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:

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By john - November 14 - 9:36 pm

  Over 40,000 miles without a single repair. The V6 with 260+ HP really moves. A wolf in sheeps clothing.

• 

  Love my Cammie the Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - November 14 - 8:53 pm

  A lot of people I know own these so I decided to buy one. My lady friend owns a 2008 Camry XLE V6. Hers is black, and mine is silver. What is not to like about this car? I just love it to death! I plan on keeping it for a good long time. Me and my lady friend are both senior citizens. I definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a midsize family sedan that is great for anyone of any age. They make great first cars, great second cars, and great family cars.

• 

  Beware of Transmission Problems - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Unhappy Camper - November 14 - 8:20 pm

  I am the original owner of this vehicle. I bought it because of Toyotas excellent reputation. At 87k miles I started having transmission problems. My car would rev up between gears and felt like it was slipping. At times it would hesitate and go into gears hard. I took it to Toyota and they knew right away what the problem was. They said that it was the ECU/ECM. Its the computer that tells the transmission when to shift. It was a very bad design and Toyota no longer has it in their newer models. The cost for a new computer is over $1500 with no guarantee it will even fix the problem. A new trans is over 3k so all together I could have $4500 in this vehicle. Not a happy camper...

• 

  Disappointing compared to our 2008 - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By John Yates - November 14 - 1:00 pm

  We drove a brand new 2017 (only 27 miles when we drove off the lot) as a loaner while our 2008 Sienna was serviced and I was curious to see what I would think of it given our current van is getting a bit long in the tooth. On the whole it was very disappointing. The engine felt really weak- my wife compared it the 1988 Corolla she drove in college- versus our surprisingly quick 2008 Sienna. Fuel economy was worse as well at less than 19mpg compared to about 21mpg with our current Sienna. The interior felt like a major downgrade with thin, cheap plastic surfaces. We also missed a lot of nooks and crannies- like covered storage in the door armrests. The seats were considerably less supportive and comfortable than what we are used to. On the whole I think we will stay with our 2008 Sienna for a few more years.

• 

  First time - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By de31999 - November 14 - 9:20 am

  I have only 2,000 miles on the vehicle but it performs as expected, secure, 34 mpg and a comfortable fit for 62" guy. The cruise control across the mountains of West Virginia is a little rough but expected. Id recommend this car to everyone. Got the S model as a compromise with the wife.

• 

  Great CUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ClevelandKid - November 14 - 3:16 am

  Had driven a 2001 Highlander for the past 7 yrs and couldnt wait for the new Highlander. I havent been disappointed. What a super vehicle. Got all the bells and whistles except for remote start.

• 

  First Rav4; Fourth Toyota - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Loyal2Toyota - November 14 - 1:52 am

  Ive owned a 2000 Sienna, 2008 Prius, 2014 Prius and nor the Hybrid Rav4. Love its ability to handle snow and slush! Surprisingly, each newer Prius has had a more cramped interior with less storage than the preceding ones! Not sure why Toyota is squeezing the storage compartments out of its cars. Blind-spot and behind-the-car visibility gets worse year after year. And the styling seems to get more angular and funky year after year. So those are the things I wish Toyota management and design teams would address. On the positive side, the automatic braking assist has already helped in traffic! Thank you Toyota. And I love my dealers service team. Dependable, honest and concerned service staff has kept me a loyal Toyota customer more than the cars style, sticker price, or mileage stats. And I am so glad that Toyota is truly committed to hybrid technology. I think they do it best!

• 

  Great Truck no perfect 2005 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By kimon101 - November 13 - 9:51 pm

  At 80,000 miles after towing a car on a dolly 1500 miles one universal joint went out. Replaced all 3. Replaced one wheel barring (so far). Cab fan motor went out, replaced, then fan motor connector failed due to heat. Replaced connector with GM part, exactly the same only less expensive. Rear leaf springs are weak, not much weight in bed and spring bumpers are almost on the axle. In cab navigation and temp indicator failed. Poor factory solder job on components, I re soldered and is still working fine. Mesh style seat material stains easily and is hard to clean. At 148K still looking good.

• 

  2008 Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By SRJ - November 13 - 7:40 pm

  Lots of power and much more room than the Tahoe. Ride is very good for a "truck". A little too much plastic for a $50K car.

• 

  Finally, a truck I love - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe - November 13 - 1:10 pm

  Picked up the 4x2 doublecab with TRD#2 package, and I cant say enough good things about it. The ride is very smooth, and bears little resemblance to the ride on the 04 models. Responsiveness is very good, and handles like a dream. Most use will be on freeways in town, with the occasional foray onto forest roads or across the family farm to hunt.