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:

• 

  06 Tacoma, three years in. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chuck W - February 24 - 10:43 am

  Bought my 2006 Black, 4WD, Short-bed TRD, used in June of 2007. It had 20K miles on it, and it is sitting at just over 60K miles now (April 2010). Wanted a smaller truck that was 4WD with four doors and I was willing to sacrifice power, fun, and space. So far, the space is the only sacrifice. The bed is pretty small when hauling things, but I knew that going into the deal. For the trucks size and weight, the power is outstanding. I pulled a Chevy 1500 out of a ditch with ease of course, I was still on asphalt and had good traction. Regardless, this was my first Toyota truck and I will own it until the wheels fall off! Great little truck, and still get compliments all the time.

• 

  just love it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By skey - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 2000 Solar to a 2004 4Runner, so there was a period of adjustment. After having the 4Runner for 9 months, I can say it is just great. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a mid-sized SUV. And I paid exactly what I expected to pay for it (no hidden costs at all).

• 

  Things i dont like about this car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By bradsterL - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Great little car but expensvie like $16,500 with tax. Love the grey two tone dash interior. Automatic could be the best ever and engine magic. Toyota suspension plain suck and should be reworked including the TACOMA. Engine light has come on both vehicles could be bad gas. After driving my 85bmw 325 its well not as good as that 80s car lol.

• 

  2003 SR5 Toyota 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By D&N 4Runner - February 23 - 8:26 am

  I bought this used in 2007 with 57,000 miles. It currently has 82,000 miles. I have had to replace the blower motor and AC relay ($500+). Also, there is a sulfur smell that happens when the rear window is down and also comes through the vents when driving. Toyotas answer is change the gas to a better grade, WHICH does not help. I bought the vehicle for its reliability factor and now looking at taking a loss and trading it in. Toyota should step up and fix this issue ASAP.

• 

  Prius, a practicle, inteligent direction - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Graham Fowler - February 22 - 1:53 am

  Review based on one year of daily use, combined city and highway driving in both summer and winter. Positive: Great economy, comfortable, promotes conservative driving style. Well designed interior that optimizes room, comfort and ergonomics, offers excellent forward & lateral visibility. Excellent fit and finish. When pushed to the limit it behaves predictably. Negative: Too sensitive to cross winds at highway speeds, poor visibility when reversing (would benefit from active sonar). Spartan interior could offer sun roof & memory power seats etc. Over-boosted brakes and steering resulting in little driver feedback (probably a positive for average North American driver).

• 

  4x2 Double Cab PreRunner V6 (5 Speed Automatic) - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By ginflorida - February 21 - 11:33 pm

  Ive been driving BMWs for quite a awhile but my wife and I entered the home renovation phase that required multiple trips to Lowes/HomeDepot and similar stores. The day I had to pay a guy with a truck $20 to assist me with delivering some drywall was the day I knew we needed a truck in our household. Not a BMW but for a mid-size truck, comfortable and agile enough to move around town without mowing everyone down. I purchased a special demo version that contains almost every accessory available and its a sharp looking vehicle. My wife, kids and even the dogs seem to enjoy it. I feel good that I dont have to worry tearing up $60K plus vehicles while renovating our home.

• 

  Grear Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By DG - February 21 - 7:46 pm

  Bought my Highlander as certified used with 17k in 2003. Great reliability. Highly recommend if looking for dependable transportation with limited servicing. Would buy another.

• 

  In love after all these years. - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By shasta4 - February 21 - 2:48 pm

  135K miles. Bought 8/04. Most options, 3rd row. V6, 3.3, AWD. Ive had big 3, BMW (3), Volvo (2), Jag V12 sedan, Audi and this is the best of them all in terms of overall satisfaction. I can find small design grips like the vague sunroof switch, tight 3 row seat, but very little problems and outstanding reliability. Orig. Bridgestones 50K. Rear brakes 60K. Front brakes 130K ! All lamps except highs original. High beams 120K. Tow a 2,000 lb travel trailer cross 3,000 miles averaging 20.5mpg. Mileage town 18, highway 23. No leaks, amazing tranny, great power, tows trailer beautifully (after easy lift). One problem. At 50K rear bushing worn. Probably do to trailer towing.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By kennyrod - February 21 - 7:13 am

  Not sure where all the negative comments are coming from. I find this to be a wonderful car. Many people have mentioned a hesitation in the transmission; I havent seen it. Perhaps since I bought late in the model year, it was corrected. Good energy from the 4 cylinder. Very comfortable, quiet interior. Would suggest control of the dash lights. I love the display, but the light from the radio can be distracting. Some have mentioned disappointing build quality. Dont see it at all. Traded in a Mazda3 S for this and Im fine with the decision.

• 

  Very useful - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By pcoyote - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Very useful for a family with small children. Almost a 2nd home.