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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  Love it!!! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Ryan - January 10 - 1:46 am

  Having previousally owned a smaller Dodge with the same enging as my new Tundra, I decided to give up the 4x4 and go with the 4 doors (maybe next time I can get both). I am very glad that I did. I love everything about this truck. It gets better gas mileage then my old Dakota with a 4.7, and it tows the boat like its not even there.

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  dont do it!!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jr - January 9 - 9:42 pm

  I just got this truck and only has 1500 miles on it. I like the interior and technology. I actually like everything about the truck except engine/transmission combo. The engine is pretty good in ECT mode but the problem is you have to hit that button every time you start it. The transmission is by far the worst i have driven in the 24 vehicles i have owned. I am cruising at 55mph on flat ground and the truck is shifting up and down at a steady speed as it doesnt know what gear its supposed to be in. Completely takes away the enjoyment in driving it. In the last 15 years i have only bought toyotas as i cant believe i am saying this, this will be my last one for awhile and Im going to open a case with Toyota to try and get my money back. Its really too bad cause i really wanted to like this truck since i spent the money on it. The good thing is i only make mistakes once.

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  Best Large SUV out there - 2012 Toyota Sequoia
  By jamesoh79 - January 9 - 8:28 pm

  I really love this truck. It is a beast. 0-60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. How many SUV this size can really move that fast? I have owned many trucks. From small suv to my last truck. A 2003 GMC Yukon. The Sequoia is the best truck I have owned. It is responsive and has excellent turning radius at low speed for its size. The brakes are unbelievable. My old Yukons brakes were terrible. This Suv is perfect for my needs. Which includes storage space for my job. And towing trailers and my boat. The front seats are very comfortable. And all my passengers love the captain chairs in the back. People never fight for shotgun because of the nice seats in the back.

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  My truck is going to run forever - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By toys99 - January 9 - 4:36 pm

  I currently have 131000 miles on my truck all I have done is oil changes. Truck runs like a top. Yeah, the seats are not good, but hey its a truck.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Not satisfied - January 9 - 1:10 pm

  We traded our 2002 Suburban for the Sequoia in Jan., 2008. With three kids and three dogs, we loved the automatic third row and hatch. It drives and parks like a dream. Within 6 months, tho, the a/c smelled like mildew. After four LENGTHY visits to the dealership who found mildew on the filter, multiple calls to Toyota (we purchased the extended warranty), we are extremely dissatisfied with the "customer service." There is a constant clicking noise under the cage, the hatch does not close all the way, and the dealer could not solve any of the problems. The navigational system cuts off when driving so passengers cannot enter the info. Our TomTom is more well designed.

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  Good Economy Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By nightfrog65 - January 9 - 6:34 am

  This was my 1st new car bought in 2007, and it hasnt let me down in the 6 years Ive driven it. Its a basic economy car, so I went in not expecting leather heated seats, GPS, and backup cameras. Plus, it gets good gas mileage, so there is much less money to spend on fuel compare to many vehicles on the road today. Its not hybrid, so no $10K battery replacement costs nor electronics needed to manage the dual electric/gas powertrain system. The only downsides I can report are lack of standard tachometer and arm rest. I bought an aftermarket arm rest online, and that helped on long trips.

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  Loved! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Ashley - January 9 - 1:33 am

  I owned mine from 6/2000 to 10/2002. NOT one problem I traded with 62K mi. Got a great trade value! VERY fun to drive! I want another one!

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  Best van Ive ever purchased! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By mmcnamara - January 9 - 1:21 am

  This van has been a fantastic vehicle for almost seven years, ferrying our family from the Atlantic to the Pacific without fail. The 3.3 seems stronger than the 215 hp rating, and the mileage is consistently 20 mpg in town, and 26 mpg regularly on the highway. In 114K miles, Ive done 2 front brake jobs, 3 sets of tires, 1 timing belt service, 2 top-offs of the A/C system for a slow leak,and a shock that was replaced under warranty at 38K - thats it. In thirty years of owning vehicles, both domestic and imported, the Sienna has been the most trouble-free of all of them.

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  31 years with 2 Tacomas - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ed Chacon - January 8 - 1:29 pm

  86 extra cab 14 years no major problems ...2002 4door still runs great no problems.......Bought both new and both had normal wear and tear. Change oil regularly and treat it like itll be there for 15 + years and it will.

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  Great Build Quality But... - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By gettomedicss - January 8 - 1:13 pm

  It feels solid, secure and safe. I`m 6ft tall, the seats are too short and gives me no thigh support. Im only getting 16-18 mpg with mostly highway miles and the cup holders are placed too far back.