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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  Unacceptable - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Farrell - June 22 - 4:26 am

  I was so excited to buy this beautiful car. Great features and nice look. However, the cars defining characteristic is its potentially life-threatening steering problem. The car feels like its in a high wind at 60 mph, and driving at 75 mph is downright harrowing. Repeatedly veered near other high-speed traffic on I5. At one point I found myself about 3 feet into the HOV lane before I could correct it. Requires constant vigilance to stay in my own lane, and after 160 miles my hands and arms ached. Very, very scary. Visibility for reversing and checking driver-side traffic is bad. The most important thing I can say here is test drive this car on the highway at 70 mph or dont buy it at all.

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  New 1794 Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By thepieman - June 22 - 3:59 am

  Bought the new 1794, the truck is a masterpiece, I have a 2013 work truck Tundra and the interior of this truck was dated, the improvement is needed and has been thought out well, the voice activation is good although it takes some getting used to, but saves having to take your eye of the road to press buttons on a screen. The sat nav works well and a nice touch is that when you get close to a turn, you get a display on your drivers screen console. The engine is the same, it is a lovely powerful motor, but it likes a drink! The build quality seems top class, although the carpet is a bit thin and not the quality it should be. The ride is the most comfortable ive driven.

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  Disapointing gas milage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bill in Mississippi - June 21 - 11:06 pm

  The best milage I have gotten with this car is 51mpg. It started averaging about 47. It has been declining steadily. It now gets in the upper 30s to low 40s. The dealer only makes excuses. The car starts the gasoline engine every time it is started even with a warm engine and good battery charge. Sometimes it kicks in the gas with just a touch of the excelerator pedal. The dealer seems to indicate that there is no way to check the computer or upgrade firmware. All concidered, comfort, utility of the hatch back and fold down seats and usually getting milage in the low 40s in town on short trips, I guess I cant complain when compaired to gasoline models with the same features.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Tommy - June 21 - 10:50 pm

  If you want the most bang for your buck, this is the car I would recommend. I purchased the car with the cheapest package (base Model) and it comes with great features. Nothing to complain. I average about 45 MPG and be able to drive about 450 miles per tank. Great for commuting. Being able to use the steering wheel to control the A/C and radio is a uge bonus. There are only 2 things that I do not like. One is the power, a little harsh on steep hills and the other will be the stereo. The speakers arent that very good on the base model. Well those are just my small complaints. I hope all of you enjoy the car as much as I do. Be careful in parking lots since pedestrians cannot hear you

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  Great Mid-Sized SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Loving - June 21 - 10:26 pm

  Wow, what an outstanding SUV. We were looking at getting the RAV4 and decided to test drive the Highlander. We purchased one shortly afterward. Very nice turning radius. The engine has significant power for only being a V-6. The interior of the Limited is very nice. Very comfortable, lacking in leg support for the long trips though. For an SUV the fuel economy is outstanding at around 21-23 MPG average. We have put over 1500 mi on it in 3 wks and every trip is a blast. Definitely recommend the Sandy Beige color.

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  Camry sport - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jquearry - June 21 - 6:22 pm

  Great car

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By CB - June 21 - 5:40 pm

  The best full efficient, environmentally friendly car on the market. Driving experience is wonderful, even driving in snow is no problem with this car, except ground clearance. A real good set of winter tires and it goes where my SUV used to.

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  Little Hauler/Commuter - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert C - June 21 - 8:43 am

  First Toyota truck Ive owned. Ive owned a Frontier and a Ranger in the past. The Tacoma is a little better than the Frontier and a lot better than the Ranger, if you can get over the price difference. My Access Cab 4 cyl. is good on gas, but is underpowered even with a manual trans. First gear seems to be geared too low and hard to find at times when rolling at lower speeds. The exterior design is OK, with the stock wheels and tires too small for the well area The interior is nicely laid out with plenty of leg room for tall drivers. The radio is a little weak and the access cab area seating is too straight up for a comfortable ride. Overall, quality is good, just needs more 4cyl power.

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  Hate this minivan. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Davis - June 21 - 7:00 am

  Bought this van new in 2008 and have treated it well. Initially liked it well enough, though lack of flat area on center console was very annoying. However, even from the beginning, poor craftsmanship/materials were evident. Things started breaking within a year. Pieces of trim coming unglued and hanging off, buttons breaking, etc. - those little things that drive you nuts. I had to replace the factory standard tires and battery far sooner than I should have. Cabin noise has also increased significantly since purchase. For the past 5 years I have had a gurgling behind the steering column that no mechanic has ever been able to identify, including Toyota dealership. Van has begun to shimmy and vibrate over 50 mph, which no mechanic has been able to fix. But more concerning is the handling in all weather that is the least bit damp. Despite trying various types of tires, and driving well within the speed dictated by road conditions, the van has significant issues with lack of traction and hydroplaning. Even pulling out at a light on slightly damp roads can cause the wheels to slip. If wet weather is bad, snow is even worse. I have gotten to the point that I just dont drive the vehicle in inclement weather. The only reason I have kept the van is that I only see myself needing a van for another couple years. Once the kids are out of college you no longer need that size vehicle. So I park it on my driveway and use it only when my Honda CRV just isnt big enough.

• 

  Hate this minivan. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Davis - June 21 - 7:00 am

  Bought this van new in 2008 and have treated it well. Initially liked it well enough, though lack of flat area on center console was very annoying. However, even from the beginning, poor craftsmanship/materials were evident. Things started breaking within a year. Pieces of trim coming unglued and hanging off, buttons breaking, etc. - those little things that drive you nuts. I had to replace the factory standard tires and battery far sooner than I should have. Cabin noise has also increased significantly since purchase. For the past 5 years I have had a gurgling behind the steering column that no mechanic has ever been able to identify, including Toyota dealership. Van has begun to shimmy and vibrate over 50 mph, which no mechanic has been able to fix. But more concerning is the handling in all weather that is the least bit damp. Despite trying various types of tires, and driving well within the speed dictated by road conditions, the van has significant issues with lack of traction and hydroplaning. Even pulling out at a light on slightly damp roads can cause the wheels to slip. If wet weather is bad, snow is even worse. I have gotten to the point that I just dont drive the vehicle in inclement weather. The only reason I have kept the van is that I only see myself needing a van for another couple years. Once the kids are out of college you no longer need that size vehicle. So I park it on my driveway and use it only when my Honda CRV just isnt big enough.