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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  Had it a year and love it!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Carrie in PA - September 14 - 6:03 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is fun to drive and when I want to get up and go she just flies. I have recommended a RAV4 to many people and they too have purchased them and loved them just as much. It has a nice turning radius, great on snow and ice, no lagging on hills. It cleans easily with just a wet rag, I did purchase rubber husky mats to preserve the floors (recommended). I average around 25.5 mpg and have gotten as much as 28 mpg on the highway. It is a bit lower in the winter (21-22 mpg) but I figure it is because of the AWD being used. Definitely not complaining there since I want to be safe.

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  Pretty Good SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By bud - September 14 - 11:06 am

  The 2004 4runner was our first Toyota. Almost 5 years now and it has about 55K on it with no major breakdowns. In extremely low temps the heater motor will not work, which seems to be a common failure I have read in other reviews. Also, the AC has a relay that seems to be a weak part that they have upgraded on the newer models. When the relay pukes out, the AC light blinks and will not get cold. Cost about $75 for the part, but I have read some horror stories with getting it repaired or diagnosed properly. Overall, this SUV has been superior to the US made SUVs I have had in prior years. Like all used vehicles, Toyota trade-in value is disappointing. Makes me keep what I have longer.

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  All around, its a good truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Christopher - September 14 - 5:53 am

  I was a little hesitant when buying my tacoma. I got a TRD offroad 4x4 black. I originally wanted it in their dark gray option because the black color does trap in heat, but its a small issue. The price was another thing that put me off a little saying that it was a little over 44,000, but now that I have it, I have fallen in love with it. I have heard others complain about the head room and seat adjustment, but it is not that big of an issue for me saying that I am 5 foot 7. Although I do have to agree that it is a bit tricky to find that perfect seating position. I originally had a 2006 explorer (another great vehicle), and you could adjust the seating position in just about any way you desired. The gas mileage is not a serious issue in my case. The tacoma advertises around 22 mpg for the base sr 2x4 model, but if I drive carefully, I can average up to 24 mpg in the trd offroad 4x4, which is said to get the worst gas mileage out of all the tacoma models. I would have enjoyed an extended gas tank option because I seem to be at the gas station quite often. The only real complaint I have is the acceleration. I didnt expect it to compete with sport cars or anything, but compared to other pick ups, it is quite sluggish. But, I guess if one really wanted to solve that problem, they could add something after market to give it a little more get up and go.

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  Bumping In The Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Bankrup - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Getting a Black Prius was the best decision Ive ever made!!!

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  Great Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By TSH - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had excellent luck with this truck. It is my third 4x4, and frankly it blows away the both the Ford and Jeep I had before. It pulls like a tractor and is fun to drive. The 6 offers plenty of power and it handles well even at highway speeds. One upgrade that paid off big was sound insulation. If youre into stereo, the dynamat is a must...

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  my car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By angelbunn13@aol.com - September 12 - 10:00 am

  my experience in this car is amazing. ever since i was in high school i have wanted this car and so far im very pleased w/ what i have gotten.

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  Love my Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Kevin Schwartz - September 12 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a solid 4-door sedan in the $20,000 range, I dont think there is any other "moral" choice these days than to get a Prius. It is roomy, handles reasonably well, and at 45 - 50 mpg, it cant be beat! The only thing to watch out for is how it handles in snow. Since we live in the San Fran area, we havent had to try that.

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  Great car! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By swooshman - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive! Real eye opener.

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  Awesome in deep snow - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BF - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is an absolute blast to drive. I recently took it up to Trinity with another friend of mine who just purchsed a new Explorer. It snowed about 16-18 inches when we got there to we both decided to do a little snow 4-wheeling. The 4runner handled deep snow with little or no problems. During the few times that I did lose traction, the automatic skid control feature kicked in and controlled the skid before it actually became one. It also had plenty of torque to pull out my friends Explorer from getting stuck. Everyone needs to purchase one and experience this. An absolute blast!

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  wow - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dafny - September 12 - 10:00 am

  great, awesome, cool, TOYOTA, 4Runner, Sport, V8, Rad, Nardly, OffRoad, Powerful, Sweet, strong, big, fast