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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  Best MiniVan but could use improvement - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Alan - February 21 - 11:20 pm

  We bought this new, just as they came out. What we like: excellent mechanicals, interior well thought out, laser cruise for long trips back east is fabulous, dual auto doors, and folding seats work as advertised, DVD works well. The only mechanical I am not overjoyed with is the brakes they are just OK. First toyota and I am disappointed with the paint quality, interior build is ok but not quite what I expected, and recalls have been more numerous than I expected. I would like to see a lesser tint on the back windows, as visibility is impaired. Mileage is fair at 17 overall, in retrospect I would have gotten the FWD version, no need for the AWD probably.

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  Far better then I thought. - 2014 Toyota Prius c
  By joecar5 - February 19 - 10:41 am

  I got the Pricus C 3 for 1 reason, the advertised MPG. I have an 80 mile round trip commute that consist of 85% highway driving and was tired of filling my SUV up every 3 days for $55+ each time. I now average 64MPG each way and fill up every 6 days for $25. Im totally blowed away with the amount of money Im saving. There are loads of YouTube videos that show how to drive a Prius, I highly recommend them if you do buy a Prius. As for the car itself I find the seats to be very comfortable, the build materials are fine after all it is an inexpensive car. The 3 level has some cool features like push button start, doors unlock when they detect the key, and touch screen with navigation.

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  Tundra Champ - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By jegaco - February 19 - 10:00 am

  As always the seems to be as good as the first one we owned. That one lasted for 340k before it died. Sorry GM, Dodge, and Ford, you still have Toyota to chase.

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  Top Performer SUV - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Trekker - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 4-Runner used in 2003, and a year later, not a single problem with it. Very comfortable and I feel safe in it. Lots of room and great classic look of the 4-Runner. The only thing I have issues with is the engine is too weak for the SUVs heavy load.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By TitoTacoma - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I Have always wanted a tacoma since middle school, so i finally got one! And love it! Although, what is with the rattling passenger airbag...ive noticed alot of people have had this problem...and yes, I HAVE IT TOO!!! what I did though was just put a small thin cloth between the windshield and dash and hadnt heard it rattle since, but the cloth is VERY noticable. If you are thinking about getting one, its a wise investment...but if you buy a 2WD it doesnt do so good off- road, id go with the 4WD...

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  Bought Too Soon - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By notwright - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Only had the vehicle for two days. Thought I really wanted one...did the homework...but I am VERY DISAPPOINTED. The vehicle is too LOUD, and dont open the back windows...youll lose your ear drums...ride is ok...it feels "loose" to me ...the engine ticks and sound "old" ...the leather seats up front are totally uncomfortable...my neck hurts. Its too small up front..no place to put cell, purse, etc. Ill keep it until its okay to trade unless the dealer will take it back (HA HA!!) or anyone out there will buy it for the high end $32+ I paid ( contact me)! Have had a 95 Avalon and like daughters 97 Camry ride better.

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  Disappointed in New Toyota - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - February 19 - 5:30 am

  Toyota is selling new trucks on the the reputation built on earlier very good trucks. I owned a 1993 DX extra Cab and which was a bullet proof, high quality, wonderful vehicle. It was very tough, well built and solid... used as a truck... no rattles after 13 years of hard work. My 2006 (1,500 miles) is cheaply built, value engineered to minimal truck standards and will not take truck like use. It shakes, rattles and rumbles. The frame is not stiff enough (open channel) and the dam truck wanders all over the road. It came with cheap Dunlop tires andis mostly plastic. Use like my old Toyota will quickly destroy this truck. So in short - I spent $31K on a car like truck that is really a car.

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  Problems - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Patrick - February 19 - 12:43 am

  I just bought the used 02 Camry from a friend. In 500 miles, the catalytic converter went out, the A/C seems to be really week, I noticed the steering wheel squeaks (specifically on sharp turns), the rearview mirrors sags and it vibrates with the music on at any decent level, and the entire vehicle vibrates when coming to a stop. The dealership replaced rotors and pads and it is no better. The car is comfy and has good pickup, but so far I am very concerned about the quality, or lack thereof.

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  happy corolla buyer - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By chris dux - February 18 - 1:02 pm

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  6th Gen. Camry is a Winner!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By fsowireless - February 18 - 5:56 am

  This is the sportiest Camry ever built, in every aspect. The appearance, admittedly so, is the first time a Camry was something I would consider buying. Not to mention even bothering to look twice at it. After driving my Volvo S80 T6 for the last year or so, I have a certain expectation of torque when I depress the accelerator. The new 3.5 V6 in the Camry did not disappoint. Acceleration was very smooth through out the band thanks to the Dual VVTI and 6 speed automatic with sequential manual mode. It was not as much of a kick as I am used to, but it got up and went when asked.