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:

• 

  Love My Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By sienna_06 - December 7 - 2:25 pm

  I am writing this review in March of 2014. Ive owned my Sienna since it was new. I now have over 250,000 miles on my van. It has given me little problem over the years. I purchase 90,000 mile/warranty Michelin tires, and they usually wear unevenly and need replacing before they hit 50,000. This is with regular alignments & tire rotations done at the same time I have the oil changed at 5,000 miles. Other than this, the van has given me little problem. Ive been very happy with my van

• 

  TNGA Platform is wonderful - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Jason H - December 7 - 8:11 am

  Purchased a XSE V6 (after considering Lexus ES, Audi S and BWM 4). The pictures do the car no justice-this is a beautiful looking vehicle in person. As such, Ive gotten quite a few stares and inquiries as people try to figure out what kind of car it is, and there is a healthy dose of incredulity when I tell them its a Camry. And thats just the exterior. I have the Cockpit Red interior and it really sets the car off-its WELL DONE. And it fits me well at 6/280#, Im as comfortable in this as I was in my 2008 Toyota Avalon XLS. I agree with the editorial review about the technology layout and functionality, and concur that the interior storage space is on the anemic side. The engine has just enough power to motivate you wherever you need to go when you need to get there without being petro-hungry. The 8-speed transmission will take some getting use to, and the handling and ride quality are great, what you would expect with 19" wheels with VR-rated rubber. The engine and exterior noise complaints arent really an issue when the JBL Premium audio is on, so unless you are driving in silence, you wont notice it. Overall, I give the 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 a solid 4-star rating.

• 

  The only "true" SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By bluejae - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd 4Runner and I still believe it is the best true SUV on the road. The reviews that say the ride is very "truck-like" are not rating my Runner. I have driven a number of SUVs on the road and can confirm that this is one of the best. I have never had a single problem with either of my Runners and will remain a loyal Toyota customer based on my satisfaction.

• 

  TRD needs more parts for this car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Jun Lee - December 7 - 2:00 am

  the S model is nice. the interior is nice also. TRD does need to make more parts for the car and so does the aftermaket companies. if toyota would target the teenagers more like honda, and their civic, maybe there would be more things in the works.

• 

  Great car! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By kfilly - December 6 - 7:46 pm

  Pros: Comfortable, fuel efficient, roomy for a compact car, quiet, LED headlights are great, Entune system is easy to use/has good sound quality, back up camera, visibility, automatic climate control. Cons: Sun visor is short and does not telescope, CVT transmission is a little sluggish from a stop due to somewhat high starting ratio, not very sporty handling. I am 511" and I can comfortably sit in the rear seat behind where I place the driver seat. I am getting mileage slightly better than advertised on my LE. The car rides nice. Five adults for short trips only as the back seat is narrow. People over 6 will have little headroom in the rear seat.

• 

  Very Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Very Disappointed - December 6 - 3:56 am

  Shortly after purchasing my Sienna, I began having problems. The dealer couldnt figure out why my check engine light came on several times a week, so they sent the van to another dealer two hours away. That dealer replaced the computer. My radiator has been replaced, all hoses have been replaced, and the fuses blow constantly. I LOVE this van as far as comfort and ease of driving. I am just very disappointed that I spent this much money and Im having this many problems. We are in the process of purchasing another vehicle.

• 

  Eh possibly my last corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By MMAkansas - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 77k on it, and now have 153k. Had to replace the struts... like many 2001 owners I have had a check engine light on for 3 years now... nuts, it turned itself off for 90 days and came back on, and they figure its either sensors or the catalytic converter.Its a pretty good car, but the gas mileage went from good to horrible with age. Its okay overall. The dash lights are gone now.. they dont work, and the engine idles really hard ... I hope it keeps going and going.. I aim to get 220,000 miles on it so if it does that I will be thrilled

• 

  Just purchaed 2011 - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By John - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I took three for test drives before we purchased. have had only for 2 days and love the vehicle. Had rides better than a Lexus 2009 that we traded. Better ride than a 4 runner and more comfortable than a 4 runner.

• 

  Good car but has quality issues - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kan110 - December 6 - 1:10 am

  I have purchased this car in 06/2006 and had driven less than 9K miles per year. The car suddenly stopped on the highway with 18 K miles on it, the issue has been traced to a faulty ECU (Computer) and did some research on the internet and it seems to be a common problem for this model. I have called Toyota customer service and they have taken care of the towing costs to my home town and replaced the part as it was still under warranty.

• 

  So far so good... - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By SevanSins - December 4 - 3:10 am

  I purchased this 2012 Toyota Rav4 Sport 5 days ago and am quite pleased that I did. So far the ride has been smooth, telling how well the suspension handles rougher patches of road. The engine is quite capable, making it easy to merge onto the highway. The interior is slightly dated, but some aftermarket products such as nav and higher quality speakers will give the simple interior a good sprucing up. The cargo volume exceeds standards. Im an avid golfer as well as a hockey player, so space was a priority for me. I am quite pleased with the rugged exterior looks minus the tire of the Sport. Havent had any issues yet, and with the Toyota name, hoping to not have any period.