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:

• 

  Beer Can - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I Bought a base rav4 w 4 cylinder in July and I am shocked at how noisy it is. It is like riding in a beer can on a bucket. This is by far the noisiest vehicle I have ever owned. Vehicle sounds like you are in a constant thunderstorm. They also never sent me a survey of my opinion of my new Rav4, they did however sent me 1 for the Camry I bought the same day. I cant wait to get rid of Rav4. I took it to the dealer because I really thought something was wrong and they said that is the way they are. The brakes grind always, they are weak, you hear every seam, reflector, bump, patch and sound on every kind of road, even on smooth highways. I am beyond disappointed in this vehicle, I am mad.

• 

  RAV4 BASE V6 - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Nice car except for the road noise and slight transaxle whine at lower speeds between 20 to 40 mph. I didnt noticed the sounds till after driving it for a day. The sounds are not deafening buy any means but are more annoying than anything. I suggest you test drive one more than once when making your decision. The V6 is plenty powerful but does have a very slight hesitation when the car is cold. After doing some research I found the transaxle noise apparently has never been properly addressed since 07. I may take it back to the dealer to have it looked at but Im sure theyll tell its normal for this type of vehicle.

• 

  Should Be Better - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By likenicethings - March 9 - 5:50 am

  There are only a couple of choices for a mid-size pickup. The Tacoma is an average vehicle that could easily be much better. All Tacomas speedometers are off by 3 mph and all 4-cyl engines tick like toy engines. The 4-cyl engines are less than adequate for a useful pickup truck. The transmission has to downshift twice going up marginal grades at 65 mph. I want more mpg than the standard 1/2 Ton PU, but need enough power for adequate highway driving.

• 

  Whats not to love about the Prius? - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Synge - March 9 - 1:20 am

  Whats not to love about the Toyota Prius? Its a blast to drive, not in the same way a high performance sports car is, but in its own unique way. Ive found that the instant MPG readout tends to make me want to drive in ways that maximize the MPGs. This results in me driving slower and more in control than I have in years. The advertised EPA MPG ratings are not far off, if youre careful. Ive been getting around 50 MPG highway and mid 40s around town. The in-town ratings are lower than advertised so far, but I live in northern Michigan which means I need to run the heat and defrosters constantly. This forces the gasoline engine to run a lot more often which leads to lower MPGs.

• 

  This really is the best Tacoma yet - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By MH - March 8 - 11:58 pm

  Wow, there are a lot of bad reviews on here (more than I expected), but I can tell you Im more than happy with my new truck. This is my third Tacoma (2002 TRD V6, 2009 TRD Off-Road) and while both of those trucks were phenomenal in terms of toughness and reliability, this truck has all of that and much more refinement. It rides so much better than my previous trucks and is quieter (unless youre using cruise control at 70+ mph on the highway - Ill get to that later). The brakes are much improved over my 2009 (not spongy) and it actually has some modern technology in it. The interior controls are laid out in a simple and functional way as all Toyotas are. This truck feels so solid and well built. Look underneath the truck and youll see what I mean. This truck just looks so bad-ass too. The chrome mesh grill, the great looking 16" rims on the TRD off-road, no mud flaps (truck looks so much higher w/out them), the long hood, the lines on the side, and the stamped tailgate. I absolutely love the way this truck looks. Now to the bad...I do have to agree with some of the reviews on here. The engine gets very noisy on the highway at speeds over 60 mph especially when in cruise control and the truck meets an incline (any steepness). The transmission down shifts, causing the engine to rev and it is loud. Fortunately for me, I dont drive a whole lot on the highway and Id never take my family on vacation in this truck, so for me, this is not a deal breaker. I also agree that the gas mileage is not better than the prior Tacoma V6s. Im averaging about 17 mpgs in mostly city driving. There is no car (or truck) that is absolutely perfect, but for me, this truck is exactly what I wanted and expected. I have zero buyers remorse and I guarantee you when I eventually get rid of it, Ill have no remorse collecting way more money than if I had bought another vehicle. The resale value on Tacomas is unbelievable. And theres a reason for that...

• 

  Best damn car ever made - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota man - March 8 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my 94 SE coupe second hand as a trade in at my dealership. I owned the car for 6 years until sadly it was recently totalled. This particular car was one of Toyotas best made vehicles. Never left me starnded, always looked good. Interior layout was the best of any of the Camrys. You could ask for more style, comfort and just an all around great car. A sporty coupe with room for 4 human beings. I cant say enough about my old friend. I would buy another one today if the car was available and as clean as mine was. Anyone in the market looking for a great used car, have a dealer check it out first then enjoy it!! Working for a dealer in sales I have driven them all. Cant beat a 94 SE.

• 

  GREAT 4wd Limited HH - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mtshastabound - March 8 - 4:13 pm

  I just purchased this WONDERFUL car in OH (salesperson was Ernie Coon - who was wonderful!) and have just arrived home in California! Our cross-country drive was absolutely FLAWLESS! In hot, humid, windy, cool, raining conditions - MPG was 23-29 WITH A/C 95% of the time - 90% freeway traveling 70-82 MPH. Cant find a single thing wrong with the car ... not even a rattle or a squeak! Toyota has done a MARVELOUS job with the Highlander Hybrid 4wd Limited!

• 

  Limited Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By eman - March 8 - 3:36 pm

  I think that the Sequoia is a good car, But if you have kids, youre going two need to have a TV. It helps a LOT! Keeps them from fighting and talking to. It also helpes if you replace the middle row middle seat with a glove compartment. It will separate your kids, and if you are going out with some adult friends, there is a lot more room. It drives smoothly, comfertably, and hassle free.

• 

  California Rav4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By KC - March 8 - 11:53 am

  We own a generation 1 rav4 and have nearly 250,000 miles on it. We have a baby on the way and needed more room for a car seat. We test drove a few other makes and models and ultimately decided to buy a new rav4. I really enjoy the peppy 4cyl engine and the decent gas mileage. I am 61" tall and find the front leg room to be a bit lacking. Also, the new rav4 doesnt brake as well as our old rav4. However, the new rav4 turns easier and maneuvers better. I miss being able to park in the tiniest spaces, but hey now we have room for a stroller, groceries, and a car seat. I would recommend a 2009 rav4 to anyone looking for a small SUV that is lots of fun to drive.

• 

  Pretty Decent and Useful Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kickserves - March 8 - 7:43 am

  I still have the 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD van. Its been a solid performer since day 1. Its quiet, powerful, dependable, and comfortable on long trips. We live in New England, and its great in the winter. We have the 7-seat option, so there is plenty of room. I have had a few service items, some expected, some not. Problem areas: Oxygen and Air/Fuel sensors, inconsistent electrical problems with doors & windows, brake rotors/disks, rear wheel bearings.