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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  Direct Compare 2017 and 2007 models - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jack Cloxet - January 29 - 9:03 pm

  I currently own a 2007 Tacoma TRD Off Road that has 100K miles on it and have been delighted all the way around with this truck . My wife was always in it so I gave it to her and got myself an identical 2017 model without much thought..... thinking they could only get better after 10 years. Well, was I wrong. The 3.5L Atkinson V6 engine paired with the 6 speed automatic is disappointing. Between the sluggish performance, the constant gear shifting and the incredibly loud engine/exhaust system noise under load, I cant wait till my lease is up. And it is LOUD under load. My wife and I have a modest 20 foot travel trailer and have done identical trips to the same campground with both vehicles and the difference is remarkable. Although the 3.5L is rated to tow more than the old 4.0L, it responds horribly compared to the 4.0L. Even when utilizing the the 3.5L ECT PWR option while towing , there was still incessant gear hunting and a deafening howl from the engine and exhaust as it frequently ramped up to 4200 RPMs on slight inclines. Gas mileage was much worse as well while towing as the 3.5L came in at 9.4 MPG and the 4.0L measured in at 14.2 MPG. As far as some of the other odds and ends, I found myself using the GPS on my phone as it is far superior to the one in the truck, many of the new controls for some of the new technology is not intuitively placed and depending on what screen youre on you get the speed youre traveling in three different places and the time is nowhere to be found. Weird. On the upside, the truck handles and brakes well, but so does the 2007. All in all, its not such a bad daily driver but we use the 2007 to tow the trailer as the experience is far superior. Ive also decided to keep and invest in the 2007 as I have a feeling we wont see anything new on the market like that for some time to come.

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  great truck!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By skylerlynn - January 29 - 2:22 pm

  My dad gave be the truck when I went to college in Virginia. Its been great! I drive there and home 4 times a year. Thats 1679 miles from Wyoming to VA!! 25 1/2 hours and its still running great! I love it. I also pull the horses, not to school but locally. I would definitely buy it again.

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  Good little car. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Stick Shift Driver - January 29 - 9:56 am

  When I turned 16 my parents bought a practical economy car so I could get to school and work. The car rides nice for an economy car, and it rides and sits higher than my Dads Honda Fit. The car is obviously not that fast, but it can swiftly accelerate when it needs to. I really like the center mounted gauges. The car doesnt really have much other than the power package, which I actually didnt want, but it was all the dealer had. The car has a lot of headroom for a tiny car, and the rear seats can fold down to make more cargo room. I originally wanted a truck, but I am happy with 42 on the highway, and Id recommend it to anyone who is looking to buy a practical commuting car.

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  beach car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By beach buggy - January 29 - 9:00 am

  This is a right hand drive driven in Australia. Ive driven the rav in the rain, on the beach, dirt roads and from short trips to over 6 hrs at any time. It will go just about anywhere with great comfort. It has more than enough room and power from the 4 cyl. I can get about 500k from a tank of petrol.

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  2005 Toyota Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By mark_texas_usa - January 28 - 2:10 pm

  I bought 2005 Matrix in July 2005. Battery failed after 20K miles, dealer replaced on warranty. Interior plastic features delaminating if grabbed by hands. Tires (terrible continental) replaced after 15K miles. Cruise control failed after 17K miles. Mileage is not meeting specs criteria? Vehicle garaged, currently Jan 09 24K miles. Summary: very poor quality vehicle. I had 1999 Ford F150 pick-up never a problem. In 10 yrs not even light bulb failed @150.

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  Im going to drive this into the ground - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian Hoeft - January 28 - 12:03 pm

  I would still purchase this car. The only complaint that I have ever heard of for this car is the road and engine noise. I only heard that comment about a year after I purchased it and didnt honestly notice it until then although now I do. A+ for breaking ability. B for acceleration. A+ for forard view. C for rear viewing ability.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Marty G. - January 28 - 10:00 am

  After first test drive would have bought the vehicle right then had the dealer had the color and features available on the lot. Rented one later for the weekend. Fun to drive. Mileage in mix of city and hiway driving around 43 MPG. Am waiting for the 2005 models to come out. Will be buying one.

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  Tundra Test - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Sid Smith - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have the basic model of truck. It is very reliable with no mechanical faults to this point.The only thing, which is minor would be the pop-up drink holder stopped working. This seem like a small thing until the Toyota dealership quoted me $170.00 for the replacement part. Overall, I am delighted with the Tundra full size truck. The comfort level over my Nissan truck (the Frontier) is Night and Day.The cupholder upsets me because I am spoiled by the quality and reliablity of my Toyota truck.I would buy another Toyota truck if that time ever comes.Thats just the way it is. Best Regards, Sid Smith

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  Our first Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob & Kate - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Although this is a big vehicle it is easy to drive. The turning radius is excellent.

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  Totally Satisfied - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Trust Me - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Toyota,s since l984 and have found them to be superior cars. I would not own ant other brand.