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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  Squeaky brakes solved - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Nadine - January 21 - 7:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 4 miles on it and it was the best decision I made. I have yet to do anything but preventative maintenance - gotta love. Just replaced my brakes at 45K and guess what-no more squeal!. Per the brake specialists my brakes squealed because they needed shimming.

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  Missing some things - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mjunda - January 19 - 10:50 pm

  Real good car. Great fuel economy. The orginal tires will only get 20K miles. Be careful putting in a carseat with a top strap. It you put it in like toyota tells you you may wind up with a permanent strap indentation on your rear headrest. The thing that is missing is the rear DOES NOT FOLD down on the SE model. I know it is for the sport tuning in the suspension, but I need more versitality in my cars. I should have bought the LE with the styling kit.

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  Mostly Sensible, Little Flair - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By bustabust359 - January 19 - 9:23 am

  I drive the S, so it has a sportier look, but nothing sportier under the hood. I dont like that this model is larger than previous generations. At times my compact parks like a small bus. OK gas mileage, though I admit my mileage is 90% city (averaging around 27-30 mpg, 34-37 when I do drive highway).

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  Fun, Solid Vehicle On-road and Off - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - January 19 - 8:14 am

  As stated in the vehicle details, I purchased a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road with the 6ft bed and have around 500 miles on it. My buying experience (my first time buying a new vehicle) was regrettably long and stress-filled and, in the end, I ended up having to special order the truck I wanted. However, now that I have my Tacoma, I couldnt be happier with it and would really recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a capable, dependable truck but dont want to have to deal with the overwhelming size or poor gas mileage of a full-sized. The primary purpose of my Tacoma is commuting (17 miles each way) and it really is a dream to drive on pavement. Ive noticed that, with the softer-sprung Bilstein shocks and higher sidewall tires, my Tacoma really soaks up normal the small road "chatter" and easily handles the bigger bumps as well. There is also none of the bone-jarring or harsh pounding that you normally get with a pickup truck when you hit bumps or potholes. Fuel mileage has been exceptional as well, as Ive been getting anywhere between 18-20mpg in-town and 20-24mpg on the highway, if I keep speeds at or under 70mph. For once, the EPA ratings werent exaggerated. Ive taken my truck off road once and, in my experience, it certainly lives up to its reputation. The "road" that I took it on was more of a snowmobile trail that included muddy washouts and bony/rocky sections and the Tacoma ate up everything I threw at it. I was a bit worried about the seating position and lack of adjustability with the front seats and steering wheel but the Tacoma is actually a lot more comfortable than I was expecting. Im 58" with a fairly small frame and the seats and interior fit me perfectly. The "legs-out" driving position that gets so much flak from reviewers is actually how I normally drive so it was no problem for me. I will end with a word of caution and advise for those looking to buy a 2016 Tacoma: before buying this vehicle, have your dealer check the transmission fluid level because it is likely going to be low. Many, many people have been complaining about harsh shifting, especially when slowing down or going from Reverse to Drive. Its been discovered that a lot of units, especially those who have bought models with the optional Tow Package, are being shipped from the factory with low levels of tranny fluid. Its assumed that the factory techs arent taking into account the extra transmission fluid cooler that comes installed with the Tow Package, which adds volume to the transmission system, thus requiring more fluid. Before I purchased my vehicle, I had my dealership check the ATF levels and they discovered that it was low by a little over a liter. They topped off the fluids and I have not had any problems with the transmission.

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  Good Choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By broufam - January 19 - 4:57 am

  I purchased my 2011 Camry LE on Jan 6,2011. I Paid $20,500. I have the Bluetooth and Window tint and Aluminum wheels. I travel primary highway miles at 130 miles round trip per day. I have now filled up 3 times and as I average my fuel, it has been consistant with 31mpg highway. I do not do very much city driving. I drive 73Mph with cruise everyday to work. The car handles well, saying it has the 4cyl w/auto transmission. It is pretty comfortable to drive the distance I do to and from work. I have plenty of head room and the children in the back say they sit comfortable. My wfie sat in the back seat at the height of 55" and had no complaints. She really enjoys the car when she gets to driv

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  Good Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JRA - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have not reached the MPG rating by Toyota yet. It may be the cold weather or break in period. The best I have done is 50 mpg on highway and city.

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  Good Looking Exterior - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Skit - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 2003 in Sep 2002 off the lot. Leather package but in my excitement I didnt realize until the next day it had no cruise control. For what I paid cruise should not have been an option. Truck is very roomy and quite powerful.

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  2002 Toyota 2.4L Problem - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By alan - January 17 - 3:33 pm

  Great car until 95k miles. Head gasket went. Serviced and determined aluminum block stripped head bolts. Had to rebuild engine or replace. Toyota is no longer reliable as they once were.

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  decent, good vehicle - no wow factor - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By jack - January 15 - 9:00 pm

  Our Highlander is very comfortable and functional, but we dont drive much. The transmission seems ill-suited to puttering around the city; it always seems like it wants us to accelerate more abruptly. Plenty of cargo room for longer hauls with kids. Weve had one loose speaker since purchase that Ive been too lazy to fix.

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  Nice car- 1st time owner - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By chris 02 - January 15 - 9:46 am

  Overall this is a nice car. This is my 1st Camry and Im pleased with the car. I like the 5 speed even though is does hesitate when shifting. On the highway this is a sweet car and doesnt hesitate to go when you hit the pedal. I know one thing I will probably never go back to a american car brand the quality is no match and the design shows they thought everything out to benefit the consumer. I will definitely consider Toyota when the time comes to buy another car. It is fun to drive in nice weather with the sunroof open and the radio playing as you cruise down the road.