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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  Getting My Moneys Worth - 03 Corolla CE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By DBinMidW - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for a month, put about 1,500 miles on it, and getting 38 mpg. The 5 speed is peppy with good acceleration when needed. Rides smooth at all speeds and handles decently in the snow for a car its size. Interior heating is quick, and AC seems to work well without sacrificing engine performance. Adequate leg/foot room for average adult in rear seat. This is obviously a well thought out car, and a great value considering Toyota reliability. I chose the CE over the LE - the extra "features" on the LE seem insignificant with no real added performance or value for the money.

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  Excellent! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - May 14 - 1:16 am

  I leased my runner in early 2005 and LOVE it. Great ride, stylish interior, good stereo, low noise.

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  Thus far Im happy. - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Rick Evans - May 13 - 4:33 pm

  I replaced a 90 manual Probe seeking an economical and reliable ride. Considering the smaller engine 1.8L vs 2.2L the highway performance is surprisingly good. The Probe had an edge in acceleration during passing but the Corolla is noticeable quieter at 75mph. Tire noise is about the same. Corolla shifting is clearly smoother. Calculated fuel economy averages 33 mpg. On Boston to NYC trips Ive gotten 40. Trunk space is surprisingly roomy. A key factor was that it carry all my amateur astronomy stuff. The little storage areas including the armrest storage are quite convenient keeping the interior neat. Radio reception is excellent. CD/radio sound is good

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob - May 13 - 3:43 pm

  Put 700 miles on it the first week-end. Got 35 MPG on mainly level interstate with an automatic. Cruise control stayed "locked on" to correct setting even when crossing the Smokey Mountains in NC/TN. Not as comfortable as my Camry XLE, but then not supposed to be. Loaded a lot of stuff into it without any problems.

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  The best SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By CEL - May 13 - 2:10 pm

  You can spend more but you wont get more than this SUV. Its top shelf from stem to stern. The 270 hp V8 is silky smooth with power to spare. Mileage has averaged 18.2 for the past several months. You will never know youre driving a 4300 lb vehicle if you get the optional suspension. I compared every SUV in the 40 to 55 k range and IMHO this was best. Its equal to Lexus but is 10 grand cheaper. The updated features are endless including a factory 110 v inverter to run your lap top on the road. Before you buy anything else test drive this SUV... you wont be disappointed. Its Toyotas best SUV ever............

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  Great Truck, But Not Perfect - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - May 13 - 1:53 pm

  This being my second Tacoma, I expected Toyota to have made an amazing truck even better. It is better in some aspects: size, comfort, ride, and amenities. But, one thing I have found so far is that this truck has many little annoyances. For example, the brakes are a joke. It feels like Im driving a car from the seventies with no power brakes. I feel myself being very cautious when stopping at a red light - afraid I might just run over the car in front of me. Cant imagine towing a boat or a trailer with these brakes. Another thing is a mysterious sound coming out of the driver-side seat belt pillar. It sounds like a screw is rolling around in there. Very annoying.

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  Great value for the money - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - May 13 - 8:50 am

  All around, one of the nicest cars available, and I drove a lot of them before purchasing this one. Not the best handler but sure footed enough to to take the cloverleaf exit ramps around here with authority. A bit of a resonance around 70 mph mars an otherwise serene highway ride. Averages about 32 mpg in a 70/30 mix of highway and city driving, respectively. Can get 40 mpg at 65 mph. VERY comfortable seating for me, with plenty of adjustment and support. Buying experience was mixed, great price, salesperson, crappy finance office.

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  Mediocre - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By frontier191 - May 13 - 3:23 am

  I bought a 2013 corolla LE after trading in my old car. I ended up with corolla when I wanted a Civic because of lower insurance and retail price. Biggest mistake ever. I didnt thoroughly research the car and its competitors before making my decision. The car rides OK. Very quiet cabin and good fuel economy but its very boring and the styling looks outdated for a 2013...but it does the job. I dont think this car has a good resale value. Many of its competitors offer more bang for the buck and Im seeing many of these corollas already for sale when its barely 1 or 2 years old. Toyota is also redesigning the corolla next year so thatll likely further hurt its value.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dallas_hybrid - May 13 - 2:56 am

  I have had my hybrid for almost 2 years now. I typically drive in the city and get 35-38 mpg depending on the time of year (use of heater or AC). Highway mpg is typically 38-40 mpg, and that is travelling around 70 mph even with the AC going. My only complaint is that there are rattles in the car, but I havent brought it into the dealer to see if it could be fixed.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By akers1996 - May 13 - 2:23 am

  Purchased it two weeks ago. Love it, best SUV I have owned. Fuel mileage could be better but hey its a SUV. Plenty on interior room, beautiful vehicle on the outside. Very glad I bought it.