  I bought this Camry in December of 2014 with 193k miles on it for only $3,000 and 22k miles later all she had needed have been new tires, wiper blades and regular oil changes. This car was a well taken care of 1 owner car before me so I was lucky. She cranks without hesitation every day even in sub- zero winter temps in Michigan and has yet to leave me stranded. The acceleration is still there, handling solid and noises Im sure are comparable to the day it was driven off the lot. The SE model doesnt look as dated as most 13 year old cars and the body has aged well with one minor rust spot the size of a nickle I fixed myself. The funny thing is every time I see another car I consider buying I drive it and read the reviews to find myself loving my Camry more. So heres to another year together, I would recommend this car to anyone and let my daughter drive it if she wasnt 3. Proud to be a Toyota family as we own a 2011 Sienna as well.

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Outstanding Auto - September 17 - 6:56 am

  This is a great car from end to end. It drives like a dream, very comfortable interior and user friendly instruments for the driver.Lots of power from the V6! I went from a 10 year owner of a Camray to a Dodge and back to Toyota. I never had a problem with the Camray and I dont expect any with the Avalon. The saftey features on this auto make me feel very safe on interstates. One more thing. Owning this car will attrack attention!

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  GREAT CAR!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By tell302man1 - September 17 - 4:10 am

  Just purchased a used 2007 Camry. I really believe that most of these negative reviews are lies on this site. My car is smooth and well built and drives like a dream. I am very happy with the first 1000 miles.

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  Uber on! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan Anderson - September 17 - 1:59 am

  Bought this car for Ubering. Lots of rear seat leg room and comfy attractive interior is popular with passengers. Ride quality is good. Acceleration is adequate to the task. Not quick, but doesnt feel dangerously slow. Will get out of its own way so to speak. A little thrashy accelerating from a stop, but smooths out and nicely quiet once cruising speed is achieved, though rough road surface noise is transmitted to the cabin. The radio is great. The touch screen is easy to use and the sound quality is quite good for a car in this price range. It can deal with all 7500 songs on my iPod easily and allows intuitive control from the touch screen. (My Ford Sync radio in my F150 runs out of memory limiting features). Back up camera is nice to have. USB port is nice, allows my iPod to be controlled from the touch screen, but charge rate could not keep up with my Android LG V10 phone running Uber Partner, Sherpa Share and Google Maps. Luckily the 12v socket with a 2.0 charger can, but there is only one. I like the LED headlights, but the high beams are halogen. Fuel economy is as good as advertised, maybe better. Easy to drive, tight turning radius. Being in it for a full day is comfortable too. Overall a great inexpensive competent commuter car with values and features above its pay grade. I am happy with my purchase.