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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  So far Reliable but could be greatly improved... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By trichopsis - February 2 - 8:01 am

  76K miles. Impressive power, smooth tranny, deep gearing helps pull heavy loads with ease, suspension is supple. With a double cab and full bed, it does flex more than Id like it too. However, it is well mannered, predictable and quiet. I had to buy different bushings for the cab to stop the dreaded "bed bounce" issue. Mine was unbearable before. Interior-other than the stereo being hard to reach from where i sit, some of the plastics are kind of cheap feeling. If driven at 65 it will do what it states. I average 16.4 with 90% freeway in So Cal (pretty flat). 70-75 mph. Also, it says it has a 26 gallon tank - but Ive never filled more than 21...

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  Still happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Quitepleased - February 2 - 7:10 am

  Just passed 80,000 miles and still drives like new. Three issues though; first of all, never use 0w20 oil. My lifters have been tapping ever since I did. Second, I had to replace my brakes after only 8 months. Since then, drilled/slotted rotors w/ ceramic pads still have 50% on them. Third, what the heck is up with the tires? I was literally forced to purchased sports car tires for this sedan! The originals lasted 70k but now I have 40k warranty tires that cost more than the originals AND Ive lost an average of 6 mpg! This is stupid!

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  2002 Highlander Review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Jerry - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Highlander 6 years ago after much research. We moved to the city so this is our only car which does it all. It was an excellent buy and have not had a major problem, worst thing to happen was heater switch had to be repaired for $350. Highly recommend. We have a 2WD V6 which we both feel handles great and gets 20MPG in city and 24 on road with 87 octane. Drives just like a car. We buy cars that last and drive them till they die. Our next car will be a Hybrid Highlander but it may be a while before this one quits!

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  Rave 4 Rav - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Franklin Nesbitt - February 1 - 4:27 am

  I still own this car while thinking of trading up to a Hylander. I was surprised over how much more room is in this model now. I am over 6 foot and fit comfortably. This is a well made vehicle. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small comfortable good looking suv.

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  Bad Suspension Noises - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By NBradov - February 1 - 2:43 am

  I bought my Tundra used with only 34000 miles on it and I also bought an extended warranty. Now at 36000 miles the rear leaf springs under the bed make popping and buckling sounds. Toyota dealership AND extended warranty company will not correct problem because they say nothing is "broken or damaged" - its only "making noises" and they dont honor that for repair purposes. Truck is great otherwise - no problems, great power for towing. Very disappointed manufacturer wont correct this issue especially with $1500 extended warranty purchased!

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  great SUV - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By bob453 - January 31 - 10:51 pm

  Needed a tough SUV for daily use. I drive 10 miles each day off road getting to work (dirt/muddy road). My last SUV (Santa Fe) started falling apart after 5 years on this road so I decided to get a 4runner this time. This vehicle is bulit very well. When I was at the dealer I got the shop manager to go over every part of the car. We even got under the car and he pointed out may key points. I was impressed with the service and the build quality. I now have 12k miles on it. The SUV handles all I can throw at it with no problems (mud trial, bumpy roads and steep hills). The ride on road is just fine and I dont have any noise issues at any speed (even at over 100mph).

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  Whats wrong with comfort - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By jdchopin - January 30 - 1:28 pm

  I have tested and driving and owned Honda Accords (nice car but the year I had it, they engine light for low oil didnt come on until you were already out.. hence the car burned out.. nice..) and I have owned Civics and felt like I was driving a speedy but bumpy car, and the recent Mazda 3 with the larger 2+ engine, and BOY did that have nice power and luxury items.. and I just bought a Corolla. You know why? None of those other cars, though sporty and full of styling ideas, and lots of toys, drive as nice or as quietly. And it has great safety features. That seems to be discounted too quickly for flash and speed and I got really tired of the bumpy drives of my Civic and especially my M3.

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  Great Product - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By Floyd B - January 28 - 4:47 pm

  Toyota makes a great product and they did not fall short on the 2017 Sienna. Im renting the LE fwd model and Im surprised how easy this vehicle is to drive, park and how comfortable it feels on long and short distance drives. The shifts throw its 8spd automatic transmission are smooth and quick under ECO mode. If you turn ECO mode off, the shift a ferm, but not harsh. The engine delivers good power(296hp on all trim levels...highest in its class with great fuel economy) but can be a bit loud under heavy load (fully acceleration with ECO mode on or off). The exterior of the Sienna is pleasing to the eye for most people. In higher trim levels, you can get fog lamps, lower body treatment and Altezza rear tail lights. The interior is an accommodating please to be. Comfortable seat front, middle and 3rd row. Driver gets a power adjustable seat with lumbar, while the others get manual siders. This model has the stoll-a-way second row middle seat which gives this Sienna the capability to seat 8 passangers. Great if you are an Uber driver. Super easy to see out of. This makes this van a little more affordable because, you dont really need the blind spot monitoring system, which I believe, its offered on higher trim levels. In the LE trim and higher, you can get the Sienna equipped with AWD. Im only giving this vehicle for stars simply because Ive noticed a few things that could be better or improve. Ive noticed when Im by myself in the vehicle, the 2nd row and third roll seats vibrate. I did not get any complaints from my other customers however that is concerning. I believe if they stiffen the chassis just a little more that was all the problem. I do wish that the fuel door release mechanism was located in a different area . It is very easy to mistaken it for the hood release and for those who are not familiar with the location of the fuel door release , it could make it difficult in the dark to find the fuel door release . Also, unless you get a really good nights sleep and/or you have passengers with you the interior can tend to be a little bit boring. This can cause some drivers to feel tired and/or sleepy while driving. I strongly encourage Toyota does a little more treatment to their interior. Had a similar issue with a 2015 Camry.

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  Loving my 2015 Rav4 - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Mommma Jones - January 28 - 11:52 am

  I love my Rav4. I get real good gas mileage and it is realy comfortable for my family of 6. One happy momma.

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  Bargain matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By jack - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Design of metal sometimes looks like something hit it. Only difficulty is pulling coins out of secondary coin holder because its directly under hand brake. otherwise comfort and roominess, driving characteristics are a bargain for the money. Too bad didnt come with standard tape cassette player.