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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  Toyota is good. - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Frank - January 13 - 1:56 pm

  Toyota is a good car compared what you paid.

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  Great, Dependable SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By UsingCommonSense - January 13 - 11:03 am

  I have owned my 4Runner for almost 12 years. It has been an extremely reliable vehicle. The only problems I have had are the "junky" stereo and the retractable antennae. These are obviously very minor problems. The car just wont die. The V6 is a little on the weak side, but its not too bad. The interior is a little cramped. But, this SUV is a monster in bad weather. In 4WD this vehicle cant be stopped. I cant say enough about how great this vehicles is in the snow. Overall, this is a great vehicle to pick up even after 12 years. If you can find one with modest mileage and a clean title, you will not regret your choice.

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  Frame rust - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By pgrazioso - January 13 - 10:18 am

  Weve only had this 2009 for three years. There is lots of rust on both sides of the frame. There is also rust under the hood where the cross-bar supports the radiator. We are wondering if this is common and what people have done to solve the problem.

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  Not sure what all the hype is about - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By villagefish - January 13 - 7:40 am

  The RAV drives more like a dune buggy than a 21st century vehicle and leaves an unrefined impression not generally associated with a Toyota (I have owned two other Toyota vehicles). The 4 cylinder engine is very loud and road noise is pronounced. I can hear suspension, wind, and tire noise at even the lowest speeds on newly paved surfaces. The ride is stiff and the steering feels artificially weighted. Throttle response is jerky, especially at low speeds. The lack of a rear bumper is a safety concern and the side hinged tail gate is inconvenient. I think this vehicle is cheaply made and not worth the high used vehicle price it commands. Suggest looking elsewhere.

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  Great Value and GREAT Looks! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Dave - January 13 - 2:26 am

  Test drove all the SUVs on the market and bought the Venza. I love the V6, it has power to go and gets decent mileage on the road (26-28 curently). Very roomy inside, and at 62" -245 lbs no issues. Even on long trips the seats are nice (I went with cloth). Although, the ride can be bumpy sometimes on rough roads. All in all, it rides great for the value. Best of all, it is a head turner! I got the Aloe green metallic , with tan interior, love it. Also, the rear seats fold all the way down - and can be activated from the back, a MUST when loading. I really am impressed with this car/SUV. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great car, with room interior and hot looks!

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  Its a Toyota - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By UKkid89 - January 13 - 2:06 am

  Didnt intend to spend that much when we bought it 5 years ago but its been worth it. This is my 7th Toyota and it has been just as reliable as all the others. And when I say reliable I dont mean how some people mean it. It now has over 64500 miles and I just changed the brakes, tires at 40000, and air filters every 30000, nothing else on it has ever been replaced. The only thing the 2 dodge grand caravans Ive had over this vehicle is interior volume.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Frank - January 12 - 11:06 pm

  I had a Town & Country and traded it in, it did not compare with the Sienna. I cant tell you how happy I am with the Sienna. The Sienna is nothing but class and a good looking car. I wish I had gotten it sooner.

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  As good as it gets. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Neo - January 12 - 10:06 pm

  If youre looking for the most car for your money, then look no further than the Toyota Avalon. To get all the features that you get in this car is unheard of. A 280 hp V-6 engine that still gets 31 mpg on the hwy? Air bags galore? Reclining rear seats? WOW. This car blows the doors off of the Infiniti that I was driving.

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  Avoid the 2000-2002 GT model engines!!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Jason - January 12 - 8:32 pm

  I got it with 87k miles on it, and within a month I noticed it was going through a lot of oil. It turns out theres a known oil consumption issue with these 1zz-fe engines. Theres a website that even sells over sized pistons specifically for this issue. I rebuilt the engine, because the car is beautiful, I love the interior, and its a blast to drive. Its like driving a go kart that can go on the free way.. However, this engine is awful. Im at 162k miles and now the head gasket is blown, and I cant go anywhere without it overheating. If I had to do it over, I wouldve gotten a GT-S model.

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  Toyota package III - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By D Hanks - January 12 - 6:50 pm

  I have had the Prius III model for a month now and have put 550 miles on it. When I got it it had 2 miles on it but since it was being shown at the dealership it was already averaging only 35 MPG because of all the features being shown to people with the car and AC running. Since then I have bought the average up to over 47 MPG so I think it should easily do 50+ MPG. The leg room is phenomenal for a small to mid size car. That is why I chose it over the Insight. I am 6 ft 3 and I actually have to move the seat up a bit. My wife and I both enjoy driving the car.