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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  Love this Toyota - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Brenda - March 21 - 12:36 am

  Ive had this Sienna for about 3 weeks and have put 2500 miles on it. I took my first trip in it and loved every minute of it. I felt very safe on the highway driving 80 MPH and more at times. The handle was very smooth and precise. There was virtually no noise which is very important on a long trip. The seats are very comfortable and relaxing. Ive owned other vans and SUVs and none compared to the Sienna. For once I have purchased a vehicle that Im happy with. Drive it and youll fall in love with it. I had many comments about its good look and comfort.

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  Well worth the switch over from the 2013 Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By hwdiprdner@aol.com - March 20 - 3:51 am

  I had a 2013 Tacoma which was a fantastic truck and did very well for me with all the heavy use I put it through. I had always wanted the Toyota truck to step up to more automated features, a sunroof like the old ones had, and heated seats etc. I decided to trade it in for the new TRD sport long bed 4x4 with Technology package. I have not been disappointed. The new truck is far quieter, more roomy in feel, better looking and great and awaited options. I have been overall impressed and happy that I had made the change. There is a lot of feedback talking about the poor acceleration and I have to say that I agree that it is not a spunky as my old truck however; it is not enough to sway my thoughts on the new truck. I am also dissatisfied that they do not include mud flaps as standard equipment when you are paying the higher price for this vehicle. Lastly, purchasing the long bed and desiring the tonneau cover that is available on the short bed, Toyota is slow on getting some of the after market products out to the public and at a much higher cost for the new truck. After having the truck for 7 months now, I am still as happy with the truck as when I purchased it. I have taken several long trips in the truck and I pull a trailer and quad. While going over steep inclines I just feel that the transmission is more noticeable as it has to shift more often to make the grade and at higher RPMs. Still very satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Corolla S - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By darda - March 20 - 3:16 am

  2005 toyota corolla S, bought it for the looks. its the only thing I like about it, otherwise no power, poor handling and economy sounding stereo, even when upgraded. I have had 3 issues within 1 year, not toyota quality...

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  Rav 4 owner for two months - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By cas of ct. - March 20 - 2:43 am

  Have enjoyed owning and driving the RAV 4. Interior road noise is difficult to get used to and radio sound system is not as good as I had hoped it would be. Also the first time I went through a car wash (touchless) the tire cover came completely off and was damaged (scratched). This cover had never been removed for any reason during my ownership--According to dealer this has happened to ONE other RAV 4. Also tire cover not covered under warranty according to dealer!

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  One of the Great Sports Cars - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By bmil - March 19 - 11:56 pm

  I have driven most of the great sports cars: Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lotus etc... and have been a long time fan of sports cars. This car ranks as one of the all time greats in my book. Reliability, great fuel economy and fun fun fun to drive. By definition a sports car needs to do the following: accelerate, brake and handle. The MR2 does all of this and more. It gives you a feeling of being in a go cart. Pure driving feel. The cars feedback is great. It communicates so well to the driver. The ride is a bit stiff, but hey you give to get. More horsepower would be nice, but on public roads this car allows you to tap into the fun zone even at lower speeds. Exotic sports car feel at bargain $

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  2006 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By LifeByTheDrop - March 19 - 11:56 pm

  I drive 50-60K per yr and needed 4x4 truck so went with the Tacoma Access Cab 4cyl 5 sp man. Ive been completely satisfied. After >10K mi Im getting 24.8 mpg on 89 Oct fuel. While I havent been in any serious mud, the 4 wheel drive has moved vehicle well through mud, even with OE tires. Manual trans was a little stiff, but has smoothed out with mi. I dont pull any heavy loads, only 14 fishing boat, and havent had any problem with 4cyl making hwy speeds and hills. Im 63" and there is plenty of room in cab for cooler, brief case, etc. Changing oil and greasing u-joints is easy. Ive installed tool box in bed and hidden hitch. Good luck to us all.

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  You get what you pay for - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Gary L. Heckman, Sr. - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Be VERY CAREFUL before buying this car... NO CD available... Navigation system STINKS... NO leather... You MUST pair your cell phone to this car if you want to listen to something other than radio, or if you want to use the navigation system with a map... If you dont have a cell phone or dont want one, YOU WILL HAVE TO BUY ONE... The seats are now SYNTHETIC LEATHER... If you dont know what SYNTHETIC LEATHER is folks, ITS VINYL...

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  Most economical hybrid, just dont expect ZOOM - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Danny L - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Upgraded interior from the year before, definitely was a plus. Navigation and push start is standard at Three trim and above. LED headlights and tail lights are standard on all Prius Cs. The car has a smaller engine than the regular liftback, but at the same time more efficient on gas. Easy to park, being about 155" long. We did a lot of research on compact cars before settling on this one, a close second was the Versa Note and the third car, the Honda Fit. Dont expect to take road trips without letting others behind you pass because you cant make it up the hill at the same speed as they are keeping. 10% inclines had us pushing the engine. The range that this car was most comfortable in is: 5 mph parking lot - 55 mph hwy. Overall, if I had to buy a car again, I would still go with this car because of the gas savings per month, I drive 2,800 mi per month, and I spend about $135 versus a gas-only car where Id be spending $250.

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  Most economical hybrid, just dont expect ZOOM - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Danny L - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Upgraded interior from the year before, definitely was a plus. Navigation and push start is standard at Three trim and above. LED headlights and tail lights are standard on all Prius Cs. The car has a smaller engine than the regular liftback, but at the same time more efficient on gas. Easy to park, being about 155" long. We did a lot of research on compact cars before settling on this one, a close second was the Versa Note and the third car, the Honda Fit. Dont expect to take road trips without letting others behind you pass because you cant make it up the hill at the same speed as they are keeping. 10% inclines had us pushing the engine. The range that this car was most comfortable in is: 5 mph parking lot - 55 mph hwy. Overall, if I had to buy a car again, I would still go with this car because of the gas savings per month, I drive 2,800 mi per month, and I spend about $135 versus a gas-only car where Id be spending $250.

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  Quiet - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By reachfar - March 19 - 9:06 pm

  Yes the car gets great mileage and puts out near zero emissions but what you enjoy every day is the quiet. You get out of the car feeling more rested than when you entered. It is the first car in 30 years that I appreciate every time I use it