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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  always in the shop - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By dale ruisch - February 23 - 2:53 pm

  It has been in the shop for the transmission, rattles in the roof, had to replace the radio, a loose fastener in the front fender. Too high an idle. Just not the car my old Avalon was.

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  2003 SR5 Toyota 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By D&N 4Runner - February 23 - 8:26 am

  I bought this used in 2007 with 57,000 miles. It currently has 82,000 miles. I have had to replace the blower motor and AC relay ($500+). Also, there is a sulfur smell that happens when the rear window is down and also comes through the vents when driving. Toyotas answer is change the gas to a better grade, WHICH does not help. I bought the vehicle for its reliability factor and now looking at taking a loss and trading it in. Toyota should step up and fix this issue ASAP.

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  Luv My FJ!!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - February 23 - 7:46 am

  Im still a newbie to my FJ, but I just love it. Theres nothing else like it on the road. People just stare at it all the time. Ive yet to meet anyone that didnt tell me how awesome they think it is. My one concern I have right now is gas mileage. I have only had my FJ for a week, but it only got 15 mpg on my first full tank. It is supposed to be around 19-20. At $3.29 per gallon for premium fuel and a 19 gallon tank - it cost me $62 to fill up the tank this morning. At 15 mpg - thats only 285 miles on a tank of gas - or .22 cents per mile. Keep this in mind if you plan on purchasing an FJ. Just to make a quick 2 mile trip to the store and back will cost you over a buck in gas alone.

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  Improve Quality Control Process - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By MGisi - February 23 - 7:23 am

  Nice vehicle, engine is a bit noisy. Toyota needs to improve their quality control process. I had to take my new truck back the first week to have a defective tire and defective brake drums replaced.

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  Good Value - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Yoli Mccut - February 22 - 9:09 pm

  The defrost doesnt seem to defrost very fast and the captain seats are very comfortable when trying to recline. Everything else about the car is really cool. Several hidden features that are really neat. Not very luxurious but it is very fancy. I like it and I enjoy driving it.

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  Finest built truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By rob220 - February 22 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this truck with 218k from my good friend right before he passed away and he used it not only to commute around 130 miles a day but also on a farm towing full hay wagons through fields and other farm stuff. It now has 237k and in that distance the only problem I had was the starter went.Yes the exhaust manifolds leak but its been that way since I got it one year ago. the timing belt is probably original along with the oxy sensors but I toasted a 2010 f150 5.4 triton last week with it and it didnt care. I have yet to this day found anything that my stock 01 tundra couldnt do, It still runs and stops great.

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  Great First SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Great First SUV - February 22 - 4:30 am

  If your looking for your first SUV, this is your car. The V6 AWD has a very smooth ride. When you first get in the car and look around you will find that their are no blind spots! Which is a plus for a SUV. The standard features are ample, and you really feel like you are getting the most for what you paid for. The third row seat is a nice feature. The only problem I see with that is the very limited leg room and the inability to easily get in and out. All in all, this is a great vehical. Have no regrets and Im sure you wont either.

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  Prius, a practicle, inteligent direction - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Graham Fowler - February 22 - 1:53 am

  Review based on one year of daily use, combined city and highway driving in both summer and winter. Positive: Great economy, comfortable, promotes conservative driving style. Well designed interior that optimizes room, comfort and ergonomics, offers excellent forward & lateral visibility. Excellent fit and finish. When pushed to the limit it behaves predictably. Negative: Too sensitive to cross winds at highway speeds, poor visibility when reversing (would benefit from active sonar). Spartan interior could offer sun roof & memory power seats etc. Over-boosted brakes and steering resulting in little driver feedback (probably a positive for average North American driver).

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  4x2 Double Cab PreRunner V6 (5 Speed Automatic) - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By ginflorida - February 21 - 11:33 pm

  Ive been driving BMWs for quite a awhile but my wife and I entered the home renovation phase that required multiple trips to Lowes/HomeDepot and similar stores. The day I had to pay a guy with a truck $20 to assist me with delivering some drywall was the day I knew we needed a truck in our household. Not a BMW but for a mid-size truck, comfortable and agile enough to move around town without mowing everyone down. I purchased a special demo version that contains almost every accessory available and its a sharp looking vehicle. My wife, kids and even the dogs seem to enjoy it. I feel good that I dont have to worry tearing up $60K plus vehicles while renovating our home.

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  Good SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mag - February 21 - 9:13 pm

  The V6 engine has great performance. Quiet engine. Fun to drive, easy to park. I like the controls and fold down seats. Good gas mileage, 23/25 town, 27/29 highway. I am very disappointed in the ride, it is more like a truck, not smooth at all. Also the headrest are not comfortable.