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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  Ltd. V8 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By denpacc - November 14 - 4:43 pm

  Been very happy with the 4Runner. Bought it due to the V8 for towing our travel trailer. The motor is excellent in general, temp. gauge doesnt even move going up steep, long passes in 100+ (40+Celsius) pulling our 4500# travel trailer. The only complaint I have is that it is slightly lacking in power to pull our trailer in windy, open environments. Seems like I need to keep the tranny in 3rd to go up any slight incline or against strong winds. Otherwise its been an excellent truck. Wish it came with 4.10 gears rather than 3.73; would most likely solve the underpowered issue but unfortunately decrease fuel economy. Generally excellent truck that I would recommend to anyone.

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  Okay vehicle - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Randy - November 14 - 1:16 pm

  I drove two Pathfinders for a total of almost 20 years and wish I had stuck with them. While I agree with what most of the reviewers say about the SR5, I find it difficult to understand when they say it has a smooth ride. To the contrary, I find it stiff, bouncy, and very fatiguing, and nothing like the Pathfinders which were very smooth and non-fatiguing. One other gripe. The displays for the radio/CDP and the stuff below are extremely dim. I can barely read them in daylight hours and theres no way to brighten them up. Audio quality is also mediocre. I will keep it for three years or less and then trade it in when I can afford to.

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  NOISE FROM BEHIND - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By nouxiong - November 14 - 12:16 pm

  I bough a toyota Highlander xle awd 2014, and i have a issue 2 weeks after my purchase. When i step on the break, and release it, i hear a strange noise from behind. I send it to my Toyota dealer, and they said that all Toyota on the lot have that problem. It will be my last Toyota made in the Us. Do not buy Toyota people........

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  Takes a Lickn - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tazz151 - November 14 - 10:26 am

  This is my 2nd 4Runner. I had an 88 200,000miles & traded for the 97, wanted 4 drs. It has a 2" lift with HD springs & shocks and a TRD cat-back which added a little more low end power. This is my daily driver and hard use off-roader. I tow 3,000- 5,000# on a regular basis and it pulls great. I have removed my front and rear sway bars for better travel off-road, the little extra lean on the streets is not alarming. I run this on trails, service roads, crawling & even use it as follow vehicle at high speeds for quad riders. The truck gets beat hard with bumps & jumps (8ft in the air) & keeps on tickn. No major probs. Looking to get another one w/V8 but will keep this one. Quality is 2nd to none.

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  Surprised Myself and Bought a Corolla! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By latsyrch - November 14 - 9:29 am

  I test drove the Mazda 3, liked it but getting the features I wanted drove the price into the stratosphere. Decided on the Camry SE and went to purchase it. It was just so....blah. Ended up test driving the Corolla S Plus. Did not feel like a compact. Feels roomy inside, big backseat, and fun to drive too. Ended up getting a deal too good to pass up on a fully loaded little red Corolla S Plus w/drivers convenience package. My husband wanted the Camry, but he has come around after driving the Corolla a few times. It is far more fun to drive and has plenty of room for my teenagers who exceed 6 ft tall in the back!

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  Mostly good - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Germann - November 14 - 8:20 am

  My Prius is manufactured in Japan, except for the Goodyear tires. Guess where all of my problems have been. With the tires. I had to replace one with a leak through the side wall. Should have been covered by warranty, but it wasnt. They said we must have abused it, which we didnt. Now another tire has a slow leak. I paid $10 to fix it but it still leaks. I add air every 10-12 days. Next time I get Japanese tires. Short trips in Minnesota winter gets me only 36 mpg, but usually I get 46-50. In Hot Springs, Arkansas area I got 55 last year. It likes hills, doesnt like cold. My Camry only gets 31, so it sits.

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  First Corolla, others to follow - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Jon - November 14 - 5:31 am

  Bought this 2001 with 98,000 miles in January, 2009. Was a very clean, one-owner car. As of Aug 2016 we now have 230,000 miles on it, some rust showing, but it may give us another year. Only repair besides expected maintenance was the rack-and-pinion went out; replaced with inexpensive used part. This car has been reliable, very good on gas (usually 35-40 mpg; winter that dips), and easy to park in our small parking pad. Oh, both front springs have broken, but since it still steers and brakes and corners fine, Ive not fixed them. It clunks on bumps, but tire wear remains normal. FYI, though, these 1.8L motors do begin to consume oil once miles add up. Oil return ports begin to sludge and restrict, causing blowby. Ive just kept a close eye on oil levels and add as needed. I used Amsoil for a long time, but now use inexpensive conventional, and synthetic in MN winter.

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  Rear end noise - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By flyron777 - November 14 - 1:33 am

  Bought a Limited Platinum 2014 highlander which now has a bit over 4,000 miles on it. It started making a "bump bump" sound when braking...sounds like something is rolling around in a truck, except there is no trunk! And, nothing at all 2nd and 3rd row seating except seats! Took it into to Toyota to get the noise fixed...and they heard it, checked it out for a couple of day. The final response we received from Toyota Corporate was keep driving it until they had enough complaints to recall or more thoroughly investigate it. That is not the espouse you want when you pay almost 50k on a new vehicle! If your vehicle has the same issue, please respond...

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  Wifes New Car - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Joe Turpel - November 13 - 11:43 pm

  My wife loves this car; everything from the comfort to the design, the power on acceleration, handling, the sound system, the silence when the widows are up, cargo space, the navigation system, back up camera, satellite radio and the DVD player.

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  Toyota Tundra 2003 - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Edward Oncken - November 13 - 5:50 pm

  Driving and ownership experience is without complaint. The Tundra handles well and drives easily. My experience as an owner is such that I would consider a Toyota Tundra again when I am ready to purchase again. I have not had a bad experience with this vehicle. I do think that the interior design should allow for more room in the rear passenger area. The leg room is too cramped. The front is comfortable but I would like for the drivers seat to move backward more than it does; however, it is OK.