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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  2011 Sequoia Platinum - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By 02z71 - June 20 - 6:41 am

  Overall, great truck. My first Toyota. GAs milage far better than I expected at 19.5 highway and 17 around town. That includes Firestone Destination AT aggressive tires. Ride is smooth and the room is amazing. Storage space is unparalleled. I got a great deal at the Toyota dealer in Auburn Mass and could not have been happier with that. aggressive off-road firestone destination AT,

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  Underpowered probably - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eli - June 19 - 9:43 am

  I have a 1998 4cyc rev cab with 33x12.5 tires and 6 inch lift and a new 2016 Tacoma off-road 4x4 long bed factory and each require the same RPMs to maintain speeed over the passes in Utah. I like the truck a lot but dang... Couldnt you of given it 300hp and 300 torque?! My fathers 2011 Camry has the same hp and torque numbers almost and it doesnt vibrate while idling and is super smooth. (The 2016 3.5 Tacoma motor while smooth is a bit rough at idle and is loud while driving) I like the truck okay but its probably on its way out in the next two years if it doesnt shock me with its towing ability. The cruise control seems to jack up the RPMs anytime is thinks a hill might be close. Without the cruise I can average 21 mpg continually with 50/50 driving city and freeway. With cruise it averages around 18-19 on freeway and actually better on surface streets. Which is pathetic. Come on toyota... People drive 70 on the freeway and cross country is 80ish.... Help us out please. Im not doing 60 on the freeway. Its pretty quiet inside and the technology is nice. I may keep it but once again Im not trying to get 15mpg while towing 3500lbs cross country.. A tundra can do that for the same price with little to no effort.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kip - June 19 - 8:36 am

  Just traded off a 97 T100 4x4. Smooth ride, great excelleration, plenty of room for my long legs, even in the back. Lots of storage and a good range of accessories to choose from. Have not yet used the bed tiedown feature but it looks promising. Overall I am very satisfied with this truck

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  One Great Little Ride - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By John - June 19 - 8:16 am

  I drive about 120 miles a day and I am getting 44 mpg on the highway. Blended city/hway Im getting 38... If you drive hard you will get a bit less but doing 70 and hold back on the jack rabbit starts and you should get the same. I have the automatic and the performance is fine. Its not the fastest car, but there is plenty of power to hang out and pass on the highway. Overall the car is great, it runs great, rides great, just a great price performers.

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  Great Reliable Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By J Rivera - June 18 - 8:20 pm

  Great truck all around. I drive 20K per year through mountain roads in Puerto Rico and currently have 65K. I had one minor leak with the power steering fluid that was covered by warranty. Other than that, the temperature/compass display was damaged a month ago is not covered by the extended warranty I purchased! Its a great solid truck. Very reliable and lots of aftermarket goodies to customize it and make it your own. I have performed all tune-ups at the dealer and have never been strained on the road. The average MPGs are 17.8 with a best of 20.7 and a worst of 16.7.

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  2004 Camry Trunk Rust - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By GREG MACGREGOR - June 18 - 7:20 pm

  I have owned a Camry for 10 yrs and am very pleased wth the performance and style. The 2004 was bought in Aug 2004. It has developed a rust problem in the trunk. The trunk gutter has visible rust at all the spot weld points all around the trunck. Also would have preferred 16 wheels. Have experienced excessive tire noise on the highway - noticeable by the radio volume increasing when on the highway. Dont think I have bad ears yet.

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  Almost Perfect for a Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By jdl50cc - June 18 - 4:12 pm

  We just passed 93,000 miles on our Tacoma and have yet to perform a single repair other than regularly scheduled maintenance. The worst parts of the Tacoma were the lousy stock tires, but once we replaced those with General Grabbers, things were much better. The radio format is a disappointment, too, because the dash wont accept a standard DIN opening replacement, and were stock with the standard unit, which lakes MP3 ability and an auxiliary input jack. Another odd thing is the fuel economy: It gets 19-20 MPG around town and the same 19-20 MPG on the freeway. Im really happy around town, but wish the freeway fuel use was a bit better.

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  Great midsize suv - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By anonymous - June 18 - 4:06 pm

  Tthis is my first suv, and am very pleased with it, although it does seem to have a little delay in power when first pressing the gas pedal, and the gas mileage could be better. Overall I am quite happy with this car. Looking forward to testing the 4wd in the winter :).

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  Solid Performer - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By William - June 18 - 5:23 am

  Drive Tundra to work everyday approx 22 miles of highway driving. Has been a very reliable vehicle with now having 62,000 miles and still on the original tires. Only maintenance has been by the book with fluid changes. Tow boat about once every two weeks and it handles a 3,000 pound package without any problem.

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  It Just Gets Better! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jerry - June 18 - 3:16 am

  After 4000 miles I cant believe that I am still surprised at how little my Avalon cost. This is my first Toyota.