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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  first drive - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By james wolfe - January 5 - 10:00 am

  purchased 8/20/04 of 2005 model with increased horsepower [42hp over 2004 model] acceleration is fine. purchased car @ 3500 below msrp. was first 2005 to arrive at dealership and bought it six hours later. previous landcruiser owner and am very satisfied with sequoia even though it is not a 4wd vehicle.

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  Beyond Expectation - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara2749 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  After comparing and test drive quite a number of cars in the price range, Solara turns out my ultimate winner. At this time approx. 2months / ~3kmi drive, I found the car is just well beyond my original expectation; the car is so well built, endless safety features. Extremly quiet, great rigit body and well integartion; no rattle, no squeak. Overal, it just a superior car for the price (even thousands more).

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  great car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By bacchi2 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Took it on trip. It ran great! Fuel economy and ride really set this car off. The 4cyl had plenty power and trans. shifted smoothly. Drives like a larger car.

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  Solid Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TRD Taco - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck. All the negatives listed below are minor. Overall the truck is very solid and will be mine untill it dies in 15+ years

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  Love it, but wished we would have waited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Blaney Bunch - January 5 - 9:03 am

  Love this van. Only problem is I wished we would have waited for the second line 2004s to come out. Had major run-flat problems... dont get them. I call if I have a flat anyway. A lot of technical / recall glitches. This van is in shop more than my old crummy Caravan. Love the luxury of the Limited. We are in process of trading 2004 Sienna in for the Toyota Sequoia. I would buy the Sienna again, just not the first run of the changed model.

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  This Car is So Much Fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Angela - January 5 - 8:13 am

  We just bought this car in May and we love it. We have taken it off roading and it is great!

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  Top Quality - Awesome!!! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Idahoaggie98 - January 4 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased the truck new in 2000. After 110,000 miles, I have not had any mechanical problems. The quality of finish is impeccable. I need a bigger truck, but am unwilling to depart from such a reliable and capable steed. You cannot go wrong with this Tacoma. If only all vehicles were made this well.

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  Great Car For All Ages - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan - January 4 - 8:50 am

  I purchased our XLE in April of 2008. The whole family loves the car from my 18 year old son, 19 year old daughter to 48 year old parents. The kids really enjoy the MP3 and iPod capability, push button start, automatic lights, and general style of the car. As parents we really are enjoying the gas mileage, comfort, and quiet ride of the car for the price. The car definitely delivers value for money. The car has no problem cruising at 70 mph on highways and with four drivers it is on the road continuously. Would definitely purchase this auto again.

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  Should have bought limited!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By First Truck - January 3 - 9:36 pm

  I have always wanted a truck and when I was finally allowed, I traded my Lexus LS430 and Ford Explorer. I am so happy with my decision. I have already upgraded with a truxedo cover, upgraded homelink mirror, running boards, and backup mirror. I have been buying a lot of my parts. Maybe I should have paid an 5k for the limited? Who cares? This truck fits me so well and is a joy to drive. I am excited everytime I go into the garage (which by the way, I had to clean out to the back wall to fit this monster in!). My only concern is driving through the parking garage in Philly and wondering if the top will scrape!

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  bought in 197k miles. still runs great - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Boddy - January 3 - 7:44 am

  I bought this car from a seller in CL for my daily 200 miles commuting. After driving 4000 miles, it still runs great. Handling is good for a front wheel drive car. In general, Im not an aggressive driver but like to drive at constant speed that gives overall mpg about 37. One full tank load can last for more than 500 miles. Of course I changed all the oils, fluids, filters (transmission and air), shocks and coolant when the first week I got this car. The transmission fluid was leaking but after replaced the crush washer. The problem solved. It does smoke at starting the car as everyone said. Some say its valve seal but others say might be fuel left in cylinder and is normal, etc. But I never observe any oil consuming (I check my oil every other day) and the car passed the inspection. On little thing is that I have to put a small pillow to make the seat very comfortable. However, I dont need that for 2016 Corolla. Overall, its reliable car with great gas millage and great for my daily long distant driving.