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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  Knock, Knock, Knocking on... - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By CS - March 11 - 10:40 pm

  We enjoy the styling and features of this van and it handling. The safety features were a big selling point as well: vehicle stability control, traction control and side curtain air bags. All the glory of the safety ratings and features fade away with the knocking we hear from the engine on cold start up during acceleration between 1500 and 2000rpm. This noisy diesel sound diminishes after the vehicle is completely warms. The dealer said there was nothing wrong with the engine just normal lifter noise to be expected with a vehicle of this mileage. EXCUSE ME!!! Well folks there you have it 47,000 miles is the new high mileage bench mark for Toyota.

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  Got what was paid for - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jay - March 11 - 5:07 am

  Have read many reviews about this SUV. Now Im happy of being its owner. I was going to wait for 2017 n ew model, but changed my mind and bought 2016 one instead, because Ive heard Toyota is going to put 8-speed on 2017 model. Dond have confidence on >6 speed transmission. MSRP of my Platinum was $46333, paid $43112 (Edmunds special) + tax/license, not a bad deal. Among all the Japanese cars, I prefer Toyota & Lexus. I am quite happy with this HL. It serves the purpose I want and well. Out from all the goodies, three things that did not get on my "like-list". (1) Gas mileage is average 18 mpg, lower than what Mr. Toyota said. (2) The two side mirrors are toooo bulky ! They block a lot of front & side views. Drivers dont need to see the whole world from these mirrors, Mr. Toyota! (3)When I step on gas paddle, even when slightly, the engine tends to make loud noise(shouting). Funny thing is, when driving on a fast-speed freeway, engine noise is the only one I could hear. Toyota forgot to keep its family quiet while having got its neighbors silent well.

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  Love the Prius But... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pbonem - March 10 - 4:06 am

  Love the car for all the reasons everyone else loves the car. Always considered it one of my best purchases of any product ever. Never had a complaint until today and, now, Im think of selling the car. I park in a smallish garage with the hood of the car under a storage shelf; I cant open the hood without backing the car a few feet. And, two nights ago, I left the drivers door ajar, draining the 12 volt battery. Thats the 12 volt battery in the far left rear of the car, accessible ONLY via the rear hatchback door that DOES NOT OPEN WITHOUT ELECTRICTY. The solution recommended in the owners manual is to crawl into the back and start disassembling the car from the inside.

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  Good reliable lightweight hauler - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alex - March 9 - 11:40 pm

  My 92 truck was maintenance free for 175,000 miles except for a radiator replacement. My 06 is nice to drive and has so far been reliable with 30,000 miles on it. I have had problems with my clutch squeaking, not a maintenance issue, but horribly annoying all the same. I will be taking it in again for another clutch repair. It is still under warranty. The annoying part is that I will have to deal with this again in the future when it is not under warranty. The 4 cylinder manual is peppy and responsive. I like the good gas mileage for a truck this size. Watch out for the sliding rear window. I accidentally broke mine and it was going to cost over $800 to replace, a major Toyota ripoff. Mine now has plexiglass, a total repair cost of $15.

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  Excellent Car for Short People - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Calliey - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Toyota Camry. Ive had a 96 Camry & 99 Camry; bought all brand new. The 2003 model year is my least favorite. They have downsized it too much. If this was the first time I had bought a Camry, it wouldve been my last. Its so uncomfortable because the bottom of the seats are too short; not enough support. If you are 53 or shorter then you will like this car. I was told it was 3 inches larger than the other models. It seems much smaller to me.

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  Great comfort - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By gglenno - March 7 - 9:27 am

  I cant for the life of me figure out why others are finding the seating comfort of their Rav4s unbearable. My wife and I recently traveled over 2000 miles to Colorado and back in our nearly new 2012 model... this Rav4 is one of the most comfortable vehicles we have owned. Seating positions are great! Ride comfort is very good. Little to no fatigue for either of us. Gas mileage in the heavy winds of South Dakota suffered, but the trip home found much better mpgs. This is a very nice vehicle.

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  great car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By peter - March 7 - 12:40 am

  250.000 miles and counting, what else can i say

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  Reliability in Question - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dom - March 6 - 9:50 am

  My wife is now driving her 2nd Corolla (06 LE) and both cars have proven very reliable. I switched over from my other brand and purchased a 09 for that specific reason. Right now I have my doubts. With only 5600 miles I have had 1) the radio unit replaced as the LCD panel display hung up with unreadable characters, and 2) the vehicle failed to start due to a faulty fuel pump. The car has met all my other expectations (great mileage) but any more issues like this will make me re-consider whether this model is the right one for me.

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  Whats up with the tranny?? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Buyer Beware - March 5 - 8:36 am

  we bought the 2007 Camry for the fuel economy. I was hoping to get 32 mpg but it runs around 25-29 mpg. Anyway the biggest drawback to the car is that you can not use the cruise control in any small hill. This car will rev up to 5500 in a second and it almost drives me crazy. Oh and the brights dont turn off anymore on mine. So much for toyota.

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  Corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Jynxie - March 5 - 6:43 am

  Perfect for first time buyers and those who want a car that will get them from point A to point B. One flaw, hopelessly boring. If you like your car to have some sort of personality (I know I do) this is not the car to buy.