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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  Tacoma Double Cab - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By dieck - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Tacoma Double cab after much research. If you negotiate with the dealer and get it near invoice, it is an excellent value. I have the space to carry 5 adults. This is perfect for us because My wife and I can take our infant daughter and two guests (another couple). The bed is much more utilitarian than an SUV of comperable size. With a spray in bedliner it can haul anything without risk of scratch or dent. The truck rides nicely with the TRD package and has enough ground clearance and a rear locker to get me out of anything I get myself into. Overall, I love it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Odyssey to Sienna - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Aidan OSullivan - September 18 - 9:33 am

  We just traded our 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring (37,000 miles) for a 2007 XLE Sienna. The Sienna has a wonderful drive: lovely steering, fantastic on Manhattans awful street surfaces, oozes quality, is built well, is fast and has great brakes.

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  Great Ride But................ - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Ernest Armentrout - September 18 - 6:24 am

  I would like to begin with this is a very nice minivan....lets keep that perspective. I did test drive many minivans and smaller SUVs. The Honda Pilot had some features that Toyota could look into (or charge for), and the Honda Odyssey. Almost all reviews gave the Odyssey the thumbs up over the very close second Sienna. However, as with most people looking for the bang for the buck, the Sienna was that "bang"; far more soothing for the wallet. One of the biggest complaints I have (and many more as I read more blogs and posts) about the entire vehicle is the navigation system. Had I known how bad this system was, I would had just had the regular system installed and spent far less money on a double din system and had it installed which would have preformed much more friendly and accurately. On long driving highways the fact that the GPS indication is not as critical for exiting and simple turns. However, do not rely on the GPS image to get you somewhere in a city or crowded neighborhoods or subdivisions. The GPS indication lags, terribly, and despite the POP UP, if you are not already familiar with the area you are driving, you will have to turn around to go back......anyone operating this system will attest to that experience. Also with the technology that will tell the operator that the vehicle is moving and disables the ability to change or find POIs, can not distinguish there is someone located in the passenger seat and allow the passenger to perform what are routine and necessary inputs into the system. After all, the navigation system does not limit how fast you are going for safety purposes when exceeding the speed limit. In fact, this feature may actually cause you to become MORE distracted as you will most likely attempt to get the information from your cell phone. My $100 dollar TOMTOM is far more accessible and accurate than this system, Toyota should be having some serious discussions with the person or group that thought this was a good system. Would like to end on a positive word. I like my Sienna, I am a grandfather, a bowler, a golfer and traveler, and for that reason, I do like this vehicle. Who would of thought after living my entire life, with five kids, after they grown and move away, I would be driving a minivan.......

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  Piratical A-to-B car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By praticalowner - September 18 - 3:33 am

  Understand this review is based 100% on the amount of money I paid for it in comparison to others cars at the time. Havening owned the Toyota Corolla LE Automatic for a little over 6 years now I’m glad I bought it. This car is exactly what you would expect for about the 15.5k or so I got mine brand new. I’m 5’11” barefoot, 220lb and I can make peace with the seating and steering orientation. The only negative thing about it is the fact that’s it’s a little under powered for my tastes, but then again I have a 530 HP(give or take) truck I play in. Also a lot of people say that it makes a lot of road noise. Let me ask you a question, how often have you heard a 2800 lb or so car not make road noise??? I also have a 97 Continental that is just as every bit noisy when you put in on the firm ride setting. And the engine in a 4 banger, this one and about every other I’ve driven does too. The fact on gas milage are this, the thing get about 95% of the rated 34/MPG highway (that’s about 32/MPG) that the EPA says it should. And yes 34/MPG is the correct MPG for this model, the 06 is the one with the 40 or whatever mpg. I know because I saw it on the chemical back in February 05!!! Not to mention the fact if you multiply the 13.2 gallon tank buy 34 you get about 450 miles. I averaged about 390~420 miles to a tank on the highway so that’s all the confirmation I ever needed. I will admit the city mileage took a pretty steep nose dive to around the 25-27/MPG mark. It seemed to fluctuate from 290/tank to 320/tank. Then again the way I’m used to driving my truck that probably has a lot to do with it LOL!!! IT does not get stuck easy with good all terrain tires (trust me I’ve got it stuck doing dumb stuff in it). The paint job is a little iffy on the lower parts of the unibody, but overall it’s very smooth and even with the clear coat. The fold-down seats, don’t fold all the way down per say, but it makes plenty of room for an 8’ Christmas tree or a few 10 foot fly rods. If you really REALLy want to decide for yourself if this is a car worth buying, see if you can work a deal out somehow to drive one around for a weekend. I test drove several cars several times before I chose this one, it was the right price for what I was getting. I did not buy this car because “it was the car for me” I bought it as a practical, reliable to way get to around and not completely bite it at the pump. I mean why do you think I got in in automatic???

