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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  Highlanders A Hit - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By GaTony - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Best SUV have ever been it. It really drives and feels like a car. Excellent handling on secondary and major highways. Super quiet. Lots of interior room. Excellent power, even with 4 cylinders, great gas mileage. Beats most cars in mileage. I cant believe people buy other SUVs for more money!

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  G3 Update really just a failed G2.5 - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robs - April 21 - 4:56 pm

  Bought this full redesign 16 Tacoma Ltd 4x4 in September of 2015 after my friend, a fleet manager at a Toyota dealership, told me how great it was going to be. We had a 5 year old FJ Cruiser and, although we loved it, we needed a truck and the full size would not fit in out garage. I liked the G2 Tacoma; however, felt it was somewhat outdated and was impressed by what Toyota was doing by supposedly changing much about the truck, including the engine and trans. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed in both the truck and in Toyota Customer Service, and my dealer. Soon after buying, I took the truck on two long trips and found out that a buzzy vibration in the steering wheel, floorboard area, and gas pedal at 2100-2400 RPMs, put my hands and lower arms, up to my elbow, to sleep, which I felt was a major safety problem. I reported this to my dealer, and the mechanic said he felt it but that there was nothing they could do at this point. I complained directly to Toyota, who had me bring them the truck for two engineers to check it out. They felt the vibration; however, when I got the letter from Toyota, it said that "the steering functions as designed" and the investigation was closed. When I reported back to my dealer (from whom Ive purchased numerous vehicles, including referring many sales to them, too) they just shrugged and said that unless Toyota comes up with a fix, there was nothing they could do for me (on a $41K+ truck, no less!). Besides the vibration issue, there was a problem with the new engine and trans combo. Shifting on the new A/T was horrible and the engine had to be pushed to get any performance out of it at all, kind of like an old 2 stroke engine that needed high revs to get into a power band. Cruise control would downshift quickly, then never upshift at all unless you tapped on the gas, making it useless. All of my comments were met with : Functions as designed. I could never get even 20mpg out of the vehicle, even on the highway. My FJ Cruiser was a much better vehicle, smooth, quieter, shifted easily, more comfortable, and regularly got me 21-22mpg on the highway at speed. I regretted trading it in for this much inferior truck, and wish I would have just bought a Gen 2. After fighting with both Toyota and my dealership for 9 months (and being relegated to just using the truck for local driving due to the buzziness), my wife and I just traded it in for a different truck, one that doesnt buzz, is more comfortable, handles better, and gets good mileage. I hated having to take a several thousand dollar loss on a new purchase like this; however, IMO, this upgrade was a total failure on Toyotas part. A month later, Im glad I got rid of it. Never thought Id ever say this about a Toyota.....but it appears to me that these are selling on the fine reputation of the G2. I would stay away until Toyota can figure this one out and get it fixed. (Note: a master mechanic with 30+ years experience at the dealership pointed out that the 3.5 came from Lexus; however, thinks the problem is the Taco used hard rubber engine mounts and the Lexus uses hydraulically controlled oil-filled mounts. He also noted that the Taco has a single exhaust header piece and the Lexus uses a multi-piece system. This is where he felt the issue with the vibes was. He also pointed out that the trans was "over-programmed to get you better mileage, and a re-programming would fix that issue." When I asked him about any pipeline fixes, he responded that Toyota has been hinting at them for over 6 months; however, nothing had yet been done. He thinks that as long as the truck sells well, they wont do a thing. ) This truck does have potential; however, it is just not ready for prime time. Buyer, beware. UPDATE: I got tired of Toyota stating "functions as designed", and traded it in for a new Honda Ridgeline. Even though I lost almost $6K, it was the best decision to make. Unlike the Taco, this RL is smooth, quiet, handles better, has better tech, and gets me 25-28 on the highway and 20 around town, and is a great hauler, to boot. We also had an issue with a falling headliner on our 13 Avalon. Toyota (and the dealer) didnt want to help, even though it had been a service bulletin a few years ago. Hot-glued up the headliner and traded that car in, too, and the wife bought herself an Acura. After years as a Toyota family, we are now Toyota free and will not buy their product ever again. Their quality has just tanked, along with their customer service.

