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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  Rotten Egg deal - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Connelly - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I am so upset with Toyota. My car has this rotten egg smell that is unbearable. Im so embarrassed that I have to tell everyone who comes into my car that they will smell a rotten egg odor at least one time during our ride. Why should I have to do this? Ive gotten in touch with the dealer, No results. I called 1-800-GoToyota who contacted me to the regional office no results. I called the Toyota Headquarters again and now I have to go to arbitration in order to get this resolved. I really thought by buying a TOYOTA I was getting a great car and great service. What a joke.

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  a Baby Lexsus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Ramzi - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Lexsus ES 300 and the Camry XLE with its premium package and could not see any difference in feel, quietness or luxury. Why pay for a Lexsus when the XLE has every possible option that the ES 300 has (and more)! This is by far one of the best all around performer that I have owned, thanks Toyota. Ramzi Kanso

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  Best new Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By interestor - July 6 - 2:00 am

  We are very please with this vehicle. Rides smoothly, handles well and a lot of thought went into the interior.

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  The New Minivan Standard - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By klim - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Toyota got it right this time. The days of Honda claiming the throne for The minivan standard is over. This minivan is well designed with a lot of thoughts put into the vehicle. The vehicle has everything that you can ever want in a minivan. It even has nice features that you werent expecting. It drives great and the safety features available is wonderful.

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  Lovin It! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Julia Trueblood - July 5 - 10:59 am

  This is my second Corolla in 13 years. You cant go wrong with any Toyota. My 2016 Corolla S Plus is sporty looking and feeling, and rides beautifully. 2 yrs/25,000 miles of free maintenance by Toyota is greatly appreciated.

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  Amazing Truck Right From The Start - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By PaulDnCali - July 4 - 11:03 pm

  Most Tacoma owners add aftermarket modifications to their trucks; I will be one of this majority. However, without these modifications, this truck is a comfortable beast right off the lot. It has power, stamina, just enough clearance to get you through many obstacles, and great looks. I do wish however that Toyota would have given more luxurious options (for example: interior with brown leather seats and trim in more than just the Limited model). I am so far very happy with my new Taco and believe I will continue to be happy for many years with it. In the first 1000 miles of driving, Ive already taken this truck through the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California twice with no complaints and I plan on many back road / off road adventures through the years.

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  Slight Disappointed! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By sam063 - July 4 - 2:20 pm

  Bought the car in March 2010, made sure with the dealer it wasnt on recall list which they assured me it wasnt. 3 weeks later. I get my recall notice. But they said dont bring it in yet as they dont have a fix for the gas pedal yet. ok? (still not fixed) Went from Ford Explorer to Venza. Very different driving. Beautiful styling in &out. Back seat very comfortable. Bought 4-cyl and not enough pep for fast pull outs.Engine has to work hard. Should have bought 6 cyl. so take heed. Brakes are very strange. Had to bring in to dealer after 6 weeks to sand the rotors!! Never heard of such a thing. I am hesitant about this car and I have a 5 yr.loan. Hopefully it holds up like a Toyota used to.

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  Problems with brakes and rattles - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Unhappy Owner - July 4 - 1:00 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever owned and will probably be the last. I have only had it for 2 months and I have lots of complaints. There are a lot of rattles coming from the dash and when I took it in of course they said they were not out of the ordinary. But, a bigger more serious problem is that the car has shut down on me twice while waiting at a red light. I have had to take the car in 4 times and they have put it on the computer and have not been able to duplicate the problem. They told me its the traction sensor and that I am putting extreme pressure on the brakes which is causing the computer to think I am stopping suddenly and shutting down the engine. Is that nuts?

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  GREAT CAR SO FAR JUST GOT IT - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By jnealy87 - July 4 - 4:38 am

  I Got 2014 avalon limited Parisian Night Pearl, Rides like Lexus as mention in my prev review, now that Ive had it 7 months, i will explain my review stars given for each section. Performance drop one star due to understeer when driving. Comfort drop star due to front seats shows a lot of wear from using them I only drive 10k miles a year or less. Interior drop a star due to the cup holders silver liner that goes around the edge is coming apart and tearing off. Safety drop star due to car loses traction with tires at 5/32 and still have treadwear on tires, so car only does well with new tires, so that means new tires every 4 years not good for winter weather or rain. Technology drops 2 stars due to the climate control changes on it own at times when you restart car. also the car cabin air filter has been replaced a lot, the reason is the smell of the HVAC ,Toyota has not did a recall on the EVAP System drain yet, so the smell isnt the cabin air filter. Reliability drops star due to the engine had to have throttle body serviced after Main Battery replacement car had issues with stalling after new battery then had to have fuel injectors serviced to help with MPGs afterwards other then that no major issues will have these services again at 90k miles. Value drop star due to Fuel economy has not met the factory set amounts with all mixed driving and highway. I do all recommend service intervals and make sure my car runs new. Next service is 62k with oil change. the reason, I got car at 52k with oil change

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  My 3rd 4Runner - Bullet Proof as Usual - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - July 4 - 3:56 am

  Just purchased my first new car ever and my 3rd 4runner (first baby on the way!). I have always been a used car guy, cant stand new vehicles depreciating 10 - 20% the moment you drive it off the lot. But if any SUV holds it value and limits "day one depreciation" its the 4Runner. My first 2 4Runners, an 87 and a 94 with combined mileage of 565K were rock solid and my new 07 holds true. Much better ride and handeling in this new version thanks to an increase in 4 inches in width. The 4WD V6 is plenty powerful for my driving needs and the sport package looks sharp. Averaging 19 MPG - wish could be better. Only complaint is that its my wifes and future childs daily driver and not mine.