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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  2002 Toyota Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ask sm1 who owns 1 - February 2 - 11:30 pm

  This truck is great. Good MPG and quality. Wish I opted for 4x4. 133,000 miles and all I have done is routine maint, front brakes (rear brakes are original), 3 sets of tires and a muffler.

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  Problems with Toyota Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Scott - February 2 - 11:11 pm

  Problems: 1My Multifunction Display intermittently stops working. I have taken it to the dealership and had a soft wear upgrade that did not solve the problem. I contacted Toyota Customer Service and had a case number assigned. I called multiple times and was told it was a district manager decision and they would get back to me. You can guess that they did not get back to me. After more phone calls my problem was sent to the National level for review. My highlander was still 3 months within the 3 year and 36 month Factory warranty period and just over the mileage. (Less than 37000). Toyota refused to help me despite the fact that I have owned a number of Toyotas and keep the highlander serviced. (The replacement cost is thousands of dollars). I usually buy the extended warranty on my vehicles, but online reviews says Toyota is very reliable and that the extended warranty not needed. That may have been true in the past, but in my opinion is not true now. Please dont make the same mistake I did and count on Toyota Reliability. Also dont count on Toyota to stand behind the products.

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  Learned to love it! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By SF Bay Area - February 2 - 8:53 pm

  I was shamed by my sister into replacing my gas guzzling Jeep Grand Cherokee for my new daily commute when I moved in with her. I missed the noise and drama of my old car, but began to appreciate the precise handling and economy, after choosing it for its safety rating. I tend to have a lead foot, so it helped me enjoy driving with finesse and agility. Keep away from the z rated tires (too noisy) and learn how not to bottom out, and it will serve you well. I really learned to love it.

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  Minor Issues only at 210,000 KM - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Joey - February 2 - 7:23 pm

  Bought one new in 2000. Currently at 210,000 KM (130,000 miles) Have replaced brake pads once at 120,000 km. Other than that only regular maintenance. Driver side power window motor sounds like a bearing is worn. Kids are older, probably will sell it and get a smaller more fuel efficient vehicle. Paid 29,000 CAD in 2000, can sell easily now for about 8,000. No complaints here, obviously.

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  Not what I expected? - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce - February 2 - 3:07 pm

  Like the truck but very disappointed in the engine & transmission. It shifts at very poor power curves and seems to very weak. In the electronics transmission control mode, it performs better but still feels weak. My wifes car has the 3.5 eco boost Ford engine and its like night and day performance difference. Yes I recognize the turbos make a difference but the performance of the 2016 Tacoma feels like a weak 4 cylinder. When you push the pedal down it will shift into a lower gear and start to move fairly rapid but is very abrupt shift. Im not wanting a race car and not a off-road enthusiast just disappointed in the engine performance. Like the looks and quality and have had no problems with the truck. Pulled a small utility trailer with my lawn mower and it only shifted to 6th gear a couple of times driving on a level road.

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  06 SR5 4runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By WCF - February 2 - 11:43 am

  This is a great vehicle. Our first new Toyota. Comfortable, reliable, smooth rider. My kids both want me to give it to them! Im thinking of moving to something like the Lexus LX just for the luxury of it, but would recommend the 4Runner to anyone.

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  Better than expected - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By GADrvr - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned a 2011 Highlander Limited Hybrid for two weeks now. Averaging 31.5 mpg. Very comfortable ride, even the back seats! Great leg room.

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  Noisy - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Cinco - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After 1 month of ownership Ive experienced no mechanical problems. Everything works as designed. The interior is of good quality and the outside design is progressive. The seats are comfortable. The dashboard is well designed and bright, very easy to find everything. There are a few blind spots while driving in the rear but once you get use to them you make accommodations and understand what needs to be done.

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  Roof rack troubles - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Anton Sisak - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I choose Crew max, because of great cabin, but I really could use longer bed, for the business I do.I use this truck as a family truck too, so I needed a big cabin. Another thing that really frustrates me about this truck I cannot find roof rack that would work for my ladders. I need something heavy duty permanent, that also has sporty look to it. I can only find the roof rack that attaches to the side of the top of the door. Over all it a very good truck, but nit as practical as I hoped.

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  Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By taydanry - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2010 crewmax with the Platinum package. I like the truck except I wish Toyota made the bed 6 1/2 feet for the crewmax. I also wish the fuel tank was bigger. It seems i fill this truck up more often than I did my Chevys in the past.