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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  2006 Tundra 4Door SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Dean Bailey - July 13 - 1:36 am

  I really like the exterior of the Tundra but find the inside to be lacking. It just doesnt have the bells and whistles other truck manufacturers have. Ive had my truck now for about 2 months and its getting cold outside and I find when I turn on my air it makes noise. Its not all the time so I know if I take it in it will not do it. Thats just how my luck would be. I dont want to sound too negative so I will say that driving my Tundra seems like driving a car which is really nice. We also have a 2004 4Runner and the Tundra is a much smoother ride.

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  Toyota - well deserved brand for quality - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By pcm - July 13 - 1:00 am

  Very impressed with my first truck I purchased for occasional trip to Home Depot. I got the TRD Sport Package and thought that is the most practical option. The truck is amazingly well equiped for its relatively low price.

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  Never again - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By VJ - July 12 - 4:49 pm

  This is my 4th RAV 4 and Loved them so much until the 2016 model drastically let me down along with Toyota Motor Corporation. I was in joy as I left the dealer lot with my shiny new RAV and loved everything about it , driving it around for a week or so and the clock around 500 miles I noticed this horrible ear piercing whine coming from the Transmission ? I immediately took her back to the dealer and gave them all the specifics of what I was hearing and concerned a catastrophic failure was to come ! They had the vehicle all day test driving and confirming the whine was present at all the specific areas I pointed out - a high pitch whine right before shifting to 2nd and 3rd as well as a horrible drone type whine between 40 and 50 mph and again on deceleration from 65 to 60 mph ??? They also confirmed it on another new 2017 on their lot that they took for a test drive ? I was happy the dealership took the time to look into this and confirmed this horrible noise but as of now it is an open case with Toyota Motor Corp. and doesnt seem to be going anywhere as they pretty much are telling me to live with it. I own this vehicle less than a month and hate it with a passion as I feel like Im driving a city bus whining my way down the road ! I am disgusted with Toyotas QC and how I read of so many others with the same issue.......my 2013 and 2015 have the same engine and tranny and are so smooth and quiet, so how can they say this can be normal ? This will be my last Toyota if I can get rid of it without taking too much of a beating. Also keep in mind a tranny replacement for this vehicle requires the entire engine to be dropped out from the bottom which also means tearing apart the entire front suspension system. So think twice if thinking of purchasing a 2016 or 2017 RAV4 and take it for a long long test drive before handing over a dime.

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  Could be better - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bill from Orlando - July 12 - 12:16 pm

  I bought my FJ because it was different than all the other SUVs out there. First the bad: cant open front & rear door if you are parked too close to another car to get access to rear. When using a fast gas pump, wont handle the volume and keeps shutting off pump, must pump slowly. Front passenger mirror too small and no light. Dumb design to have to take headrests off rear seats to fold them down. Rear "portholes" too small for rear passengers. No console with cover. Premium gas required. Now the good: It attracts attention for unusual design. White roof keeps interior much cooler (I live in Florida). Great sound system. Comfortable front seats. Easy to read and operate controls.

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  Excellent Updates - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Eudais - July 12 - 11:46 am

  My new Sequoia 08 Limited drives just fabulously! I love the torque that this baby provides when I step on the gas. Overall the vehicle is youthful, rugged, and yet still refined. I did get the 20" wheels, and overall they ride extremely nice, and look awesome. The vehicle interior is extremely quiet compared to my 2004 Yukon Denali XL. The backup camera performs admirably, and is a must with 3 little kids! The integrated bluetooth feature is a must if you are on your phone a lot, it is just fabulous. I do like the look and feel of this new body style. I purchased the Pyrite Mica color, and think is looks fabulous. (looks better in person than online) My kids love the 3rd row seat!

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  Good Dog Car - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By wolf - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car used at 36,000 miles. I love it and have not had any problems since purchasing it a year ago. My only complaint is that the in-town mileage is not as good as expected. I get about 23-2 mpg in a very cold and snowy city. Summer hwy miles have been as good as 36 mpg. Granted, I have had to idle the car to warm it up while I clear off ice and snow on our very coldest of days, which reduces mileage considerably. Overall, I love the car and am looking forward to having it for many years to come.

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  Simply the best - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By spinster - July 12 - 7:43 am

  No other hybrid can compete. The Prius is into its 3rd generation and the others have to catch up.

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  Used to be better - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jill Berg - July 12 - 3:58 am

  I was given a 2016 Highlander XLE as a rental car while my 2011 Toyota Highlander was getting work done. It just didnt seem like the quality was as a good as with the previous body style. The seats were definitely not as comfortable. Also, the hood design creates a hazard when the sun reflects off of it at certain angles. You dont notice it from the outside but when you sit in the front seat you can see there is somewhat of a "U" shape design. Well when the sun hits the top of the "U" on either side it shines right in your eyes. I understand car manufacturers often make changes just for the sake of change, to differentiate the new from the old. However, please dont make changes that result in an inferior product.

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  So nice I wish I had a longer commute - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Miranda - July 12 - 2:40 am

  Ive had two used Camrys prior to this one. This is my first brand new Camry and Im impressed with the quality of the car. I wanted something that was dependable and looked sharp. I will never understand those who say the Camry has a ho hum look when its obvious most of the other car makers copy the Camry style. The 4 cylinder engine is quiet and responsive. My only complaints are the SE ride is a lot firmer than the LE and too many Camrys only come with a base entertainment system. I had to really search for one with HD and satellite radio with connected navigation. All controls are laid out well and are easy to use. If youve had a Camry before youll feel right at home. The extra information on the info screen between the tach and speedometer is very handy.

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  Quality - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BJ - July 12 - 1:46 am

  Picked the Sienna over the Odyssey for 1 reason, quality. The design of this van is one of a kind (until Honda ripped it off in 05) Lots more options than the Honda including the keyless entry. Lots more room than other models.