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:

• 

  My new Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By merrel - January 31 - 9:03 am

  Special ordered- Waited 45 days to include passenger seat with power & lumbar. Traded in 06 RX330 Lexus with no regrets. Added a $400 2pc chrome mesh grille from California. Do miss memory seats and rain sensors. Great ride, quality built. Hood stays up with a stick (ugh!) Very happy.

• 

  Bigger inside than out - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cosado - January 31 - 8:33 am

  My other vehicle is a Land Cruiser and this is the perfect complement to it. I am constantly thinking of reasons to run errands so that I can drive it. I ordered the liftback without even driving it because of its looks and my confidence in Toyota build quality and it didnt disappoint. Ive driven almost 350 miles and Im still waiting for the gas meter to reach the bottom bar. A very nimble car with good power, whether Im alone or with my wife and kids. By the way, the Yaris was a hugh success with my 8 and 9 year old kids!

• 

  Not all I expected - Gone - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis - January 31 - 7:40 am

  This is my first Taco. I had fairly high expectations given what I had read. I tested both the four and six engines, decided on the six because 1 mpg was worth it to get power. After having owned it for six months (4,500 miles) I would probably not buy it again. The first issue was a rattle in the door. Five trips to the dealer eventually fixed it (along with replacing a door panel and some additional foam going in the A pillar). A couple of more rattles have made themselves known, but not yet annoying, or I am just dreading the trips to fix them, not sure. The second issue is the engine/transmission. I have three issues. 1. the MPG is OK in the city and lousy on the freeway. My most recent trip was about 800 miles, pulled 22 mpg. Not loaded or towing and stayed pretty much within speed limits and I have a tonneau cover on the bed. This brings me to problem 2., the transmission. I have had the TSB performed to deal with hesitation between park and drive (works), the transmission was also down about 20 ounces of fluid. The transmission still downshifts very poorly, with a very untotyota like "clunk" when coming to stop and going from third to second or second to first. The transmission can best be described as nervous and unsettled as it hunts to find gears going up and down small grades, hills, etc. In the previously mentioned trip, it was continually downshifting one to two gears going up hills and grades, with the tach going from just under two thousand rpm to over 3,000. This brings me to 3., the engine. It is very smooth, but mileage is just awful. The engine feels very under powered going up hills and grades unless it drops all the way down to third or fourth gear. Some one likened it to shifting up in an manual gear too soon, it "lugs" and that is a great way to describe it. Even on a flat road, you are going to have to mash it to keep with traffic. I am going to take it back to the dealer regarding the poor mpg, maybe a different one, and see if they can correct it. But again, would probably not but it again, and would certainly not recommend to anyone. What a complete disappointment. I traded the Tacoma in. The unhappy power train was just too much in a daily driver. It was very useful, and I miss that every day, but that old saying about never buying a vehicle in its first year (and 2016 was the first year for the V 6 power train in the Taco), stay away from it. When Toyota works the bugs out, I will look at it again, if I can afford it.

• 

  low gas mileage, nice performance - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By irishdawg - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The Sequoia is a powerful and suprisingly quick vehicle for its size. It does use gas quickly. It can be very difficult to see out of the rear when backing up or pulling out. The interior is spacious and comfortable. Interior is not fancy, just practical. I am happy with it.

• 

  Not all used cars are the same! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Celine Longman - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We have two Camrys. The other is a 93 XLE V6. They are both very reliable and problem free. However I think the 97-2000 have very poorly designed headlamps. I tried replacing bulbs without success. Its the receptacle itself. The 93 puts out 100% more light than this model. The 97 upper suspension mounts broke at 100,000 miles. The brakes are not that great, needs improvement. When tires are less than 50% tread, the car veers too much either way depending on the road grade. No problem with new tires. Hondas suspention have better tracking. Will not hesitate to buy Toyota over Honda....others out of the question.

• 

  2002 Toyota Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By allanjay - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Toyota Prius is without a doubt the best car I have owned in terms of quality and reliablity. In the 18 months I have owned the car I have not had even one problem; only returning to the dealer for oil changes and scheduled maintenance. The car is very quite and comfortable even for long trips (Austin to Los Angeles, Austin to Mexico City for example).

• 

  Excellent Quality and Reliability! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By viraxay sopha - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is driven daily for the last 9 years and it is still running like new. I have changed the tires twice and a battery once as part of normal wear.

• 

  What an SUV!!! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ace5 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a black Limited 4WD model and have loved all 28000 miles weve put on it. Its traveled cross country and it shines at high speeds. This SUV will creep up to 90MPH so easily its frightening. The interior is great -- get the grey leather -- Climate control is excellent, as is JBL. My only gripe would be make the front seat slide back a bit more for taller drivers. Im 63 and I can find a more comfortable position in my ford expedition or Volvo XC. Also, the steering wheel feels like it was designed for girl hands-- very small, makes my hands cramp up. Those are my only suggestions. We have loved this car and would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Happy - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By ncep - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive and handling is good.

• 

  Small Brake Issue - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Shadytrake - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this truck is a good buy. The only issue that I have had is with the brakes. I had to have all four replaced along with drums and such under warranty due to warping, glazing, and a severe shudder. They are now having the same problem except for the shudder which I assume will show up any day. This means I am only getting about 20,000 miles on the brakes, sigh...and since I tow horses, this creates a problem.