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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  Goes anywhere - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By JR - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving this vehicle for 2 year, no major expenses on maintenance. Excellent off road capability, need more comfort on road.

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  Awesome Truck, downright AWFUL MPG - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - December 30 - 12:46 am

  This truck is awesome. It has an unbelievable amount of power, and exceeds my expectations with ease, but I regret my decision in buying the "Rock Warrior" package, as the tires, suspension, etc. are hurting this trucks gas mileage severely. As in 9 mpg in the city, 10-12 mpg highway. Other than that, all I can say is that this has to be the best half-ton ever built.

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  Taco four out the door - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By EIO - December 28 - 8:30 pm

  This is actually Tacoma #4 for me (1998, 2003, 2006 for the prior trucks) Pros: Comfort - since Ive spent 15+ years in other Tacomas, I was already used to the ergonomics. For myself, if the seat would lower 1/2" more and the steering wheel would go up 1/2" it would be better. My mother (who has several back issues) found both the front and rear seats very comfortable. Top-end power - once you are up and going (over 4k rpm), there is no shortage of passing power. Fit and finish - everything on this truck feels sharp, tight, and well made to me. Road noise - this is easily the quietest Tacoma Ive owned, but it allows me to hear the engine and other needed sounds. Those who do not want any engine noise will probably do better buying an Prius. Storage - I love the under-seat, behind the seat and other storage areas (I have alot of tools and straps that I like to hide out of sight). I dont fully understand the need for all of the bottle holders in the doors though, but if you ever need to carry 8 1-liter bottles and 5 large cups this is your truck. Cons: Limited availability of the manual trans - All of my other trucks were manuals, and I would have preferred to do so again but its only available in either the base trucks (I did not want to give up on a rear sear, cruise control, ect) or with the TRD packages ($6k more for options I am not interested in). If you want the SR5 like I did, youre stuck with the auto. The auto - while not the worst auto Ive ever driven, its hardly the best. Shifting is too slow for me, and even in manual mode there is a noticeable delay when changing gears. I actually test drove a different truck which seemed even worse, so I am guessing there is some programming difference between trucks. Im hoping that someone comes out with a tuner soon so I can try to fix some of the issue myself. Bottom-end power - the truck feels rather gutless off of the line; until you hit about 4k rpms the truck is unimpressive. Giant cup holders - they are all so damn huge! Try placing a Pepsi 1892 in one and youll see what I mean. [non-permissible content removed] moment - why still drums? Toyota seems to be full of excuses, but they are all rather weak (for off-roading, disks are better because the dont pack up with mud and debris like drums do). They have rear disks on the 4-runner and TC Cruiser, so why keep them on the Tacoma? Overall I am very happy with the truck, but there is still alot of room for improvements. I mostly went Toyota again because the Nissan Frontier is too old (why buy a new truck that looks/performs exactly the same as one from 11 years ago?) and the Canyon/Colorado is too GM (my father and brother still like and buy GMs, but I am not as impressed). I was going to wait to check out the 2017 Ford Ranger, but wound up getting too good of a trade in to wait.

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  1 Year, 15,000 mile review - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By limasawa - December 27 - 5:29 am

  We compared this car to the nice 14 Forester and bought this for its interior design and Toyota reliability. Im not sure I would do it again. Im 6-4, 225 lbs, and 53 years old & need a car that is higher, easy to get into, and gets good MPG. This RAV4 is high enough, but the shape of the front door causes me to have to contort my body just a bit to enter. I do have plenty of room in the front and my knees do not touch the dash. But, the car feels cheap. The hood vibrates/shakes on certain kinds of rougher paved and dirt roads. The silver & "graphite" trim both scratch really easily. Car handles well, though the ride is stiff. Speakers are much worse than Camry, more like Corolla.

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  MR2 Fun Fun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By steve - December 26 - 7:40 pm

  Great car but understand that it is not meant to be driven daily. Just getting stuff home from a food store is an adventure. Lordy, though, the adventure is incredible once you get out on roads with lots of curves. An amazing car. Great to look at, performance is fantasic. Body put together well, interior has some issues, things tended to just fall apart. Car has gotten louder in the interior as it has aged. But have owned lots of two seaters going back to MGs andTRs and it is an amazing car. Buy one!!

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  Positive first impression - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Flying Fish - December 26 - 6:53 pm

  Very pleased with the first month of ownership of the new Sequoia. Traded 2nd of two Navigators owned for improved reliability and equal towing capacity. Early highway mileage is 22mph @ 65 mph; overall highway and around town averaging 17mpg on regular gas. Cargo area same size as Navigator. I purchased the Limited edition and added running lights, power rear door,backup camera. The Platinum edition requires 20 in. low profile tires which ride harder and are more difficult to balance. Nav system was too far away to safely use while driving and I have my own Nuvi I like better. With the Limited you lose memory seats. Toyota needs to unbundle 18 inch wheels, memory seats, nav, offer options.

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  My Blue RAV 4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Sue h - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This SUV goes very excellent in the rain and the snow. NO problems at all with this vehicle.

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  New Mommy-mobile - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Expymom - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great for hauling kids, motorcycles & dogs which is something my Expedition couldnt do. Looks great and wears the "dependable" Toyota namebadge. Look forward to owning this truck for years and years to come.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By RenSan - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car is great for the money spent. The design of the S model, a bit sporty, but still fuel efficient for all practical purposes. I have taken my car cross country three times in the year that I purchased, and it has been a joy. Compact, reliable, great on fuel and the 5-speed is just fun to drive.

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  Good car (just good, not great) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By New york city gal - December 25 - 9:23 am

  So my last car was a Honda Accord. I know its not fair to judge this car based on my past vehicle but Im pretty sure that is why Im not wholly astounded. I find this car to be quite bumpy on the road (as expected from such a small lightweight car), & I truly hate the brakes. I feel like the car is almost out of control when braking. When driving on a bumpy road I feel like Im riding a bike on a cobblestone road. Maybe Im not used to it but Ive been driving it for 2 weeks already. Car sounds like a tank when accelerating, and really cant keep up with other cars. Overall, I expected better but its still not a bad car. And for the price & toyota name I really cant complain.