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:

• 

  2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jaxhog - January 28 - 10:26 am

  The Highlander is so much fun to drive. The fuel mileage is great. Its comfortable and handles bumps better than my large SUV.

• 

  They dont bulid them like this anymore - 1998 Toyota T100
  By jfl1963 - January 28 - 4:41 am

  Ive owned my truck for 11 years. I will take this truck to the grave with me. Over the 11 years, the truck has taken great care of me, and I have taken great care of it. Yes, Ive replaced a few items that have failed, but the truck is 15 years old. Biggest expense was replacing full exhuast system last month. This truck has a perfect balance of everything: looks, size, reliability, and performance. I haul heavy materials and motorcycles in the bed and the truck never misses a beat. Id have to spend $40K on a new truck to get what I get from my truck, and I could never justify that. I paid $15K with 50,000 miles on it. 11 years later, I have 127,000. Still going strong.

• 

  good, but w/ obvious flaws - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By peter - January 28 - 3:43 am

  Owned this for about 3 months. Tranny designed to release torque build up. Felt as though someone had tapped my back bumper at a stop light. Became really annoying after a short time. Also, valve noise was considered normal (says so even in manual). Ran premium fuel, but still could hear valve noise at times. These two items were enough to sell it after dealership said this was normal characteristics and working at factory specs.

• 

  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - January 28 - 12:33 am

  After driving my car almost 20,000 miles I have grown disappointed with the transmission hesitation problem as it did not show during the test drive. The problem becomes almost imperceptible if you use premium gas only, but it becomes annoying after a while. Overall not a bad vehicle, good ride on the highway. Most likely I will be trading for a V6. Still looking around for a good choice.

• 

  My First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By David - January 27 - 11:40 pm

  I owned a GM and finally I had enough. Problem after problem the quality and Dealers after service was lacking. This is my first Toyota. I have had the car for three weeks and have driven over 750 miles. Quality is great. I only found one minor problem. The ride is great and the fit and finish are second to none. It is quite fun to drive.

• 

  2004 Totyota Camry Beware - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Dan - January 27 - 8:00 am

  I started experiencing shifting problems, but the dealer couldnt fix it. While turning on a busy 4 lane highway, the transmission went out. I do not abuse this car (I am too old to beat any car up). Now I have a $4000 bill for a new transmission. I have found out that this has been a problem for other owners but Toyota will not acknowledge or take car of their problems. Other than that the motor ran well and I got good mileage, but I would never buy another one.

• 

  2015 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 Off Road - 2015 Toyota Tacoma
  By subarudavis - January 27 - 1:34 am

  I purchased this vehicle about a month ago and really enjoy it. The 4.0L v6 isnt going to win any races but gets you moving at a good pace and will last forever. The four wheel drive system works very well and has helped me conquer quite a few steep hills, wet grass, and light mud. As for fuel economy my first tank was 16.8 miles to the gallon with 50/50 non aggressive driving but every tank since has been between 18-19 with 60 percent highway but also with me taking it off road and doing quick starts which is pretty remarkable. It is comfortable and drives like a truck. I dont feel that the seat is too low nor are the breaks sponge like as some have claimed.

• 

  A great buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Alley123 - January 26 - 11:30 pm

  I love this car! Had it for over 2 years with no troubles. Routine oil changes are only required every 5000 miles instead of the usual 3000. My tires will need replacing soon (currently have 37000 miles on them.) I love that its a small car, yet the seats feel more like that of a van in that you sit straight up instead of the laid back/stretched out position of many cars. And I havent found anything that doesnt fit in the back when the seat is folded down. The back seat is very roomy for a two-door car. You dont hit your head on the ceiling and enough leg room for an average person. Great gas mileage, although Ive never gotten what other people have reported (I get 33-36 mpg).

• 

  Problems, Problems, Problems! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Brian jackson - January 26 - 3:00 pm

  I own the 2007 Touring model. The transmission bucks and slams into the next gear, I had a wheel bearing go out at 5K miles, the electric mirror adjustment button fell through the dash, tire pressure sensor stays on all the time even though pressure is right and now the sunglasses holder is broken and wont close. Dont buy Avalon 2006 - 2008 year model. Buyer beware.

• 

  deffening noise when driving rear windows down - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By glen_r_mobley - January 26 - 12:50 pm

  I baught my 2013 rav 4 and everything was fine until I decided to open the back windows, while going down the highway. the noise hurt my ears. and I mean really hurt. I contacted the dealer. and he told me he new about the problem. and suggested that I shouldnt open my windows ??? I then contacted Toyota and explained the problem to them. they told me to go on a ride with the service manager, to show me that they all have that problem. But offered no remedy. I guess if thats the case! the windows arent meant to be opened while driving!!!