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  New Tundra Double Cab 4x2 - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By David - April 21 - 2:40 pm

  Just picked up my new Tundra Double Cab 4x2. Just got the Tundra Grade, no SR5 or Limited. This truck has a ton of options for a basic work truck. Traded in a 05 Silverado Z71 Crew Cab and measured all the dimensions myself before buying the Tundra. The front is more spacious than my Silverado and I only lost 1 inch in legroom in the rear seat. This was important as I regularly have my 3 kids in the back with me. Not to mention I now have a 6 1/2 bed instead of 5 1/2. Cant believe no one else offers a 4-door full size pickup even close in price or dimension to this Tundra. Silverado has the extended cab with suicide doors. This truck is awesome!!

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  Great for trips! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - April 21 - 4:31 am

  I rented a 2011 toyota highlander for a week. It was what I Expected from toyota. It has the same kind of bumpy ride as normal suvs because i used to own a 2000 toyota 4runner and now i own a 2010 toyota venza 4cyl. I loved the ride height! The interior is great it doesnt feel very cheap. Im thinking about leasing it like my venza. Its awesome in the snow!

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  Ugly car but great in overall quality - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Rube - April 21 - 3:33 am

  Looked at many other vehicles. I set my mind on purchasing the Acura TL until a family member asked me to drive the new 2000 Avalon. I hated the external design of the car and had my mind set on hating the car until I was given the keys to this vehicle and drove it for an afternoon. Needless to say Im an owner. I selected every option available on the car and do not regret it. GREAT Car!!!

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  Avalon 99 - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By howard hurtig - April 20 - 9:56 pm

  Great car; no trouble except for a dead battery after 8 years of ownership and a failed starter after 6 years of ownership.

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  A Darn Good Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By JB - April 20 - 9:40 pm

  After owning several American-made cars, this was definitely the BEST all around car Ive had. There have been issues over the years with the electrical and little things beginning to break off (broken door handle, etc), but I think this is attributable to its age. It still runs with the best of them, a nice smooth ride and solid construction. I am still driving it, current mileage 211K. If Id have maintained it better (regular oil changes, tires, etc) like a good car owner, no telling how long this car may last.

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  Retirement gift - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By JimPrice - April 20 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my 2003 new and now have over 32,000 miles. Its been a great car. Eye catching and fun to drive. My wife and I drove it from St. Louis to Seattle and back this summer. It got attention wherever we went. It did great on the mountain curves. We are off to Virginia in it next week and look forward to the trip. You just have to mail your stuff to the hotel ahead of time.

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  What do you consider "high mileage" - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By SierraSled - April 20 - 11:00 am

  How could you fault a vehicle that has trudged through 260k miles of Tahoe winters, and Tahoe summers without a hiccup? Hauls every toy I own, lots of wet waggy tailed dogs, crusty skis, dirty mountain bikes, and just keeps on going and going and going. Ill miss this truck as I move on to a 2000 model - my dogs will miss it more. Its their personal expeditionary taxi and barf bag (why they loved to hurl in my truck Ill never understand - must be some kind of dog/truck thing). Onward we go, to a 2000 model with 144k on it, and another 8 years of worry free fun.

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  So far we are loving it! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By rkhamilton920 - April 20 - 6:25 am

  Purchased car last weekend - $27,500 OTD. Last minute decision decided to buy 72 mo/100K extended warranty that included routine maintenance for 48 mo/45K for $1200. Really enjoying the can so far - its my wifes first "new car" - she;s always gotten my hand me downs. She drives 100 miles RT to work and shes loving it. Ill update as we own it a bit longer.