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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  This vehicle saved my familys life! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lowe - September 6 - 3:00 am

  We were driving home from a ski vacation in Whistler, BC when a group of young snowboarders going too fast, lost control of their truck and crossed the center line, hitting us head on at over 50 miles per hour. We rolled and all 6 airbags deployed. It was a 2008 Sequoia... And it saved our lives! Yes, we already thought it was the best vehicle we had ever owned because it was comfortable, powerful, looked great and we could even fit a twin matters in the back for road trips. It wasnt a until I pulled my precious children from this crushed vehicle that I thanked God that I made the choice to buy it. Ive since been told there are no know fatalities in the Sequoia.. I dont know if thats a fact or not... But I know for sure that we are not fatalities because of our Sequoia. Honestly, I didnt know it had a built-in roll bar or 6 airbags or such a good safety rating before this crash. I just knew it was comfortable, could tow the boat and fit the kids and all their friends. Now I know... And want everyone else to know too. Just thought I would share this if your are considering buying a Sequoia.

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  Sexy car - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Keena - September 5 - 6:18 pm

  You have several choices and packages for the 2018 Camry. I had a 06 previously. After seeing the re-designed 2018s. I knew I had to have one. The Rav 4 was up for the running. But my SE is soo sleek and sexy, I got it off the show room floor. I wanted a sunroof but didnt want the price. But this one works good for my needs. It sits low kinda between a sedan and a sports car. Acceleration is great it has S for the sports mode gearshift. Audio is great, also lane assist, auto high beam lights. I love my new car.

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  I am sooo glad I bought this car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By joe540ci - September 5 - 2:50 pm

  This car is so nice and fun to own that It seems to make non-hybrid cars obsolete. The fuel mileage gauge makes driving a very fun and challenging game. The car is smooth and driver friendly. I love it.

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  Slightly disappointed - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By jds2805 - September 5 - 2:22 pm

  Perhaps I got a dud but I was disappointed. I kept up all maintanence. But at 194k miles the transmission went out, shocks went out, gasket blew and alternator died. 194k miles for a Toyota is to soon for transmission and engine problems. Especially since the early 90s models are going 250k+ miles with no problems. It did get great gas mileage and maintanence was cheap. Id still take Toyota over Ford or Dodge any day.

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  danger k frame rustout - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By larrr - September 5 - 1:50 am

  Danger front k-frame rust out can cause fatal accidents. Toyota and NHTSA know about this but they dont care. check before you buy check it if you own it repair about $1.5-2k more things to fix on this car 125k mi. than my old Dodge Caravan 173k mi. never trust Toyota again

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  Loving it so far - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By mbillo - September 5 - 12:04 am

  After the eternal debate between the Ody & Sienna, we finally settled on the Sienna XLE FWD with Navi. Loving it so far. Took a couple of 100+ mile trips and the family loves the spaciousness. Mileage has creeped up from 13.x to 18.x (in approx 500miles). Interior is OK and could do with a few value based additions like mood lighting.

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  High Quality, High Performance Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By GregS96 - September 4 - 7:56 pm

  Leased this vehicle in Nov, 2007. 4,800 miles as of Feb, 2008. Former owner of a 2005 Dodge Ram Powerwagon. The Tundra Limited equipped with the off road package and navigation system is far superior in every respect, except dedicated offroading (no stock truck beats the Powerwagon for that). The Tundra is a large vehicle, but the parking sonar, rear view camera and outstanding turning radius makes it relatively easy to park and maneuver. Road manners are outstanding with performance car-like acceleration and passing capability. Back seat leg room is the best in its class. If it wasnt for its truck-like gas mileage (14.5 mpg average so far), it could easily pass for a daily driver.

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  05 4runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - September 4 - 7:33 pm

  Great car, almost as fun to drive as the BMW 540 I had before this car. Very reliable, handles well, plenty of power out of the V6. 5 speed automatic transmission really sets this car apart.

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  Unreliable & Expensive to Fix - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By roadway1 - September 4 - 7:23 pm

  Everything brakes on a regular basis. Expensive to fix. Started falling apart at 115,000 miles. Avoid Toyota Camry. Too many problems to list. Easier to say almost nothing functions properly. I can say the floor mats are still working correctly, but that is about it.

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  They Crippled Entune 3.0 radio/infomation system. - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By JRH - September 4 - 7:10 pm

  They Crippled Entune 3.0 radio/infomation system in the name of safety. All 3 audio system models have been crippled in more than one way or another. Really love this car except for the entune 3.0 suite. It has been stripped of features. Will not display music grace-note album pics except in park - now feature is worthless. Toyota salesman said it was broken. Could not believe it was now blocked while moving. They specifically restricted pic from phone book except when stopped or in park. It has restricted receipts of emails and text while the car is moving. Now you must spend more time poking on the screen. If you had previous Camrys then you miss these features instantly. Bad move on Toyotas part. See lots of complaints on different boards. Have bought 12 Toyotas in the past 15 years. Now looking at Honda Accord. Toyota is trying to hide this info in its literature and responses to complaints with vague phrases like “some feature are restricted while vehicle is in motion”. The manuals is hard to read so it is hard to find where it states what will actually be “restricted.”