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:

• 

  Love My Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By sienna_06 - December 7 - 2:25 pm

  I am writing this review in March of 2014. Ive owned my Sienna since it was new. I now have over 250,000 miles on my van. It has given me little problem over the years. I purchase 90,000 mile/warranty Michelin tires, and they usually wear unevenly and need replacing before they hit 50,000. This is with regular alignments & tire rotations done at the same time I have the oil changed at 5,000 miles. Other than this, the van has given me little problem. Ive been very happy with my van

• 

  Excellent Choice - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Schnauzer - December 7 - 11:20 am

  With a need to haul people and tow a boat, big SUVs are my familys only option. I have spent a lot of time in all the competing big SUVs. With the changes brought to the Sequoia in 2008, I now feel it is the best vehicle in its class. Love the fold flat third row, and the ride and handling are as close to sportscar as you can get in a big vehicle like this. The wish list includes some gps/computer oddities but the engine/ride/handling/utility are unrivaled. The bluetooth/audio/temp controls on the steering wheel are excellent and totally negate the need to reach for the main controls strewn across the dash. Some gps/phone features are unavailable while driving in the name of safety

• 

  TNGA Platform is wonderful - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Jason H - December 7 - 8:11 am

  Purchased a XSE V6 (after considering Lexus ES, Audi S and BWM 4). The pictures do the car no justice-this is a beautiful looking vehicle in person. As such, Ive gotten quite a few stares and inquiries as people try to figure out what kind of car it is, and there is a healthy dose of incredulity when I tell them its a Camry. And thats just the exterior. I have the Cockpit Red interior and it really sets the car off-its WELL DONE. And it fits me well at 6/280#, Im as comfortable in this as I was in my 2008 Toyota Avalon XLS. I agree with the editorial review about the technology layout and functionality, and concur that the interior storage space is on the anemic side. The engine has just enough power to motivate you wherever you need to go when you need to get there without being petro-hungry. The 8-speed transmission will take some getting use to, and the handling and ride quality are great, what you would expect with 19" wheels with VR-rated rubber. The engine and exterior noise complaints arent really an issue when the JBL Premium audio is on, so unless you are driving in silence, you wont notice it. Overall, I give the 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 a solid 4-star rating.

• 

  Lovin it! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ali - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved the 4Runner since it was a truck with a fiber glass top back in 84 and Im positively loving it now. I love the ride height and it handles well with such a high center of Gravity. The ride feels like Im gliding (my last SUV was a Jeep Cherokee so belive when I say this doesnt feel like a truck!) Interior is quality. Needs a touch better gas mileage and a more powerful engine.

• 

  The only "true" SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By bluejae - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd 4Runner and I still believe it is the best true SUV on the road. The reviews that say the ride is very "truck-like" are not rating my Runner. I have driven a number of SUVs on the road and can confirm that this is one of the best. I have never had a single problem with either of my Runners and will remain a loyal Toyota customer based on my satisfaction.

• 

  landcouch - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Bojustin - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Well after driving 5 different SUVs, we listened to other happy Land Rover drivers and purchased a new cruser. The best vehicle ever! Very safe, comfey, great ride and tracking. All the things we were looking for in size, shape, comfort and luggage capacity. Would highly recommend!

• 

  just breaking in - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kappelmeier - December 7 - 2:00 am

  My Tacoma 4x4 has 110,000 miles and it is just getting started. It will probably run forever. It is tough and durable, and extremely reliable. I have had no problems in 6 years. I highly recommend this vehicle to everyone looking for a compact pickup.

• 

  The One!!!! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Big Guy - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have tried every truck and this is the one!!! I have it over a year now and I enjoy it more and more! I bought this truck because I wanted to protect my family better. It is one of the safest vehicles on the road. I bought it for my wife mainly to drive the baby around. I have driven all of the other trucks and they do not compare.

• 

  Best Truck Ever - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By ADAM - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I work for a rental company, so I drive Fords, Chevys, and Dodges all day. None of them come even close to the quality and quiet ride of my Tundra. The handling in the mountains is also something that is unmatched. No other truck has the low rumble sounding exhaust like my Tundra. For the first few months, I still could not believe that it was a Toyota.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By sfuller - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car we have owned. We recently had twins, plus a 2 1/2 year old, and all of the carseats fit comfortably in the back. The truck holds a double stroller with plenty of room to spare. The engine has great acceleration and is very comfortable. One notable problem, the engine had a defect and blew out after 3 months, but the dealership repaired it, gave us a loaner, and extended our warranty.