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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  still luv the feeling - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By jake s - September 6 - 8:10 am

  This is my 5th toyota p/u. I always come back to them. Very reliable truck. I like the styling, interior finish.I would recommend them. Last tacoma was a 1997 with 174000 miles it is still going strong..

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  As Advertised - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By BillM - September 6 - 8:10 am

  I have driven my truck about 36,000 miles in 10 months(outside sales w/large territory). Power and handling are excellent for a truck. Mileage stays between 21.5 and 22 with mostly highway driving. Previously drove a Colorado for 150,000 miles. Toyota power and quieter ride are a serious upgrade. Used to have to pull off the road in the Chevy to talk on the cell.

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  Absolutely Love! - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By Christina - September 6 - 3:45 am

  I got this car 6 months ago after having my Honda for 13.5 years. I chose this over the brand new Corolla because I liked the way it looked, drove and overall interior comfort better. I have no complaints except the seats can get stained easily and its harder to get out. But the seats are very comfortable, I love the bluetooth capability. Sunroof is great, handles the road nice. I feel very safe in it. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a smaller 4 door sedan.

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  2008 FJ Cruiser - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Lucero - September 6 - 1:53 am

  Drives well, good acceleration and braking. Nice turning radius. Solid ride on the interstates

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  Great. . . .but - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By DMcNutt - September 6 - 12:34 am

  This is my 5th Toyota van/SUV in a row. I have been deeply loyal for all the expected reasons, particularly quality of construction and ease of use. About seven weeks ago I bought a new 2017 Highlander, and started a cross-country trip from Southern California to Washington, D.C., then to Boise, ID and then returned to Southern California. The Highlander is wonderful in all respects. Surprisingly excellent gas mileage on this trip--over 27mpg. The Lane Assist is marvelous, and worked well at night in torrential rains in Tennessee. Everything was top quality--as expected. BUT! HOWEVER! There is one MAJOR CONCERN. I bought the new Highlander primarily for its excellent safety features, such as emergency braking. One major design flaw deeply concerns me. This is the size and location of the drivers side rearview mirror. It seriously blocks views of traffic coming from about 45 degrees to the front and left. When turning left onto a divided road it completely blocks the view of the divider. I have to shift my body and crane my neck and try to look up, over and around it, and even scrunch down to get a little peek under the mirror to see the lane divider. My wife is 55", and I am 57", and we both find that it takes considerable effort to be able to see around the mirror to drive safely. I believe that only a driver several inches taller would be able to easily see over the mirror. I hope I can find a way to retrofit the Highlander with lower mirrors. OTHERWISE, a wonderful SUV that is excellent in all major respects

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  Sporty feel, great gas mileage - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jennifer Latin - September 5 - 10:57 pm

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  Cool Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Brett - September 5 - 6:43 pm

  We bought the Prius about 6 week ago and could not be happier. I am 64" and about 370lb. Its a tight squeeze to get in but once you are there, there is plenty of room. I drove 8hrs to las Vegas the first week we had the car and trip went by in a flash. they skimped on some of the "comfort" features but all in all its a GREAT car. We are getting about 46-49 miles per gallon on the adverage with my wife driving 110 miles a day to and from work.I wish they would offer the premimun sound system in package 7 the stock system sound is pretty poor but is not worth the extra 3500 for package 9.bottom line is WE LOVE OUR PRIUS.Buy one today you will love it.Brett

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  Scared to drive this car but it looks good. - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By sad2010matrix - September 5 - 9:23 am

  I feel like I paid way too much for the 2010 Matix S which has basic insides- no bells or whisles- blah. The car sounds like its dragging, the tires already are worn before 15,000 miles and hear the problem doesnt go away. Blind spots, drivers head rest is a blind spot and and eye sore and its not comfortable. I use it for work and back. I dont want to take it on long trips for its uncomfortable. Telescope steering wheel means 1/2 in closer to the engine, thats already in your lap.

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  Some complaints but still quite happy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Germann - September 5 - 7:46 am

  I got Package 5. This is actually my wifes car but I drive it about half the time and probably over half the miles. We really like it especially the mileage. We have been getting over 50 MPG lately but as low as 36 in winter with minus 20 temperatures and short trips of 6 miles to work and back. The back bumper cover didnt fit well both sides and glove box had to be replaced twice because of non uniform gap. Also one of my Goodyear tires had to be replaced at my expense. They said we abused the tire which was false. We have had this car a year now and we use it whenever we can and the Camry, which only gets 31, sits in the garage. The 15,000 mile service cost almost $200 which is a rip off

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  My 4rd Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Doug - September 5 - 12:06 am

  I have had three 2nd GEN Tacoma double cab and now a 2016 Tacoma and one 2nd gen. They have the number one resale value of all vehicles sold in the United States, that pretty much says it all. The one thing that I will ding Toyota on, is the tranny in the 3rd gens. Im just not a big fan of them over the 2nd gens. The interiors designed very well, I am a 6 foot man and I sit very comfortably in it. The exteriors are very eye-catching and are very useful for out door use. I base the vehicles I buy on how overall useful they are to me. This is why, this is my fourth Tacoma double cab Ive owned.