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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  Great Fuel Ecenomy - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Limmw - December 12 - 3:30 pm

  We ordered a 2017 Highlander Hybrid XLE in November 2016 and received it in early December 2016. We immediately took off on a 1000 mi trip to Oregon. Overall we are very happy with the purchase. Dealership service was good, the SUV drives well and we got 26.5 MPG for the 2000 miles round trip through interstate 5 during winter blizzards going and coming back. Our previous SUV was an Acura MDX which on the same trip averaged only about 19 MPG so we are please with the gas mileage. Since then in overall Southern Cal driving in mixed city and freeway trips, we averaged over 30 MPG. During our trip through the California/Oregon mountains during winter blizzards we found out that the Safety Features stopped working when the sensors were covered by snows and mud. So at the time we needed them, they stopped working unless we cleaned the snows/mud off the sensors. Otherwise all the safety features worked as advertised. Only other problem is the Toyota lane assist worked but the design was stupid: It behaved like a "drunken sailer" bouncing from one side to the other if we did not correct the drifting off the center of the lane and relied on the lane assist. Overall we give it a 5 star SUV.

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  A review to help you avoid regret - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By aravind - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this car smitten by its exterior look and interior comfort. Yes, it is very comfortable, esp for the price paid. The interior is classy, the standard MP3 is useful, the host of curtain bags and standard features add to the plus. Also the car is very quiet and looks like a lexus. However the infamous hesitation is so very apparent. I drive in rush hour bay area traffic and it is just a huge letdown. The start is very bad. The 20-40 mile range hesitation is worse. The transmission is just terrible. Period. And it is not just the 4 cylinder syndrome. I drive a 94 Nissan GXE which I prefer over the new camry. That should explain it. It is downright dangerous to merge on freeways.

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  Trustworthy Toyota - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Trustworthy Toyota - December 12 - 7:20 am

  Weve now had our RAV for 4 years and its still running like new. We had a Corolla before this that had absolutely zero problems. I perform my own mechanic work so I thought Id give some feedback in that respect. 55,000 miles with no oil leaks anywhere. Oil filter location is the easiest Ive ever experienced. The motor has a timing chain, not a belt. Annoying rattle developed around the glove box and finally narrowed it down to plastic grommets that hold plastic panels under the windshield wipers. A design flaw in my opinion. The battery is tucked under this area which makes it difficult if you ever needed a jump start. We invested in a Black & Decker jump starter just in case.

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  Great truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By jacobbert9 - December 11 - 5:42 pm

  Ive had my Tacoma for the last 2 years (30,000 miles). It currently has just over 182,000. Its hauled everything Ive thrown in it including rocks, firewood, and cement bags. Loaded down to the bump stops and I couldnt even tell from the performance. Ive towed several thousand pound trailers without problem. I put a few hundred pounds in it for snow storms and it does almost as well as any 4x4 especially with tire chains on. The 2.7 is a bit wimpy but it gets the job done. The only things Ive replaced have been the radiator, catalytic converter (orginial one was stolen) and the brakes. I got rear-ended by a guy doing 25 and the bumper just got bent. Recommend to everyone, awesome truck!

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  A great buy - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Roger - December 11 - 4:50 pm

  After researching Chrysler 300, Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes I kept coming back to the 2005 Avalon and I have not been disappointed. On long drives I get 32-34 mpg (regular fuel). 24-27 round town. A/C and heated seats are real nice. Guests have vry favorable comments on the all the room and comfort in the back seat. The one negative is a "dirty socks" smell that sometimes comes out of the air conditioner (mold?). Have taken to dealer and they sprayed it but to no avail.

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  love my 18 - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Sarah R - December 11 - 4:31 pm

  Traded in my 14 for the 18. Saw the new body style and fell in love. We went in to buy a 17 at low price with them trying to get rid of them for the end of season. After both my husband and I drove it, we both knew that the 18 was the way to go. Super easy to drive, comfortable seats, good handling. Still wont be driving it in the snow, as my husband is an loyal Subaru fan with the AWD. So we will be leaving the Camry in the garage in the winter and driving his Subaru. The Bluetooth in the Camry is great, super easy to set up. The cruise control is nice on highway trips, not having to keep adjusting the speed. I am in love with my 18 but cant wait to see what the 2022 is going to look it. We upgrade every 4 years, right now I wouldnt trade my 18 for anything.

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  great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jesse - December 11 - 12:20 pm

  just bought my truck at the begining of March. Great truck. looks much better than the competition. I love the power and the size of the truck. Not too big, not too small.

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  New Toyota Owner - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By David - December 11 - 4:40 am

  This is my first Toyota vehicle and I am impressed. I owned a Ford diesel 3/4 ton and pulled a fifthwheel camper with it, purchased my new Toyota for the same use. The Tundra with a 6 speed automatic pulls my camper with no problem. I was skeptical about the weight class of the tundra for pulling a fifthwheel with the weight of the camper at the pickups limits, but not anymore. This is a vehicle that is impressive to drive and feels very stable on the road with a load on it. The tow/haul mode does all the work for you and handles everything fine with the cruise control in use. Great gas mileage for a 4 wheel drive with 18 to 21.5 on the highway makes this truck a pleasure to drive.

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  2006 Corolla CE (CE stands for Christs Evangelist in my case) - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By dougiedouglas - December 11 - 2:40 am

  Im a musician for Jesus and travel all over to preach and play. Lots of room in the back, seat goes down, can carry all my equip. Rides nice, mileage is great (beats the heck out of my Dodge Caravan) I get alot of compliments on the color..."sea foam mist." Audio is good. Im really glad I got blessed with this. I bought it at 44,000 miles and at 49,000 miles the serpentine belt started squealing from having cracks in it. They normally need to be replaced at 50,000 miles and up so thats cool. Gault Toyota replaced it reasonably and I got a shuttle ride home and back the next day. Id love to get a prius next or a toyota convertible. Peace, in Christ...Dougie Douglas

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  Great Value - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wedgeman - December 11 - 12:03 am

  I had a Sebring for 5 years, which I traded for this car, and drove a Mustang convertabe a few times, and this blows them away. You would have to spend 15k more to get a comparable car. It is smooth, quite, and has all the features you would expect. The only draw back is the boot. It is very clumbsy and hard to fit. But the car is quiet, has plenty of room for a rag top, and I would expect Toyota reliability. It was hard to find in my area, and the dealer stood firm on the price but at this point it was worth it. A stylish, solid , and quiet convertable for the price. Looking forward to the spring!