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:

• 

  Loving it - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By New Guy - October 17 - 4:16 pm

  Just got this truck with the TRD Sport long bed package a week ago and I love it. Fun to drive and looks great. Had the Tundra for 10 years and I loved that one also. Just didnt need the new tundra because of its size. Having the 4 door long bed Tacoma will be just fine. Plenty of room for 4 adults.

• 

  American Spec XLE 8-Seater - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By XLE 8-Seater - October 17 - 4:06 pm

  Purchased this rare optioned Sienna in Germany for military service members. It has sonar parking assist and 8 cloth seats, otherwise, it is a standard XLE. Wonderful car! Fits my criteria for the perfect minivan: quiet, smooth ride that offers best environment for conversations within the vehicle. Great power in reserve for those situations when you really need it, like merging onto freeways. Nice bells and whistles (described below) combined with great reliability and quality has resulted in a near perfect people hauler. Safety features such as 3-row curtain bags, Vehicle Stability Control, TRAC, and four- wheel disc anti-lock brakes provide peace of mind. Videos in rear is nice.

• 

  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By escoandesco - October 17 - 8:05 am

  Im a retired car dealer so having always had access to a car, I left my family scratching their head when I bought my first new one in about 30 years or so. Even crazier was the fact that I was the co-owner of a Honda/Acura Dealership during the 90s. I was attracted to the Prius because of its 21st century styling and the experiences I had with them while out of town and using one as a rental. I never had to put gas in the darn thing, the needle never seemed to move. That was the real motivator for me ... "cheap to drive".

• 

  Corolla Number Three and Counting! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Judy Marshall - October 17 - 5:22 am

  "Happy to report that my husband and I just had a perfectly uneventful, un-stressful buying experience at Irwin Toyota. Car buying has always been a dreaded necessity; an experience not unlike having a root canal (actually the root canal has always had more appeal). We were replacing a 2002 Corolla with a 2016. Not a big ticket item, but we received all of the attention that you’d expect to receive if you were buying a Highlander, and a great price to boot! The process began with a phone call from Kristina Cassidy who gave us the preliminary info (making a GREAT first impression) and who made our appointment with the rep of our choice. Based on customer reviews, we chose Scott Hayward whom we found to be a welcoming, extremely personable and soft-spoken individual; not one of your typical loud, hard sell car salesmen of old who were always out to sell you what was best for THEM and not for YOU! Dennis Marhefka used his 18 years of experience at Irwin to happily walk us through the optional warranty info, presenting the positive aspects of the warranty without the usual hype (and yes, we agreed it was a good choice). Jessica Rondo, their Accessory Manager, was on hand to answer our questions about optional add-ons (mud flaps, specialty mats, etc.) and was not a bit put off by our desire to check out prices before committing. Bobby F. in Parts (another delight to deal with) filled us in on snow tire availability and to my surprise, quoted a price that was below that of a direct purchase from the Goodyear guy! Again, no hard sell. The prices and the pluses of one-stop-shopping have us sold. All in all, everyone we spoke with at the dealership went out of their way to actually be HELPFUL; personally tracking down individuals for our phone calls (not a transfer to voice mail), offering directions, and generally speaking, making the whole experience quite painless. Now we hope that their Service Department can meet or beat our expectations. We’ll keep you updated! As for the Corolla, I expect we will be as delighted with it as we have with our past 3 Toyotas and 2 Corollas. Theyre not top end but the amenities are enough for a couple of not-so-tech savvy buyers. The seats are somewhat hard and narrow (our 2002 had wider, plush covered seats). The CVT power train is impressive with the shifting smoother than a traditional transmission and surprising pickup for a 4 cylinder. LED and halogen lights are great for night driving in deer country. Havent quite figured out the heater yet (seems to have cold spots at the steering wheel and at knee level, but may be able to work this out over time). Disappointed that the interior seat colors are so light. 6 ft husband is relatively comfortable behind the wheel and the telescoping/adjustable steering wheel is a plus along with the 6 way seats (you pump them up). Backup monitor is handy for the tight fit in the garage and backing down a steep driveway. Driver vision is somewhat obstructed by the left side body molding/windshield frame for both myself and my husband (53" and 6). Adjusting the seat doesnt really help; just will need to get used to it being there and look around it. Standard sound system is super even though were not audiophiles. Corners nicely (Goodyear Eagles on this one). Would definitely buy again! Judy and George Marshall Deerfield, NH"

• 

  Basic Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - October 17 - 4:33 am

  Great little truck;dependable, not fancy but will get you there every time.

• 

  Not Grampas Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ritt50 - October 17 - 2:10 am

  We have had this XLE 3 weeks and put 2000 miles on her with no problems. Driving to MN from MT with 4 people, the trunk full and AC on we got 30 MPG. Every time I heard a rattle I was something I had in the glove box never something loose as in other cars. We looked at Passats and Avalons, but ended up with a Lexus in disguise.

• 

  Love my new 2017 Camry SE - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Allan - October 16 - 11:32 pm

  Traded in my old 2003 XLE Camry V6 fully loaded. However, I really love my new 2017 Camry SE. Im impressed with the entune technology, moon roof, and Qi Wireless, . The Camry SE is a very smooth vehicle and handles very well on corners. The breaks are awesome. I just wish the heated seats and blind spot monitor feature were included.

• 

  Great.. until 2/2010 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By msquickwit - October 16 - 12:10 pm

  I have to say- other than oil changes and tire rotations- the usual stuff; I have never had any major expenses (5 years- second owner). BUT In Feb 2010 I did have to spend 1700 on a new brain and O2 sensor and battery. Now, it is in the shop again- sounding and feeling like a helicopter. So I have to give my old girl credit for 5 years (got her 2005) she has been an angel. Now she is being a bit greedy-but it is long over due. IF I have to buy a new car- I would get a RAV 4 again or maybe a highlander- little bit bigger and those are now HYBRID.

• 

  Great Buy - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toy4Life - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck used just over a year ago and it was the best vehicle i have ever owned. I used to drive a 1991 toyota 4x4 and i loved it, but this Tacoma is miles above!! Plenty of power for hauling, and it is just a great looking truck!!!

• 

  The Matrix is a Great Choice - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By plutes - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a Matrix the first time I opened the hatchback and realized that the flat folding back seats would easily fit two bikes inside. And the high gas mileage. For a seemingly small car, it is so very roomy, for the driver and front and backseat passengers...and Ive had some bigger than average folks enjoying the ride. Its zippy, it get great gas mileage, it has a unique exterior style. I got the cosmic blue color and I love it.