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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  Not the new civic. - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Mr econ - November 18 - 10:15 am

  Got an incredible deal. Absent the deal, Id have gone with the civic. Got the S PLUS for about 3000$ less than the civic lx. The corolla is exactly what is expected. Nothing more, nothing less. Acceleration is horrible. Noticeable difference from my old 14 civic. Night and day from the new civic. Handling is actually very tight and smooth. The cabin is quiet. Having that extra gear (6) is nice. Makes highway travel less noisy, and obviously more efficient. Will not get up many hills in 6th, but then again neither does my automatic v6 van without downshifting. First few days of driving yielded about 35-36 mpg in mixed Hwy/city. (35lbs in tires) Definitely not pushing it yet. I find the seats comfortable, unlike some of the other reviews. I am 65". ???? Ive always driven the base model civic, so all the bells and whistles are fun to have... I guess. Im sure Ill learn to appreciate them. Only problem I have with the car is the lack of power. It is slow! Pretty sure I can beat the car on foot the first 10-20 feet!

• 

  Bigger Is Not Always Better - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Flavellinator - November 17 - 11:06 pm

  I looked at many new trucks and was not impressed. Sure, theyre larger, faster, and hold more things, but thats not what I needed. I didnt want the worry of fitting into a small parking space, or making a U-turn, or driving on a narrow road. I needed a truck that held four people comfortably while still being able to haul my stuff, rode well, and was dependable. So I backtracked and purchased a used Tacoma. What a great decision! Its design is outstanding; the sightlines from sitting up high are fantastic. Gas mileage is good. Its comfortable too. Not everyone wants a big truck; its a mistake that they removed this size of vehicle from the market, so get a good used one while you can.

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  Not crazy about it. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By srpeterson - November 17 - 10:13 am

  I like my Tundra V8 with the TRD package, but Im not crazy about it. Ride and handling are great. Ive had an irritating rumble/vibration that Toyota claims is a harmonic vibration from the exhaust and they have no fix for it. Live with it is their answer. Very disappointed with the gas mileage. From March to July 2005 I got 14 to 16 mpg. Since then I am averaging 11 to 12 mpg. This is for all round driving. I dont let the truck warm up forever before driving it so very little idling time. Getting some wind noise from somewhere around the windshield that wasnt there when I bought the truck. I have 7400 mi. on it now. Overall I think this is just a so - so vehicle.

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  This car will never stop - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Sam - November 16 - 2:10 pm

  Weve owned this car for over 8 years, it has never let us down. 151k miles and my guess is it could go twice that and still drive like the day we brought it home. My wifes only complaint is she wishes the steering wheel was adjustable. Put the original equipment Michelin tires on it... they will go 60k+ miles.

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  OK truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By bigguy - November 16 - 1:20 am

  Truck is very well made but with gas at an all time high, dont think it will hold its value very long. Like the large back doors it has and the hand grips in the front make it easy to get into. The carpet seems a little cheap and I dont think the leather will hold up for the long hall. They put in a cheap radio and cd player and the middle compartment is to low between the front seats. The seat adjustments in the front are not that good seem cheap and the arm rest are very small for a large persons arm. Lots of room under the hood if you need to work on anything under there and oil filter is easy to get to but hard to not get oil all over. Paint job so far has kept up well.

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  Reliable, Solid, yet... - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By JDBooks - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The 4Runner is solid, but a stiff ride. The interior is more cramped than my old Grand Cherokee but the seats more comfortable. The V6 is adequate for most unless you like power. With a load & passengers, it will seem very slow. No rattles or sqeaks is a tribute to the quality but my pwr antenna went out (warranty) and front floor mat ripped. CD player skips out. Minor problems for what is overall a fine vehicle. Gas mileage is about 14- 15 in town, almost 20 on freeway. Stock Bridgestone tires wear quickly.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike - November 13 - 5:10 pm

  I shopped for a year to find this SUV. Looked at all others and the Toyota won hands down. I bought for a good price and have taken it on an extended vacation through all of Northern Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and finally back to Oklahoma. Two adults and two kids with all the luggage and junk we could stuff in. It was comfortable and we had no issues with driveability and durability. So far this vehicle has lived up to every expectation I have had. Gas mileage a little low but not out of expected range. Easy for me to drive at 64" and my wife at 52". If you are shopping and want a great SUV, look at this Toyota.

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  Best car I have owned so far! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Ron Mansfield - November 13 - 8:28 am

  Bought a loaded 2008 Camry XLE used a year ago and lm very pleased with my purchase. Roomy interior, smooth & quiet ride. The V-4 has plenty of power when needed. Love the JBL stereo, Bluetooth & moon roof. Failed the oil consumption test & Toyota replaced the pistons & rings at 180,000 miles. No other problems or complaints. Replaced the sun visors, added new Michelin Premier A/S tires & do regular maintenance. Very reliable vehicle with plenty of luxury features for the price I paid, overall its a great car.

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  Solid, comfortable, reliable, bland - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave N. - November 12 - 9:30 pm

  I bought this car used in August of 96, with 13,300 miles on it. It now has 92,300 miles, so I have driven it 79,000 miles in 10.5 years - an average of 7,500 miles/year. The car has been utterly reliable; Ive spent less than $5,000 in maintenance over the years Ive owned it, including three sets of tires and an occasional detailing. That works out to less than 7 cents per mile. Most of its mileage has been around town (21 mpg) with a few long road trips (24 mpg). The Avalon is a comfortable car, and handsome in a bland sort of way. Its reasonably peppy, but not a road rocket. Overall, Ive been very satisfied with this car and may well buy another Avalon someday.

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  Overall, good vehicle - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By mar-tay - November 12 - 10:03 am

  Bought the car used in Aug. 06 with only 3,300 miles on it from a private owner. Complaints are only minor: sun visor on drivers hits the rear-view mirror every time you pull it down and put it back up, its annoying to have to readjust the mirror every time the sun is in your eyes. Other major complaint is driving position, Im 6 tall and have to have the seat pushed all the way back for leg room, when I do that, the steering wheel is too far, since it does not telescope out( corrected on 09 and newer Corollas).