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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  Was looking for a SUV that tows - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Robert - June 25 - 7:00 pm

  Needed something larger and wanted to be able to tow about 7000 lbs. This looked to be the right mix, but we had concern over first year and whether it was all it appeared on paper. Was looking at either an Expedition, Armada, or the new Sequoia. The Seq rear axle is all new and very capable but new design for Toy and a little concerning, so I hope for the best there. But we think we made the right choice. Power is very smooth and ample for this huge SUV. It is wider then a Suburban. Drives sturdy and handles very well. Brakes stop very well. Very quiet engine compared to the other SUVs in class.

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  "The Under Dog" 4.6 is a great truck - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - June 25 - 4:27 am

  I bought 4.6 double sr5 4x4 almost 2 years ago. Overall performance of the 4.6 is great for myself as I dont do a lot of pulling. I use the truck for lumber,hunting,sports activities for my children, its my everyday driver. Currently have 34,000 miles on the truck. No issues with anything as it shouldnt for its age. Over all impression, great value paid around 32k for it new, didnt think I could touch a Toyota at that. Checked out 2017 they range around 34k. Thats a reasonable price as far as Im concerned. Like the review camera. Like the over size touch screen for the radio. Love the front center fold down console/seat. If you ever need to haul a six person. Gas mileage in the summer if you drive it around 65 to 70 mph youll get 18-19 mpg. Winter same speed around 16-17 mpg depending on how cold it is. Only thing I dont like is the cheap looking gray steel wheels and the bed of the truck seems a little light weight. Had it out in some snow and ice didnt miss a beat. Like that the truck comes with some really good Michelin tires. The engine warms up quick in the winter cause its aluminum so thats a plus. Toyota care two yr , 25k mile free maintenance great. Like the truck has 10k oil changes less time and money later out of my pocket. Like that I have storage compartment under the back seat, lots of space under there. Over a great truck for me

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  Love the car, but... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ram Rangaswamy - June 25 - 4:03 am

  This car is nearly perfect when compared to other cars in this class regarding interior dimensions, visibility, exterior styling, etc. The SE V6 specifically has a great balance of power, smooth ride, and is exceptionally quiet even on rough roads. However I have had nearly 25 problems with the car in the short time since I have purchased my car. Unlike the common concerns with the transmission, all of my concerns/problems are with everything other than the drivetrain. Several parts in the interior rattle including the sunroof and some parts of the dash, the radio randomly will eject CDs, etc. Too many to list! Toyota did a great job with design but forgot about quality!

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  Fit and Finish and Tires - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By estrauss11 - June 25 - 1:40 am

  Love the Sienna Minivan, but Toyotas fit and finish stinks. Three days after buying the minivan the 6 disc cd changer failed, had to wait a month for a new one. Next was the front driver and passenger door panels get stuck on the door sill and pop off. The rear power outlet, fell out of the side panel, and does not reset in the hole. None of the dash board pieces fit evenly, too many big gaps. Last is the Michelin tires seem to wear fast, but that might be due to wheel spin.

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  Good long trip SUV - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Leo J. T. - June 24 - 11:55 pm

  The Rav4 limited is a rare compact in that it is comfortable for long drives, both front and rear. Braking is about average as is the shift of the transmission. Road noise is average and some holes in the road were felt with the 18 inch tires. Emergency handling is great as I unfortunately had the experience of finding out. A truck pulled out in front of me, I was at about 55mph and the swerve I took to avoid the crash was quite radical and the Rav 4 held the road and felt as if it was in control. The EPA estimates of 23 city and 30 highway were just about accurate, however in steady highway driving my mpg was holding at about 35. The technology takes some time to master especially the navigation system, it is confusing at times, too many options, and when vehicle is in motion many options are grayed out and are unusable. My wife could not enter a point of interest where we wanted to stop on the way without pulling over to a complete stop. Toyota dropped the ball on this system and I would recommend not wasting your money and buying an aftermarket hand held unit such as a Garmin instead. The load floor in the rear is low making it easy to load heavy items and the cargo area is huge for a compact. If not for the navigation and some road noise, I would have given this vehicle a full 5 stars. The price I paid was $29,716 plus a $995 dealer fee.Try negotiating the dealer fee and even eliminating it at some dealerships

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  I got what I expected - a GOOD thing - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - June 24 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned the vehicle for a month. I have been averaging 47 MPG in winter driving. It has started in the morning with no problem even at 20 below F. I switched to winter tires, all seasons are iffy but the car does very well with winter tires. Im 64 and its a little snug, I keep hitting the CVT stick with my knee when I get in the car! The seats are not so comfortable but its fine for the kind of driving I do. Handling is secure and not very exciting. The wind throws the car around on the highway. Dont expect the thrill of a life when you drive it.. its a boring ride but gets you where you want to go without worries and pretty inexpensively.

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  4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rachelle - June 24 - 1:00 pm

  Overall, this is a great vehicle. Powerful, reliable, dependable, and is the perfect size. I am a volunteer firefighter and was looking for something bigger to fit my gear, plus have enough room for other things. This was the perfect fit.

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  Almost a tough off-road truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Southern Ranch Truck - June 23 - 3:50 am

  Bought this hoping to find a rugged, reliable truck that could handle hardcore ranch work - in 4WD most of the time, pulling trailers, hauling a full bed load, running off-road - and the results have been mixed (but better than my previous Silverado and F-250 and my current Dodge Ram 2500). Cant complain about the HP, torque and towing - best Ive owned. Have begun to experience reliability problems - not very Toyota-like. Biggest complaint is that the off-road/4WD features are more for show than for utility. Ive replaced skid plat twice, bent the hitch, tow hooks are inconvenient, plastic dam gets in the way. If theyd offer a true tough work truck theyd capture the market.

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  Total Satisfaction - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mstrongin - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Got it for my wife in 2001 and she loved it but wanted a new car with NAV and DVD. Was happy to get her a new 04 Acura MDX since I took over the Landcruiser. Great on long trips, in bad weather and everyday driving. Steady performer that can be driven all day comfortably. Only problem in 48K miles is replacement of rearview mirror. Love the truck

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  Solid with Minor Hhiccups - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By 130guy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Having owned it for close to 4.5 years, I am satisfied regardless of high price. Have had repeated skipping with the CD player but Toyota replaced it no questions asked. Ive also had to bring it in twice to correct a design flaw that led to a blown rear heater line leaking fluid. One problem is the captains seat in center row have seatbelts that lock WAY too easy. Gas mileage has been less than I had hoped for, but the ride is smooth as ever and I love the ability to remove each seat individually, as well as hand controls on wheel for radio. I would say that Im not 100% thrilled but am blinded by the ever-slick tranny and solid construction.