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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  Cant Get Any Better! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By cbchapman88 - August 26 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my 2006 4-Runner new in 2006, it is 2013 now and it has 121,000 miles. I could not bare to trade in my 4-Runner before it hit the 100,000 mile mark. It has been a spectacular vehicle in every way! 121K miles and not a single mechanical issue. I have done regular maintenance and used premium gasoline the entire 7 years that I have had it, and not a SINGLE mechanical issue. I have made several trips half-way across the country, including two moves, and it never let me down. Seven years later, and it still cleans up like a brand new car and still drives like one too. I am planning on keeping this vehicle for another 100K miles, then I will surely buy another 4-Runner.

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  Does everything I want well! - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kjtaylor15 - August 26 - 7:02 pm

  This is a true SUV. Ready to rumble off-road, well mannered onroad: it has a good balance of performance characteristics. The KDSS keeps it flat and stable onroad, while giving super off-road suspension travel. The engine is strong enough without being loud. Adding cold air intake and high flow exhaust for a possible extra 5-10% power. (Any more would be superfluous.) loads of room, great visibility, seating comfort, access to controls. Lacking only a larger nav/ent screen, BLIS, and adaptive cruise. But, with the way it is outfitted and how I am using it, I don’t miss those items at all.

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  Heater Woes - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By jojodamonkeyboy - August 26 - 9:40 am

  Temperature control stopped working. I contacted parts department at local dealership. Knob was okay but told unit was faulty and would cost $825 to replace (not including dealer costs). Found a website that discussed same problem with Highlanders and Tacomas. Friend & I removed heater/air- conditioner unit. There are three welds for temperature on left side and system control on right. Two of the three welds on the temp gauge had broken. Rest of unit is made up of electronics and circuit boards. My friend has worked on RC vehicles and was able to take care of re-welding parts. Now works almost good as new & I saved lots of bucks. Im not happy that Toyota hasnt ided problem

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  Exotic car and an Average price. - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Peter Sidiropoulos - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Handles EXTREMLY WELL... power is alittle lacking, but with a few aftermarket Turbo kits to pick from. This car can get EXTREMLY POWERFUL. Nice ride, the BEST TOY i ever purchased for my self. Exotic looks, and just an overall great car.

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  best truck i ever had - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By buddymcg - August 26 - 2:00 am

  i used to have a ford f-150 extended cab and my tundra runs great compared to it. its quiet very good on gas milage dependable so far. granted ive only had it a few months its also a smoth comfterable ride thanks.

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  Toyotas Fly - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By heavy weight - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This was actually my dads truck. He was in a serious accident, he flew about 100 yards off a canyon.He cleared oak trees. (to tell how high in the air he was) The truck was totalled beyond repair but the inside of the cab was undamaged. If he had been in any other kind of truck he would be dead!

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  From Buick to Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yolee - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My husband was tired of working on our GM vehicles so we decided to give Toyota a try (time will tell). So far I love it! He wanted an Accord, I didnt care for the bumpy ride. The Solara is beautifully smooth (like buttah). I love the car! The interior is classy, does look like a Lexus, love everything about it. Learning to use the navigation system, very cool. The exterior is nice, love the pearl white color. Were averaging over 29 MPG, not bad for a V6 (live out in the country). Will post another update in a few years, but hoping the constant "working on fixing something on the car days" are over.

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  Replacement tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By jonyuma - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 2007 tundra limited with 2011 tundra limited 4x4 and if it is even half as reliable as the 07 was it will be another winner. new tundra rides a lot smoother than the last one, but then again, its a truck that tows a 7000# boat and it needs to be a little bit trucklike. 2007 tundra with 5.7 motor and tow package could always get 17mpg or better on average and for a 4x4 thats not bad. 2007 tundra was totaled in a three car wreck and I wanted to have the same safety factor once again. so hoping the 2011 will get the job done. More as we get some miles on it.

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jcraigh - August 26 - 12:46 am

  Overall this is a marvelous automobile. Absolutely love it and will probably exchange my 2004 for a 2006 model, selling my 2004 for more than I paid for it!!

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  An Outstanding Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard Hatoff - August 25 - 8:50 pm

  The car starts very easily altho there is no key. Holds the road very well.Good display panel. Excellent sound system. Seats are comfortable altho i have not taken any trips as yet longer than 2 hours. Car is very good looking. Has lots of extras. Very roomy front & back. Toyota is very consumer oriented with comfort and performance. This is first Toyota I owned or drove. Good pickup. Gas mileage is good but not great. ABS brakes are excellent.