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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  Reliable - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chad - March 28 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned my 4runner for 6yrs and have 167,000 miles on it and have done nothing but regular maintenance. It is a little under powered but very reliable. I have been on several trails in Moab and in the Black Hills of SD, (great 4wd system) I have the Sport package with the electronic locker in the rear diff. Toyota has built a very reliable and dependable vehicle with this one.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By pmm12 - March 28 - 7:41 pm

  I do not often take time to write a review but since I used the reviews on this site for a variety of auto purchases I thought it was time to contribute. The Sequoia is a terrific truck. Handles very well, turn radius in tight spots is remarkable for a big truck and the pick-up is much better than any of this trucks competitors we have driven. The 4 wheel drive is the best I have ever used. We saw many off road jeeps get stuck in the sand and mud but the Sequoia did not. Plenty of room inside and comfortable, cruises on the highway at 70 to 80 mph with no strain. Second and third row seats can be adjusted and changed simply. Loves the snow and built like a tank.

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  2001 Toyota Tundra with 203,000 miles - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Ron Sweeney - March 28 - 3:06 pm

  Bought the truck new in 2001. I have 203,000 miles on it and it still does not burn any more oil then it did when new. My only problem with it is the under designed brakes. Toyota admits that the braking system was under design, but would not help the consumer with the problem if the consumer was beyond the 36,000 mile warranty period. I drive a good deal of highway miles (75%), so my brake usage was not typical. But Toyota would not help me. Not even a discount on an upgrade. Consequently, the brake pads and rotors need replacing more often then necessary. Cost a lot of money.

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  comparing to my 2011 RAV4 - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By riverrav - March 28 - 9:21 am

  Nice looking, more car like, great driving SUV. The new 6-speed transmission is great. Handling is very good. There are three modes to choose from, Eco, Sport, and the default. Seems to effect how the transmission is used. In heavy traffic I prefer Sport mode because the car stays in the proper gear so you dont have to brake all the time. Reasonably comfortable (I used to own a Buick). I upgraded to the 2013 model primarily for the top-hinged hatch. I make frequent trips with an inflatable kayak to the river and got tired of having to deal with the side opening door. Much easier to work with now. The back seat folds down nearly flat. A big plus.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ED - March 28 - 8:33 am

  I have driven this car less than a 1000 miles and I like it. My only complaint is not sufficient foot room between the accelerator and the brake pedal. My size 14 s sometimes get caught under the brake pedal. NOT GOOD!!!!!

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  CE: Road Noise/Rough Ride - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By CE: Noise/Ride - March 28 - 8:30 am

  The Sienna CE is our second Toyota minivan, and we purchsed it due to the outstanding reliability of our 93 Toyota Previa minivan. The Sienna is a good overall value, but has an unacceptable level of road noise for a Toyota. The ride is equally out of character for Toyota quality. Both issues are evident and compounded on long trips. Our 13 year old Previa has a better ride that our new Sienna. The Sienna CE is not for the family that travels.

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  Great SUV so far - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - March 28 - 6:50 am

  I have 61,000 miles and so far this 4Runner has been like any other Toyota I have owned, GREAT. The exterior and interior design is great and this is one of few SUVs that you can actually take off-road. The power is good for a V6 and it tows my motorcycles just fine. It feels very tight and solid for a vehicle which is almost 8 years old, great build qulity. The ride is comfortable except it seems to pick up every imperfection in the pavement on the hwy. Plenty of room for passengers and cargo and the power roll down rear hatch window is awesome if you have a dog. Dont know of any othe SUVs that have this feature. Only problem so far have been a leaky AC system which I will have to get fixed

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  Great Truck!!! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By stevo_043 - March 28 - 3:33 am

  I recently purchased a Tundra and I love it!!! I got the 5.7 V8 and it hauls!!! I know it doesnt get the best gas mileage, but for a truck its not bad. Ive only had it for less than a week, but its great! Its roomy and definitely a great buy! Toyota is known for reliability and I know this truck will last a long time! Definitely get running boards, youll need them! The only complaint that I have is the bounciness that it has on the highway... It made my wife and I slightly queasy on the highway, but its expected of a truck. Other than that it rides great, has a great stereo (which has bluetooth - COOL) and is very comfortable and will be able to fit a new car seat for our new baby!

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  What a great SUV - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By trdpro - March 27 - 2:44 pm

  I drove a 14 Lexus GX460 and the rear barn door drove me crazy but I loved the KDSS suspension on it so I moved to the 15 limited 4runner for three days and switched to the 15 4runner trail edition for the KDSS. I love this SUV the interior volume of storage is huge. I can put 4 bicycles vertically without the front wheels on fork mounts no problems. I love the flat folding second row seats which make the cargo floor flat. The truck corners pretty flat on road and rides exactly like my Lexus GX 460. It does have more nose dive than the limited and GX. Brakes are grabby. I put the TRD Pro front grill and wheels on it and it is one of the best looking suvs I have bought.

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  2005 Taco - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By aj44mc - March 27 - 10:13 am

  this truck is amazing. After having a 92 toyota pick-up and trading it in for a car, i really missed the feeling of a truck. This truck is everything I missed and more than I could have hoped for.