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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  Tunk Is My Buddy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tunk - April 10 - 3:16 pm

  I have a quirky habit of naming my vehicles, because I usually keep them for 10+ years. I call my Tundra truck Tunk. I like the way it feels when Im driving, and the turning radius for this size vehicle is amazing. The seats are comfortable if you pull the headrests out & turn them around so youre not forced to scrunch your neck to conform. The 236 hp V6 is smooth as silk & purrs like a big cat when youre cruising down a back road at 55 or 60, up or down a hill, where it is lugging down below 2k rpm. The cruise control took a little getting used to because the control "schtick" turns with the wheel, while other levers remain stationary. Heat & A/C superb, back seats roomy & comfortable.

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  Great Van light on features - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Bob - April 10 - 2:26 pm

  I recently purchased the 2008 Sienna Limited. I traded in my 2001 Honda Odyssey after 2 transmissions! So I wanted to try Toyota and I love it. It is like riding in a luxury car, smooth ride, quiet engine, leather, wood trim, 360 watt stereo and plenty of room. Its new, but Im only averaging 16 MPG on the highway, so hopefully it will break in and get better. One complaint that I have is when you pay over $33k for a limited you expect a DVD and navigation system, Honda gives you that for the same price as the Toyota! However I drove the new Honda and it was sluggish, and would never trust that brand again. I guess a good engine is better then a good DVD and navigation system!

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  This is it... best true SUV - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brent - April 10 - 4:10 am

  I have had my 08 SR5 2WD 4Runner now for over a month and have put a couple of thousand miles on it. Wow, this is it, the best true SUV. When I was ready to replace my 97 LT 2WD Chevy Tahoe I looked and test drove a bunch of vehicles. After driving the 4Runner for an extended tested drive I knew it was the truck for me. The V6 performs so well in so many areas, the truck is laid out perfectly and thoughtfully, and at 6-5" and 280 Im very comfortable. It is awesome on the highway, very quiet, very solid and plenty of power. Lots of compartments to stowaway stuff. I am set for canoing, fly fishing, biking and camping.

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  Poor Sienna gas mileage - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By San Diego - April 10 - 1:20 am

  Sold our rock solid 99 Sienna after 130K problem free miles. We were looking forward to improved MPG. Dont believe Toyotas claim. This model is a gas hog, about the same as our 4WD Sequoia. If you need a van for around town expect about 15.5MPG. Our old Sienna was much better. We suspect the trans - the newer tranny is constantly shifting in town (the old was smooth as butter - the new is jerky and noisier). It appears Toyota traded city MPG for better highway MPG - a shame since most people use vans for driving the kids around town. The other beef is with the armrests on the captains chairs - not sure who they designed them for, but they dont line up with my arms or my kids.

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  Wobbles - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - April 9 - 10:30 pm

  Excellent overall except for front end and windshield "wobbles" when driving over bumps or uneven pavement. Dealer said it was a design deficiency. Toyota cant fix the problem.

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  I like it, it is fun to drive - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By vg - April 9 - 5:36 pm

  I have had Toyota for past 9 years, along with a BMW 540i, and a Buick Rendevous. This one is the most fun to drive, fuel economy is stunning (35-40 mpg).

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  Gonna get me a new one! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Novia - April 9 - 11:56 am

  I bought my 01 GT a few years ago and I know what everyone is talking about when they said its a head turner. Mine was a preowned car so there are a lot of aftermarket things that were already on the car. I originally wanted a gts but for the options on this one and the price, I couldnt go wrong. I am now thinking im going to upgrade a year or whatever and get a GTS. Theres a great one Im looking at with the whole body kit! Im hugely disappointed that they will no longer be making Celicas here in the states!

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  I love my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jaws - April 9 - 9:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Acura RL, crazy huh, for the mpg, but was concerned about handling and quality-I love to drive. The Prius offers surprisingly good handling, cornering, and acceleration. Its very peppy, and has deceivng speed "feel", so you have to keep glancing at speedometer. Quality in and out is outstanding. Im 6 ft-180 lbs, and the driver seat is extremely comfortable and supportive, even without power adjustment. Other seating is also comfortable, with plenty or room. Cargo space is limited, but split fold-down rear seats compensate. There are several other storage areas not initially evident-and I dont mean cup holders. Im averaging 48 mpg on 50/50 local/highway driving.

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  Good but not great - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By DD - April 9 - 4:36 am

  First of all, let me say this has been a really good truck, so if this sounds like a negative review, these are relatively minor points. Gas mileage has been a disappointment for a V6: 15- 17 combined city/highway. I have a bit of a lead foot, but still, when I see full-size Fords and Chevys advertising 20 mpg with V8s, I cringe. Also, not as sure-footed as Id like in snow and ice. Interior: The rubber inserts have all cracked and fallen out of the cup holders. And last, despite fastidious care, my rear chrome bumper has started to rust. Those negatives aside, this truck has gone all over with poise and confidence. Also, your pictures wrong; 2001 models had a different grille.

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  VSC and ABS failure at 500 miles - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By theracingmind - April 9 - 12:00 am

  I had my brand new 2007 Tundra for less than 5 days before the vehicle stability control failed, along with traction control and anti-lock brakes. I live in snowy Canada and expect these things to work. I am very disappointed in the truck. I expected more from Toyota. So far, the problem is a mystery to the mechanics. At the moment, I hate to use the thing. It sits in my driveway like a giant black lemon. Ugh!