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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  Sixth Toyota; still love them - 2014 Toyota Sienna
  By Emily Miller Jocham - November 19 - 2:25 am

  I love this minivan! A couple things about Toyotas that buyers should know: 1) Toyota is practicality and *quality* first, which means that there are sometimes design issues (especially with the interior) that may annoy, but they do not compromise the integrity of the vehicle, and the car will still last longer than any American-made pile of junk; 2) Siennas are made to be torn up by little kids, so dont expect Lexus-like appointments (my husbands 12 Avalon is far, far, faaaar superior to my top-of-the-line XLE minivan). So, dont be silly--understand what youre buying, and you will be be pleased for many years to come!

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  More than just great gas mileage - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Convert - November 19 - 2:03 am

  This is my first hybrid car. I expected great mileage but an unexciting car with limited power and many compromises. Was I wrong. While power is nothing to brag about this engine responds to all driving situations. It does roar when really pushed, but in ordinary driving there is minimal engine and road noise. Comfort is decent and it feels like a bigger car than it really is. Functionality is great with the hatchback and folding rear seats. The first 3 fill ups yielded 42, 45 and 50 mpgs. I was told that mileage will improve and it has so far. The navigation system, back up camera and bluetooth are great. The Prius III does not come with homelink, but the dealer added it for us.

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  Poor Seats - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By S.B. Mann - November 18 - 10:56 pm

  The bucket seats in the truck are very uncomfortable. Cannot drive more than an hour at a time, must get out and walk. Has a bad wind whistle, dont like the constant shifting of the motor and do not like the smart key. This is our 3rd red Toyota we have owned. We really liked the first 2 but this 2016 is not good. Cant wait to get rid of it. We just traded up to a Tundra and the ride and seats are much better.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John - November 18 - 8:20 pm

  My intention was to purchase a Camry because I prefer larger cars but I took a look at the Yaris as a basis of comparison. I was pleasantly surprised with the room this car has inside. Outside it appears very small, esp. the 2-door. This is why I chose the sedan. Inside is really cavernous. It came with ABS & side airbags standard & gas mileage is AMAZING. Quality is great. If it was cheaper by $1000 it would be a perfect 10 in my book.

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  2006 Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By desertdragon - November 18 - 7:53 pm

  A phenomenal engineering feat available to mere mortals - thats the Prius in a nutshell. This is one of the most highly optimized vehicles Ive ever driven - it combines economy, performance, convenience, and passenger comfort almost flawlessly. I just wish it had an EV mode plus an external recharge option - but it is brilliant even without those... highly recommended!!

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  Really Disappointed - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nick A. - November 18 - 12:23 pm

  I sold a 2006 Chevy Tahoe and leased a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe for a year just to wait for the 2016 Tacoma... BIG MISTAKE!!! My Tacoma has been in the shop 5 times over the last year for an electrical issue (interior lights fuse keeps popping) and now the radio resets a couple of times a week. It is in the shop now again... same problem. Toyota coroporate could not care less... they keep putting new fuses in and a few weeks later it happens again. Corporate sent me a letter back saying in essance - " There is no problem." Gilroy dealership is trying, but cant find the problem even with the help of the manufacturer (supposedly). My other complaints are like the others... transmission changes gears all of the time, gas mileage is not good and I have to duck to get in it and Im 510". The extererior is nice and I do like the controls. Im stuck with it for another year and a half... I hope the 2018 or 2019 is redesigned. If not, than I will NOT buy another Tacoma (sadly- because it is the truck I want). My loaner is a 2017 TRD Tacoma-- no changes from 2016... DISAPPOINTING!!!

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  Love it so far - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By woodschuck - November 18 - 9:16 am

  Bought a used Prius 3 months ago - drive it 60mi R/T to and from work each day, now use it for all errands on the weekend. Extremely pleased with it except for heavy snow - we are on a hill and when snowed in have to take the Nissan SUV to work instead. Average MPG is around 60, mostly secondary roads. No issues at all in terms of reliability, etc.

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  Solid reliable truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aikizlla - November 18 - 7:10 am

  I have wanted a Toyota truck for some time. I owned other models but never kept them long. The 08 Tacoma is a solid well built truck with all the features I could want. Six speed is fun to drive and gives a little better engine break control in the snow. The TRD package provides some great seats and other features. The truck runs solid if not a little rough but it is a truck and with the bed loaded it smooths out considerably. Mileage is about as expected. The fit and finish is very solid as well. Does not look cheap or cheesy. Overall very happy with my purchase, great financing was offered by toyota as well as other rebate incentives.

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  Wow what a car! - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Gary - November 18 - 5:43 am

  Just got 2010 TCH in April. Already know this is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. Traded 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. Liked that car also but it is a truck compared to this one. Super ride and it is extremely quiet. Acceleration will put you back into your seat. Averaging 36 mpg. Civic only got 30.Leather seats are extremely comfortable. Put you music on a USB memory stick and throw away your MP3 player. Bluetooth works great on the phone. Look at the rear fender wells. They are felt lined to keep noise down.

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  3rd camry bought new - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By David English - November 17 - 10:43 pm

  One of few made in Japan. Bought first available new model sight unseen. New styling strange at first but ok and am now getting used to change. Seats are padded more firmly than previous model but comfortable on trips. New interior is very pleasing to the eye and am happy to have features like tire pressure indicator, side airbags, 4 wheel disc brakes and 16 inch wheels included as standard.