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:

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By JLCCNU - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Toyota Corolla Oct. 30, 2003 from Autoway Toyota. I had been in the market and everything I read about the car was very positive. My first drive I was not impressed. Then I used the rolling seat adjuster, which did help some. After having the car for a week and a half I cant get enough of it. It is so quiet, peppy, dependable, and good looking.

• 

  2-RAV Family - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By 2 RAVs - August 10 - 3:30 pm

  I loved my first RAV4 I purchased in March of 1998 and hated the thought of ever trading it in. When a van we had finally died, we replaced it with a 2005 RAV4- I hated looking at anything else because the RAV has been so dependable, it seemed silly to consider a different car. We thought about a different Toyota, but the size of the RAV is perfect for city driving and so comfortable on the open road. We have three growing kids between the ages of 7 and 14 and while the older RAV had a smaller back seat- the newer one has plenty of room for all three kids- and no complaining! I love the added get up and go in the 05. Its a great car Id buy again.. maybe well go for three!

• 

  I love my 4Runner! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jessica - August 10 - 11:26 am

  This car is perfect for almost anyone! Its fun to drive, yet you can carry whatever you want in the back. It has a great design, is reliable, and the fuel isnt too bad for an SUV! Im so glad I decided to get the 4Runner, this is the best car I have ever had.

• 

  The best of the best - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Finnegan Family - August 10 - 11:20 am

  We had an 03 loved it. We drive this vehicle everywhere and love it. We bought the sr5 model and added leather, blue tooth, t.v. system. We have a rattle in the back unless one of the kids is sitting back in the second row of seats. So much improvement over the last truck. With 4 kids and a screaming stereo you cannot even tell that they are with you.

• 

  Progress and Its Discontents - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Goodtogo - August 10 - 8:43 am

  Great: Its a Camry with probably good reliability, overall cost management, decent comfort and perks, fine drive-ability. I dont regret buying the car and Im sure it will serve us well for a long time. BUT, I owned a 2003 Camry and at 185000 miles have given it to my son. Heres what I miss/dont care for in the new one. (1) Six speed transmission shifts all the stinkin time, at the slightest hill. Even in cruise going downhill. Its irritating and I wonder if it will shorten the life of the transmission. (2) The front seats arent quite as comfortable (but the back is more comfortable). Sure beats the Accord. (3) Interior storage spaces arent as roomy or well-put together. I miss the double center console, the room open tray in front of the shift knob, the large glove box, and large door pockets. Oh, and the pull out drawer to the left of the steering wheel. Now its a cheap feeling flop-open thing. (3) Its hard to brighten/darken the instrument panel (now you have to reach to a button behind the steering wheel, similar to the way youd reset the trip odometer. (4) The sloped windshield frame creates a blind spot on the right side. A bit of a problem, for instance, when navigating a parking lot with people and cars walking around. (5) I change my own oil, so Im going to have to miss spin-on oil filters. The car now has a cartridge filter (as in a motorcycle) that will require a new tool. This wont be an issue for a couple of years, since they now give you free oil changes for that long. (6) My wife doesnt care, but I miss having a handbrake for a little extra control in bad weather. Now its a foot pedal, which is useless except for parking. (7) The extra info screen is great, but it makes the current instrument panel cramped and busy. I thought the 2003 instrument panel was very easy on the eyes. (8) I just feel a little more cramped in the car and I cant quite figure out why. But again, cars change. Ill adapt. Itll last. But Im just not convinced this is as great a car as the 03 was when I bought it. Ill try to do another post in a year and well see.

• 

  Its nice - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By veronica vasquez - August 10 - 6:14 am

  There is a noise everytime i hit a bump on the street like something is loose.

• 

  Great Ride - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Raj - August 10 - 5:03 am

  After researching the Honda Odyssey and the Sienna, we decided on the Sienna. Just crossed the 1000+ mile mark and had the first oil change. Great ride from a 300 mile round trip with 4 people and loaded van. Mileage is in the 23 mpg range for combined driving. We also bought the extended warranty (too many electronic features with navi / DVD / rear camera / sensors that can go wrong) and the maintenance until 55k.

• 

  Love the ride - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Jas - August 10 - 1:23 am

  After driving a toyota pickup for many years, my last one being 04 four door prerunner, I decided I needed a vehicle that was like an suv but not that big and good on gas. Tada, the sport highlander caught my eye. After doing research and a test drive in the 3.3 6 cyl I was sold. The comfort, roominess and power are incredible. But the first thing I did was change out the factory goodyears 225/65r17 with michelin cross terrain 245s and the ride got even better. Highly recommend. Happy Highlander Owner.

• 

  Stepside Style - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Second Tundra - August 10 - 1:06 am

  Performance (4.7L) is powerful and smooth. Bucket seats are very comfortable. Quality, fit & finish, reliability is outstanding. Resale value (Toyota is always in demand as a used vehicle). Transmission is smooth. Ride is incredible.

• 

  Best Yet - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By QUINN - August 9 - 11:33 pm

  I have been in many trucks. And lived with only Chevy in the garage. Yet here comes a redesigned, powerful, and fun to drive contender that after driving the others has landed the space in my garage next to my IROC Z. Great style in the interion and a "beefy" upgrade to the exterior really helped to make the final choice. Dodge, Ford and Chevy all really had all the power I would need, but, the interior room and design are superior in the Toyota.