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:

• 

  I Love My Camry SE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By IndyMacAddict - April 3 - 12:33 am

  Ive always wanted a tough looking car with the muscle to back it up. But, my family demands more functionality than a small two door hot rod. The Camry offers everything I was looking for. Power, looks, comfort, room, and fuel economy to boot. The Camry has it all. It drives like its on rails thanks to the sport suspension. This is not the boring Camry of old. This car can move! Acceleration is outstanding. I have had the pleasure of proving this to unsuspecting Accord V6, Malibu LTZ, and Altima owners with a good stoplight whoopin. At the same time, we enjoy state to state road trips due to the quit, comfortable ride. The Camry SE V6 does it all.

• 

  Excellent Minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By MD Gene - April 2 - 6:00 pm

  This is a fantastic vehicle. The AWD has already saved us in the snow here. The kids love the seats and the space (we havent fired up the DVD yet). We love the stereo and other convenience features. The controls are mostly intuitive, although a few require some trips to the maual. The seats are very comfortable and very adjustable and the leather is luxurious. Handling is unexciting but acurate, competent, and forgiving.

• 

  A great car - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Antonio Ventura - April 2 - 3:58 pm

  It is in my opinión the Best med size pick up ,i own a 2001 tacoma ,and just purchased the 2016 trd so far i líke everything about it

• 

  Toyota Sequoia... Best big SUV any day! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gabriel - April 1 - 11:36 pm

  I am writing this review after 9 years of ownership. Our Toyota Sequoia is nothing less than the perfect big SUV for our active family. It has hit the 100,000 miles without a single mechanical problem, not a single incident. It has towed our boat to many lakes, taken us to the deserts, mountains, favorite off-road camping spots, long summer trips. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive on and off road, comfort level is only surpassed by the Land Cruiser, which we own, but our Sequoia is king for hauling our gear, bikes, and all the equipment we take on family outings. We tow our boat about three times a week over hilly terrain and our Sequoia does it with no effort at all. Simply the best SUV

• 

  Toyota may have saved our lives! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Peggy - April 1 - 10:46 pm

  Loved our 2005 Toyota from the beginning, but even more so after a side impact crash. We dont have side airbags. We were hit by a pickup truck going 30mph. Hit was mainly to sliding passenger door. This vehicle held together like you wouldnt believe! There were 2 of us in the front seats, but we only received seatbelt bruises.

• 

  Toyota man for life - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By mike - March 31 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this truck in 2001 and wanted the double cab for the room. The interior could use a little more comfort but it has held up. This truck now has 135,000 on it and it has been the most reliable truck that I have ever owned. Just do the normal preventative maintenance and I think this truck will last forever. I have had to replace the front headlights and signal lights because they became fogged out. This truck has the TRD package on it and people think it is a 4WD. Take care of this truck and it will take care of you.

• 

  Very impressed! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By rebmo1 - March 31 - 4:58 pm

  I’m going on 1000mi and so far fantastic car. First looked at the L4 but the hybrid got my attention. I was never too interested in hybrids, either too small or not enough mileage difference between the regular gas versions, but thats all changed on the Camry. It has great power and incredible gas mileage for a mid size sedan. Other than the spaceship sound (kind of cool) when you brake (regenerative power transfer) you can hardly tell it’s a hybrid. Wow! The looks have been sharpened and the interior is very comfortable for me. Traded my reliable 2005 Camry LE and am very pleased with the new Camry and first hybrid for me. Im getting low to mid 40mph consistently with about 80% rural highway and 20% 25-35mph rural roads near home and work.

• 

  Why a mechanical fan - 2017 Toyota 4Runner
  By RobCash - March 31 - 1:55 pm

  I love this truck. comfirble ride on and off the road my only gripe is the stock mechanical radiator fan which robes you horsepower , mpg , sluggish take off and cooling at a stop. there is a reason 95% of new vehicles come with electric fan. it is a easy fix to swap the fan out and i suggest you do so if you want a better ride all around.

• 

  Great Car!! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By morris0607 - March 31 - 10:16 am

  I have only had this car for a few weeks and my wife and I love it! We were on the waiting list for almost 2 months but it was worth the wait. The instant MPG feedback is great and we really like the keyless start. Now my wife doesnt have to take the key out of her pocketbook in order to start the car. The bluetooth phone system is also great. With a touch of a button we can call or answer a phone call. Our model is fully loaded so it came with the NAV. We are finding the NAV to be a little temperamental and the maps are not up to date. I was surprised it did not come with fog lights and seat position memory would have been nice. The mirrors also do not fold. Overall - we love it.

• 

  Best Car I ever owned! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By eeyore54 - March 31 - 2:59 am

  I bought this car when it had 23.000, now it has 230.000 on it and the only thing went wrong with it is I had to replace the power window motor on the drivers side after 10 yrs..