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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  Great for the whole family - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By TucsonMom - October 30 - 7:03 am

  I am a long time owner of Toyota vehicles so I didn’t need to be sold on the quality. Plus, Toyotas hold their value so you don’t lose much buying new. I just wanted to make an educated decision. I researched this van for over a month. I found the “real owner” reviews to be great. This van came highly recommended. Most importantly this van has great safety features for your family. My whole family is safe in this van. I love the way it drives. You feel like you’re gliding around in traffic. I can carry 8 people around with the a/c full blast and I still have excellent power.

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  Im loving it! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Steven M - October 30 - 7:00 am

  This is a car for anyone who wants a good dose of comfort, economy, and performance. The I4 moves it with authority. The amenities and quality are impressive. Reliability is an unknown for me as this is my first Toyota, but Toyota has a reputation for reliability.

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  Super Fun Big Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Holly - October 30 - 6:10 am

  I wanted a new car with great fuel economy and a 1980s-era price tag. My bright red 2-door liftback automatic is an adorable head-turner that more than doubled my previous MPG. It sits a little higher off the ground so getting in and out is easy, and the front seat area is remarkably spacious. It feels "big" on the inside. For the price I expected a "less substantial" car, but was surprised at its grippy feel of the road and responsive handling on curves. A $20 cable from Circuit City allowed me to stream my iPod through the radio. Passenger-side airbag sensor activates the airbag based on weight. Overall a thoughtful design and intelligent vehicle at a realistic price.

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  So Far, So Good! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jbm425 - October 30 - 5:17 am

  I bought a Toyota Certified 2007 Camry LE in 2010. I wanted economy in a more roomy package, and reliability. I took advantage of the controversy with all the recalls that year and got my car for a couple thousand less than it would have otherwise sold for without it. I also bought the extended warranty for peace of mind, and I get the oil changed and general service every 5K. So far, the car has been a champ. It may be a bit on the "vanilla" side from a performance and styling standpoint, but its lived up to the Toyota reputation for quality. The only problem Ive encountered are occasional hiccups with the Bluetooth, but not frequent enough to require service.

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  Overall a good Camry. Still need improvment - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By ChadShephard - October 30 - 1:29 am

  Well, its a Camry. Most of the charateristic are the same. I really want to focus on suggestion and improvement.... 1. Road noise a major issue. Some wind and engine noise as well. Need better sound damping. 2. Interior layout seem outdated. The shift handle should be move way from center 3. Ugly front grill. Dont know what they were thinking with the grill. 4. Did I mention ugly front grill. Any suggestion on what I can do to hide the lower part of the grill would be appreciated.

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  Love my Camry! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Dixie - October 30 - 12:51 am

  Why would anyone still be driving a 12 yr old car? Comfort ( I am in my 70s), trunk size and mpg( think road trips with 3 other quilters ), reliability, etc., etc......

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  evaluating our Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ann Talbot - October 29 - 9:50 pm

  There is a ratle in the dash but that is the only complaint.Mileage is 30 % less than advertised but 42 mpg is fine. I sorly miss instruments like tachometer compass temperature.The exterior is alarmingly velnerable to dings due to the lack of any "bump- strips". The ovehead sunglass tray looks and feels cheap. The upolstry does not look or feel in the same class as our old 1990 626. Im glad it says Toyota on it. Time will tell if it was a good idea.

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  Great Truck!!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By CharlieX - October 29 - 5:33 pm

  Got the SR5 package. Only a couple days old, but this is a great great great vehicle. Drives great, wonderful design elements, and Toyota reliability. Compared to my girlfriends 2006 Lexus IS250 - the Tacoma drives like the truck version: nimble and comfortable with a lift and bouncier shocks. Comfortable in heavy street and freeway traffic in LA. Everything feels solid and well put together. And something like 9 cup holders!

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  SATISFIED....... - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Dennis McGarry - October 29 - 3:13 am

  Very satisfied with my 2017 Limited Highlander. Like it better than all other SUVS.Good ooks nice ride.

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  vibration in gear - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Rollings - October 29 - 1:12 am

  When i bought the car thier was no vibration at all with the car in gear at a stop with the a/c on or off. At 11,000 miles like flicking on a switch. out of no where the vibration started. I know this because it was actually bothering my stomach. I brought in and at first i got the run around, told me it was the nature of the model. Then i insisted they find the problem. I spoke with the mechanic personally and he said he cleaned the throttle body, injectors and realigned the motor and wishbone. Seems to be better but not gone. Very earitating with a/c on. I suggested to the mechanic could it be a faulty a/c compressor clutch or something. He said that couldnt be it. I tried to gently powerbrake it just enough to bring it up about 50 RPM. Flelt much better. Im thinking the computer my not be bringing the rpms up high enough at idle. Anybody else out there with these same issues?