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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  Impressions after the first week - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Sportrides - May 3 - 4:53 pm

  I had driven the previous Prius model in hopes of going hybrid, but walked out of the dealership thinking Id rather be bathed in honey and thrown in a mosquito infested swamp than drive that thing every day. The dynamics were awful, steering was numb, the interior was drab and I overall hated it. So you could say I was skeptical about the 2016, especially since its not exactly easy on the eyes. I have to say, I am totally impressed with this vehicle and genuinely enjoy driving it. The ride is comfortable. The steering and handling are more than adequate. The trunk is perfect for carrying all of our baby stuff and groceries around in. The transition between gas/electric is seamless. The AC has been great in the current 96 degree weather. Were averaging 49 MPG but are only 90 miles into it, with AC cranked, so I expect that to increase as we learn to drive our new car/spaceship/computer. The rear seats are a little tight, but are comfortable and the Moonstone interior is really nice.

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  2008 Urban Runner 4WD V6 - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By topneuro - May 3 - 3:03 pm

  Navigation big disappointment, Eclipse AVN 2210p with lousy radio, CD and nav. The iPod connector is behind the unit, special cable and rip apart the dash to set it up. The iPod connector should be readily accessible in front of the unit like the USB port for other media storage devices. The interior should be leather, either gray or black but not with with suede. For trouble shooting neither Toyota, Eclipse, nor TomTom are of help as they will blame each other or refer you to the other for help. The rest of the vehicle I have no complains, have a 2008 Urban Runner V6 4WD blizzard white pearl that borders on spectacular. Have noted the drive shaft "clunk" also a problem in Lexus GX47.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sonny - May 3 - 12:06 pm

  This SUV was my first. This is a very good and powerful car. Although the exterior was alittle too oldish but I like the interior. I love leather. This car was very comfortable. I know because I took a 10 hour ride and my children were very comfortable. That my review on this car

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  Im Loving It!!! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By linlil - May 3 - 6:16 am

  Traded in my 2010 Hyundai Accent GLS, which I bought new in 2010, for a 2012 Toyota Camry SE in December 2011. I was highly disappointed with the Accent and the terrible quality/ driving experience. After researching the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and the Sonata, decided none could compare to the overall value of the 2012 Camry. Especially, with the great ENTUNE system, silent engine/ driving experience and great MPG (29.7) avg (I have a gas heavy foot). Accelaration is quick and I only have the 4 cyl. What can I say, Im in love with my 2012 Camry. P.S with all the leather trim on the dash and in the car, I dont know what cheap plastic others have complained about.

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  Was great until..... - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By mike915 - May 3 - 6:16 am

  We bought a brand new Sienna in 2007 with hopes of it being the family car forever, after all "Toyotas go forever". But about 3 years into it the check engine light came on and starting idling rough. We had never missed a maintenance visit. we were at about 85,000 miles so the warranty was gone. We found out that there is a sensor deep in the engine that had to be replaced, $8,000 to do. Well that was the end of that vehicle for us as we could not afford the repair. we found out Toyota knew about the problem and put out a service advisory, not a recall, which means you are out of luck. Great up until that day the engine light came on. Will not buy Toyota again.

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  Disappointed - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By nick - May 3 - 6:06 am

  I bought the car based on everything I had read and was almost immediately disappointed. Handling on the base model was very sloppy, Steering was non responsive. It floated all over the lane at highway speed. Brakes were poor. I traded it in at 10,000 miles.

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  Strong Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Nam - May 2 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had my 5.7L for about a year and will exceed 25K miles this year. This is a well-made vehicle. It replaced my 05 F250 diesel. Now this is no F250, but I do pull 6000 pounds with it and its pretty good. Without the trailer its just plain fun to drive. Of course mashing the accelerator cost you lots of money because the fuel mileage is pretty poor. Im mostly highway and I average around 16 mpg. The price I got a year ago was incredible. This is a whole lot of truck for the money. Only real complaint I have on this truck is the paint. Its very thin and scratches very easily. This is a common complaint of the Toyota Truck Forums.

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  Reliable as a Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By gochi - May 2 - 8:10 am

  Bought a new 2009 Camry LE and am very satisfied with the purchase. The drive is smooth,gas mileage is great(getting around 29-30 on highway), roomy cabin, decent interior features like 8 way power drivers seat, ABS & Vehicle Stabilty Control, mp3/wma audio player and aux port. More than everything else I got this vehicle for its reliability and good resale value.

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  Dont be fooled. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Disappointed - May 2 - 4:45 am

  First off, ive owned a 1986, 2001,2009, 2013. The 2001 was the best Tacoma by far. I test drove 4 different versions of the 16. The 6 cyl auto being the worst. It shifts like a 4 cyl. And that is no exaggeration. My 2013 although it sucks on gas miliage shifts like a dream. Smooth with no high rpm. The 2016 is nothing more then a half harted attempt at a "new" redesigned tacoma. The interior is ok. Nothing to get all gushing over. The ride isnt that great. Still alot of wind noise compaired to my 01. And there was a damn vibration comming up through the floor into the gas pedal. It was like my foot had fallen asleep. I really wanted to like this new truck but I just cant. They have even taken away the fold down front seat that was great for setting my french fries on. Its the little things. I hate how the camera now sticks out near the tailgate release where as before it was hidden. Mud flaps are extra. But beyond the asthetics and the body style seeming dated to me,Just my opinion, the enging performance I rate as poor. You can do better Toyota. I hope this verson doesnt stick around long. At the rate toyota is going the tacoma will be just as big as the tundra soon.

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  Sienna Poor Quality - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By stigsgal - May 1 - 11:29 pm

  Unfortunately, I have to say that after 6 years my Sienna XLE is falling apart around me. All the trim inside the vehicle have or are in process of breaking. The CD player stopped working when the car was 4 years old, the radio goes in and out when it rains or doesnt work at all. The brakes had to be replaced at 38,000 miles, belts replaced, tires OHHH the Run Flat saga. I have never had more flat tires than with the run flats (ironically enough). I personally can not recommend this vehicle to anyone and after a lifetime of owning and driving Toyotas I will not be purchasing another one. Another car company that forgot what made them great. So Sad.