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:

• 

  2007 Touring - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By TJ - December 12 - 7:56 pm

  Just purchased an original owner, 2007 Touring 22k miles, with Package 5. The OEM Bridgestone Turanzas were just about worn out and I replaced them with Michelin Primacys 195/55/16. There are not many tire options with the 16 inch wheels on the touring. Car handles great and is very quiet. Upgraded sound system with 9 speakers and XM is fantastic.

• 

  A review to help you avoid regret - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By aravind - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this car smitten by its exterior look and interior comfort. Yes, it is very comfortable, esp for the price paid. The interior is classy, the standard MP3 is useful, the host of curtain bags and standard features add to the plus. Also the car is very quiet and looks like a lexus. However the infamous hesitation is so very apparent. I drive in rush hour bay area traffic and it is just a huge letdown. The start is very bad. The 20-40 mile range hesitation is worse. The transmission is just terrible. Period. And it is not just the 4 cylinder syndrome. I drive a 94 Nissan GXE which I prefer over the new camry. That should explain it. It is downright dangerous to merge on freeways.

• 

  Trustworthy Toyota - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Trustworthy Toyota - December 12 - 7:20 am

  Weve now had our RAV for 4 years and its still running like new. We had a Corolla before this that had absolutely zero problems. I perform my own mechanic work so I thought Id give some feedback in that respect. 55,000 miles with no oil leaks anywhere. Oil filter location is the easiest Ive ever experienced. The motor has a timing chain, not a belt. Annoying rattle developed around the glove box and finally narrowed it down to plastic grommets that hold plastic panels under the windshield wipers. A design flaw in my opinion. The battery is tucked under this area which makes it difficult if you ever needed a jump start. We invested in a Black & Decker jump starter just in case.

• 

  Great truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By jacobbert9 - December 11 - 5:42 pm

  Ive had my Tacoma for the last 2 years (30,000 miles). It currently has just over 182,000. Its hauled everything Ive thrown in it including rocks, firewood, and cement bags. Loaded down to the bump stops and I couldnt even tell from the performance. Ive towed several thousand pound trailers without problem. I put a few hundred pounds in it for snow storms and it does almost as well as any 4x4 especially with tire chains on. The 2.7 is a bit wimpy but it gets the job done. The only things Ive replaced have been the radiator, catalytic converter (orginial one was stolen) and the brakes. I got rear-ended by a guy doing 25 and the bumper just got bent. Recommend to everyone, awesome truck!

• 

  love my 18 - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Sarah R - December 11 - 4:31 pm

  Traded in my 14 for the 18. Saw the new body style and fell in love. We went in to buy a 17 at low price with them trying to get rid of them for the end of season. After both my husband and I drove it, we both knew that the 18 was the way to go. Super easy to drive, comfortable seats, good handling. Still wont be driving it in the snow, as my husband is an loyal Subaru fan with the AWD. So we will be leaving the Camry in the garage in the winter and driving his Subaru. The Bluetooth in the Camry is great, super easy to set up. The cruise control is nice on highway trips, not having to keep adjusting the speed. I am in love with my 18 but cant wait to see what the 2022 is going to look it. We upgrade every 4 years, right now I wouldnt trade my 18 for anything.

• 

  New Toyota Owner - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By David - December 11 - 4:40 am

  This is my first Toyota vehicle and I am impressed. I owned a Ford diesel 3/4 ton and pulled a fifthwheel camper with it, purchased my new Toyota for the same use. The Tundra with a 6 speed automatic pulls my camper with no problem. I was skeptical about the weight class of the tundra for pulling a fifthwheel with the weight of the camper at the pickups limits, but not anymore. This is a vehicle that is impressive to drive and feels very stable on the road with a load on it. The tow/haul mode does all the work for you and handles everything fine with the cruise control in use. Great gas mileage for a 4 wheel drive with 18 to 21.5 on the highway makes this truck a pleasure to drive.

• 

  Very Pleased in fifth year - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By KAS - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Sienna in June 99 since the Honda Odessys were back ordered 6 months and suggested premium fuel. At 54K miles I have not had anything more than some minor annoyances crop up, like intermittent emergency brake warning light on dash. Engine and transmission have been flawless and I get 20-22 mpg all around and 27 mpg on extended trips. Although I change my oil every 3-4K miles and normally use synthetic, I was glad to see Toyota recognize the oil sludge problem and extend the warranty. After reading reviews indication transmission problems at 70-80K miles, I am a little concerned and hope Toyota considers extending this warranty also.

• 

  I recomend to try test drive this Car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alex Naroditskiy - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is incredible vehicle. I have lot of fun to drive it and gas mileage is not that bad for 8 cyl car, if some people concern about gas prices everything I can tell, Toyota Echo is still available for gas savers. Engine and power train was tested on Land Cruiser and Sequoia And proved itself very good.

• 

  my favorite ride - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By surfchick5am - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota theres a good reason why-durability with little maintainence. My previous car was a Previa and I put 100k on it before trading for the SUV. This had, to date, out perfomed any of the 6 previous vehicles Ive owned and i tend to keep my cars a minimum of 6 years. Its only 2WED but has no problems over rough terrain or in the snow. Its comfortable and well appointed inside and out. It runs as good as it did on the day I got it-what else can you say?

• 

  Blown Engine but still like it - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By houstonwarren2 - December 8 - 8:53 am

  I have owned this truck since it was new. 4 cylinder, full 4-door model. The fuel economy sits around 19mpg highway fairly consistently. For the first 53k miles I abused the heck out of this truck. It is a gutless 4banger so I would push it to just over 100mph by pushing the OD/off on the shifter to drop a gear in order to get over 100. This was nearly every day for my commute because I literally am always running late. The minimum was 90mph (toll road 17 miles to work). Under the powertrain warranty I carved out cylinders 1 and 3, so I was given a new short-block and new lease on life. Ever since, I dont even let this thing slip into overdrive and baby her. See (improvements)