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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  Hard to beat Toyota longevity and resale value! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Redman - September 3 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased my 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4wd new and only have two complaints. First the brakes are grabby sometimes at start up during cold weather. I plan on upgrading the brakes with quality drilled and slotted rotors with premium brake pads soon. Second when in 4wd low there is an alarm that goes off the entire time you have 4wd low selected. Very annoying! The truck is very off road capable and in my opinion the off road version rates up there with the Jeep Rubicon! I really love this truck and get a lot of compliments on it. My wife has a 2016 Limited 4runner and the brakes are perfect on it so Toyota has improved them. We have owned several makes and models and have had the best service with Toyota brands! The last four Toyota vehicles we have owned and sold over the years we made money on or got what we paid for them minus basic maintenance costs. We take very good care of our vehicles and have not had any trouble selling our previous used Toyotas! We live in a mountainous area and all the bear hunters use Toyota Tacoma 4wd trucks due to their bullet proof reliability and go any where abilities even with 300k miles on them! Take care of them and they will last! If I could have only one truck it would be a Toyota with out a doubt! We work hard for our money and want a trouble free vehicle that is still worth something in ten years. Toyota has proven to us to be reliable trouble free vehicles especially the Tacomas and 4Runners!

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  Its all good - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Big Paulie - September 3 - 10:43 pm

  I have 35k on the car and not a problem. It rides great and handles pretty good. Even did well in an accident.

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  Third Toyota Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By E.A.H. - September 3 - 9:36 pm

  This is my third Toyota truck and fifth Toyota. This is by far my favorite of all of them! The CrewMax is absolutely huge for the whole family. The back seat dwarfs my daughters car seat and I, at 66", can sit in the back seat with extra leg room. I have the moon roof and dont seem to have any issues with headroom. The truck is big and strong. The body panels dont seem to be as solid as my 4Runner or Tacoma I sold, but it probably is because of its sheer size. The 5.7L motor is the strongest engine I have ever driven in a gasoline truck. I think Toyota is finally able to compete with the full size domestic trucks. Absolutely elated!

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  New 2006 is awful!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By alicat2441 - September 3 - 8:36 pm

  I previously had a 1997 Toyota Rav4 that was much superior to this piece of junk. The 2006 model is cheap and nasty. The metallic covered pieces in the interior are already scuffed and scratched and have to be touched up or repainted. The AC knob has been pushed through the console and needs to fixed. I have dogs and the inside is already showing scratch marks on the inside door panels. Never had any of these problems with the 1997 Rav4 and wish I could have my old car back. The 2006 is not made for any off roading of hauling of objects, the inside is just too delicate. Another problem is that the 4 cylinder response lags. Want to get rid of this car ASAP.

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  2008 4runner 4wd - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By mabatista - September 3 - 4:48 pm

  Very reliable. have 55k. No problems. Mileage is not too good. about 16 in town(driving like a little old lady) . 20 on hy sometimes. However, ths is what it is supposed to get. Not very comfortable for me at 62" (legroom). My wife usually drives it and she is very comfortable. I am sure that it will last 200k easily.

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  Trust me, you need to take look... - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By steve - September 3 - 12:40 pm

  This is a superb package, loaded with value. The Limited Ed has very refined suspension, combined with the cars insulation, it makes for a very quiet and peaceful commute. The Limited ED is also dressed up a bit with 19 inch rims, chromes door handles, stain finish roof rails so looks good cleaned up for a nite out, but is equally adept at home depot and can tow 5000 lbs. Its one of the few trucks that is versatile enough to play both roles...and with the savings you can afford to buy a small sports car for top-down motoring.

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  Great look and performance for a buck - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Oswandi - September 3 - 11:49 am

  I get corolla LE plus sugar brown 2016,for 15777.20$ cash.include rebate.if financing with 5.64% on 17777.20$ the car great thoo. Look nice and sporty...leg room for rear seat great. If you have baby you can put car seat up front really great too and the clip work great.for first time even with 740 grade you will not get 0% apr.

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  Fun driving this powerful monster... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By AJ - September 3 - 9:23 am

  I am still driving this 07 RAV4 V6 2WD. Have no problems except the stereo needed to be replaced once due to manufacturing defect. This is a sweet buy for a 3.5L engine and its HP. I wish the braking system was a little better given the cars engine power, but not of big concern. I love it every time I jump in for a drive. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for power and reliability in affordable price. Agree, looks could have been made a little better, hope Toyota comes up with new looks for this powerful monster in future.

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  I REALLY LIKE THIS VEHICLE... - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By RL - September 3 - 7:16 am

  Its a great car... nothing bad to say about it... wish it lived up to its mileage claims a little better but it may be my fault for driving with a little bit of a lead foot too...l Ioved it in winter on ice and snow... it saved my life with its nonslip feature at least twice this winter when the wheels just spun out and then the car shuddered and the darn thing righted itself and I didnt go into the ditch after all!!!

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  Excellent Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 3 - 4:50 am

  Great truck! Very quiet with a super smooth ride. Titan was too loud for me. Toyotas engine is very responsive and really moves the truck. The truck is long so make sure it will fit in your garage if you need it to. I think I am going to keep this one for a long time. Horse power went down in 06 due to some tpye of new calibration according to Toyota.