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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  Did I buy a lemon - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By JP - January 19 - 10:40 am

  My 1995 toyota camry has been somewhat of a lemon. It did have over 200,000 miles when I bought it and it was on the second engine. The reverse went out where it would be somewhat OK at start up if cold, but would not work when the oil got hot. Miraculously it began working again about 2 years after I bought. I would drive it without a reverse but had to be careful where I parked. The door handles broke and I have a tie-string to open the drivers door. Overall the car is junk and it does prove to me very much so that Toyotas are far from perfect and can develop serious problems like all other cars. I still rate Toyotas high though.

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  Meh - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By 2manycars3 - January 19 - 9:10 am

  Recently traded a 2003 Hyundai Santa fe for the 2014 RAV4. Based mostly on price I leased the car, its okay but styling is boring, ride is firm, interior is cheap. If a Hyundai dealer would have been closer to home I think I would have stayed with the Hyundai, or a KIA. Inconvenient storage(coins, phone). Seat fold downs in back are okay, but the front seat could have been included to maximize full length hauling . The doors sound cheap/hollow when you close them. Overall a little disappointed, I have never owned a Toyota before, dont think I would get one again.

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  AMAZING! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By PFranks - January 19 - 5:26 am

  I am about to purchase a new car and am worried that the newer one will not be able to compare to the reliability of my Camry. The only complaint I have is that the paint has began to fade. Other than that, I have 170000 miles on it and have never had a mechanical problem. It will be a sad day when I pass my car onto another lucky owner.

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  Proud of it! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Billy Bob - January 19 - 5:26 am

  I love my not-so-little red truck! Gas mileage is excellent! Never been under 24 for me, and sometimes is as high as 28. The 4 cyl has plenty of power as well. 4WD is easy to engage and provides extra pull in 4 low. The composite bed is an improvement. Plenty of space on the interior, even for me at 62" 230 lbs. This is a great buy for the price, assuming that it is as reliable as a Toyota should be.

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  2016 Limited = SR5 with Leather - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By TJ - January 18 - 12:55 pm

  If you are like me and want the TRD off road performance with the luxury of leather, dont purchase the limited. Get the TRD off road and have a third party install the leather. After purchasing a 2016 Tacoma 4x4 limited a couple weeks ago with all the options including the tow package, I was very disappointed to discover the limited doesnt have the TRD off road performance options. The website and brochure say under the description of the limited, "adds or replaces features on the TRD off road." It does none of this and basically replaces the TRD off road features with the SR5 features. Love the truck, but disappointed the limited doesnt have the TRD off road performance.

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  Love this truck so far. - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By GBinFL - January 17 - 8:06 pm

  Traded in a 2003 VW GTI for this truck, as we needed a more family-friendly vehicle. Bought with TRD Sport Pkg#1. Truck looks great, handles great, fun to drive. There are some minor design issues that would make a difference. Looks awesome with hood protector, stainless tube steps, and Lund tonneau cover. Love the 115v power outlet in the bed, but worried that composite bed material will scratch very easily. Need to find some carpet or something to line the bed with. Also wish you could get a factory sunroof in double cab models. Like any vehicle, not perfect, but pretty darn good, and hope the reliability is as good as our Sienna.

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  Just Getting Started - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By stardriver - January 17 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased this silver 2003 auto coupe and knew immediately it was a great choice. Quick, comfortable, fun to drive and excellent mileage--even for an automatic. First mileage check netted 280 miles for 8.5 gallons, netting a very respectable 33 mpg city/highway. Believe it will get 38 hwy easily. Killer sound system, lot of room, huge trunk space for a "small" car. Surprising quiet at freeway speeds. Toyota may have made some mistakes marketing this car, but not in building it. The Yaris sedan is similar but getting one of these at a fraction of the cost and you have a great quality car.

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  Great.. as advertied - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By foonman - January 17 - 2:43 pm

  Great car. May not be the most fun to drive, but doesnt pretend to be (unlike, say, the Accord). Leather seats are extremelt comfortable, and I especially like the high seating position. Toyota (and VW) are the only companies making stability control available to the masses. When front left tire blew out the car maintaind a straight line until I could pull over.

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  Over Engineered - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By KEN - January 17 - 1:13 pm

  Loved the 2002 Camry it was a good match up engine/tranny. The 2007 is a disappointment; the tranny seems to have a mind of its own shifting up and down at will. There is a very dangerous hesitation when pick up speed is needed quickly such as merging onto the freeway (someones going to get killed if Toyota doesnt fix this). Its as though the engine literally quits for a few seconds and when it comes back to life its in low gear roaring like crazy.

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  The Best Vehicle on the Road... today - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By joro05 - January 17 - 8:37 am

  I only wish it got 35mpg... maybe they will put a turbo diesel in it eventually. but for what it is, this is the best truck out there. Tows my boat, hauls 2 motorcycles, and carries 4 passengers comfortably at the same time... What more could one ask for? except 35mpg (it gets 24...when not towing). if you want a practical truck this is it. best in quality and value. I love my toy taco... any time i pass a job site, everyone turns and says "thats a nice truck".