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  Found flaws after I bought it - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Allan Birmantas - September 16 - 4:20 am

  Good gas mileage, but the rest is nothing special. Lots of electronic doo dads, but lacks substance. I guess the MPG is a pretty important issue these days. Headlights very weak on high beam. Ride good and stable, but seats are pretty uncomfortable and driver seat needs more leg room. Im 6 ft tall.

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  Should have taken a test drive... - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By John byk - September 14 - 10:40 pm

  Bought this corolla last december. This corolla has a wonderful paint finish. The exterior looks good without attracting too much attention. The interior looks quite high end. The seating position for the driver is comfortable. Gas mileage average for a fairly aggressive commuter driver is 32.5 mpg. What is disturbing about this car is the handling. This car does drift quite a bit in the wind. Body roll is also unsettling. The tires do hold the pavement, but the body roll makes fairly mild turns feel like Im pushing the limit way too hard. Looking into suspension upgrades to help the handling scariness.

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  The Camry SUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By The Camry SUV - September 14 - 4:13 pm

  I have an 06 Camry and love the ride and gas mileage. Bought the Highlander 4 cyl hoping to get the same ride and mileage. I got the ride of a Camry but the mileage has been disappointing. It came with a tow package that I really didnt need, so Im wondering if that is influencing the gas mileage (18/21). Love the exterior appearance with the real spoiler. The sonora gold color was a change for me but Ive grown to like it. Had the dealership put a custom leather pkg on all three rows of seats, interior panels, and front seat heaters. Looks and feels great!

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  Windshield sucks - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aswk37 - September 13 - 4:11 pm

  i live in the Midwest drive on gravel roads daily and have had hundreds of rocks hit my windshield causing chips occasionally that can be repaired. I bought a brand new 2016 Tacoma and have had it 6 months the first tinny pebble that hit my windshield caused a 10 in crack. While checking on cost for new one I have discovered that Im not alone. Apparently these windshields are thinner than normal and crack with the slightest impact. At $1200 for junk oem replacement there needs to be a recall and redesign. Other than that I like the truck.

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  Dynamic Laser Cruise Control - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By bob Mihm - September 13 - 12:33 am

  Overall the car is very smooth, quiet and is generally well manufactured. Only time will tell how durable it is. Up to this point I had to have the left outside mirror repaired, the fuel door needed repair and one moulding needed minor repair. The worst thing is the dynamic laser cruise control. It is very erratic once there is more than one person in the car, it does not detect cars as advertised. The unit generally doesnt work in even light rain, is affected by bright sun, can only be adj in 5 mph increments they cant fix it - it is a waste of money until Toyota makes improvements.

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  Owned them all and by far this is #1 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By donzi2005 - September 12 - 8:40 am

  I speak from experience. Owned 86 SR5 22RET 4x4 (300K+), 91 SR5 4x4 (200K+), 96 T100 4x4, 96 4runner Limited, 95 Tacoma 4x4 (75K), 96 Tacoma 4x4 (75K). 99 Toy 4x4 Ext Cab (100K) As you can see I spent many a miles behind the wheel of a Toyota truck. Bought my 2005 to tow a 22 boat. Already after year and half put 30K miles on it. By far the best looking all around driveable Toyota truck I have ever owned. Towing and overall drivability is above all others. Long-distance HWY trips are now a dream. Reliability is always A+. The only thing I have to do with this truck is change the oil and air filter. See below for my few negative comments.