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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  Second Tacoma, not happy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ty - June 13 - 11:23 am

  First of all, the economy shifting makes the truck feel like the slightest head breeze or up hill is dragging you down. I was able to get 26 mpg average on a tank of gas while driving back and forth to work (22 miles each way), however, while driving up the east coast on I-95 and utilizing cruise control for 90% of the way my tank average dropped to 18.7. (I know this because every time you turn your vehicle off you get a MPG for that trip and it keeps a constant MPG for the tank of gas as well). I ended up putting a rack on top for bikes and a kayak which dropped my average MPG, to work, to 21.2 mpg. If the truck is loaded up with 4 passengers I feel as though each small hill is a mountain as the truck feels sluggish and slow. I like the look of the truck, the interior is comfortable and the gizmos and gadgets are great. I wish there was a way to turn the digital feed off (between the tac and the speedometer, because I hate having it on at night). I had to sell my 2014 access cab for this 2016 four door for the additional room due to an addition to the family. However, though it gets better gas mileage (before the roof rack) I preferred the 2014 model much better. I did trade from driving a manual to a standard, so that could have a lot to do with the feeling sluggish. Give one a test drive and see what you think for yourself. I miss the old V6 model though.

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  Great automocar - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jim - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Yaris when I retired and Im getting 40.7 mpg without fail. Ive checked it 3 times now and every time it comes out the exact same on the same 230 mile trip. With the fuel tank at 13 gal plus I can get over 400 miles per tank of regular gas. I LOVE IT!

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  This is the best truck ever made. Period. - 1998 Toyota T100
  By Ben - June 13 - 9:14 am

  The T100 isnt fast nor flashy. It wont tow heavy loads. It doesnt have heated seats, climate control, navigation, or blind spot monitoring. Compared to todays trucks its really quite a dinosaur. So how can I say its the best truck ever made? Because it is. My 1998 3.4L SR5 4x4 is going on 20 years old. Its logged more than 205,000 miles, and many of those miles were off pavement in the mountains of Montana or on rocky trails in the Mojave Desert. Death Valley too. Its spent most of its life stored outside in the blazing sun, neglected Im ashamed to say. Despite all of this, every single bit of the truck still works. It still looks great too, and most importantly it starts every single time you turn the key. Once started, it goes places where most modern trucks wouldnt dare thanks to its narrow width and ample ground clearance. You can even still chain up the front end should the going get tough. Try that on a new Tundra. They simply dont make trucks like this anymore. Ive been asked many times if its for sale. My answer is always the same, "no it isnt, and it never will be."

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  The best! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Misha - June 13 - 7:53 am

  Ive had this car for over a year now and already put 18000 miles on it. It is definitely the best car Ive ever owned. Previous owner had installed TRD suspension kit so the car is lower then normal you have a better control. In the past year I had to replace generator, thermostat, brakes, clutch, 2 wheel barrels - not a big deal.

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  4 runner again! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By sold. - June 13 - 5:13 am

  I love my 05 4runner. Im looking to purchase a new one. Hoping the 2010 models are built as well as 2005. Only problem I had with 2005 was the moonroof quit around 58,000 miles, costs $2000 to repair, but just had them permanently close it. I will still buy one with moonroof--love the lighting. New brakes installed with 90K miles, new tires at 78K miles. NO issues whatsoever with this vehicle.

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  Good Ride - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By KCH - June 13 - 1:43 am

  Enjoy the vehicle more than expected. I bought it as a practical alternative to what I would have preferred (H2). It drives, rides and looks great. Until a recent storm, the black paint was near flawless and immaculate. I receive a lot of compliments about the vehicle and its appearance. I purchased the V8 and am grateful that I did.

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  The WORST vehicle I have EVER owned - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Teeder in WI - June 13 - 1:16 am

  I am COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED with this vehicle. It has been a problem since day one. I too have the problem of the car not starting- there goes safety and reliability. The car intermittently will not start- completely dead- no clicks no nothing. It has even died in the middle of traffic. Real safe! It has also had a boat load of other problems. It has been into Toyota (Smart Motors, Madison Wisconsin), and they are basically accusing me of "making up a problem", becuase it is intermittent and they cant duplicate it. Toyota Customer service is NO help either. I get in the car and hope it gets me to my destination safely. Sad that a car with EVERY option is such a piece of junk!!!!!

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  We love our 2008 Highlander Sport - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By bigbuck - June 12 - 10:30 pm

  Just purchased our 2008 Highlander Sport model. It has everything our family needs. I love everything about this car. The roomy interior, the versatility of the stow-n-go center seat/console, the flip down third row when we need it and the large cargo area in the back when we dont. It has the rear back-up cam which is very cool, the built-in antenna in the windshield and the pop-up rear window. We test drove the 2007 and this 2008 is so much bigger, inside and out. I really like the masculine look of the car and the comfortable, quiet ride, which is Toyotas trademark. Well be keeping this one for a long time.

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  Great Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Martin - June 12 - 8:33 pm

  I love my Camry! It is very reliable and fun to drive. Between 45 and 55 it shakes, but any other speed is fine. The motor and transmission are fine at 180000 miles. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Really Great - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By fredlisancnc - June 12 - 3:00 pm

  Just had 10 year anniversary. Soccer mom. Purchased new. Has been a dream vehicle. Now have 135,000 miles. Drives like luxury vehicle. Has been extremely reliable. Have just needed reg. maintenance, i.e oil changes regularly, 18 month brake jobs, (heavy city travel). On 3rd set of Michelin tires, on 3rd battery. Had to replace motor for power window and an alternator. Am now having timing belt, water pump, and ac and ps belts changed for first time which is normal maintenance. Now in its 10th plus year, starting to have a few issues. Valve gaskets are now leaking oil and need replacement. Repair described is approx. $1000 for belts, wp, and new gaskets with labor. Heavily recommend vehicle.