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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  Great technology - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lou - May 10 - 11:00 pm

  I opted for the Short bed so it fit in my garage, still have about 18" left over. I traded my 2003 Corolla for the Tacoma. Based on the research I had done the Tacoma always came on top. Handling: Has excellent acceleration, corners and stops nicely. The interior is pretty confortable and feels like a small SUV or a car. So far I have averaged 21 MPG, but I dont get on it too hard! I have added Toyota running boards, they look great and the Off RD package adds a lot. Oh, the 24Valve, V6, 281 ft.lbs of Torque is ready to haul. I decided on the Tacoma for reliability. We are planning a long trip next week. Cheers to all who have one.

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  My Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Dick Conway - May 10 - 11:30 am

  My wife and I just returned from a 3500 mile trip from Dallas to Minneapolis to Michigan, done in 8 days. Drove 710 miles one day and didnt feel tired at all that evening (like I have always felt in other cars on long distance drives). This car drives beautifully and is super comfortable. It has a great turning radius, excellent visibility and general road handling. I love this car (that now has 25000 miles)!! P.S. Im 73 years old.

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  Why cant this car drive staight? - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By irishlager - May 10 - 5:00 am

  My Camry does have a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride. However there are two things that are potential buyers should be aware of. Camry has an alignment problem. This car constantly pulls to the left. After taking delivery, I had to return to the dealer for an alignment with only 400 miles it! I now have 3900 miles and Im going back again. I have also discovered that the highway mileage isnt as advertised. I can only 30 miles to the gallon on the highway.

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  Toyota Lover for Life! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By DRECHYX83 - May 10 - 2:30 am

  I bought this road marvel as a replacement for a 2005 Kia Spectra EX, that had a host of problems on it. I have loved this car ever since I bought it. It gives me great gas mileage & the engine runs so smooth and quiet that you cannot even hear it when stopped for traffic. It had a smooth-drive suspension system before they got all worn out. Today, there is a problem with my tyres that gives me less than 30 mpg overall. I used to get an average of 33 mpg (combined mileage) but these days even 25 mpg is a miracle! I was advised that there is something wrong with my tyres, alignment, balancing or something like that and once I get it fixed, its gonna b okay!

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  Awesome SUV. Best in class by far - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bigdaddydude - May 9 - 11:23 pm

  This SUV is my 2nd 4Runner and they just keep getting better. I LOVE the quality and feel of the leather, it is 10 times better than cloth. The heated seats are a really cool, or should I say hot feature! Although my car-loving son uses them more than I do, they are still an excellent touch on frosty mornings. This car has a punchy V6 that provides plenty of power. The stereo sounds like music from heaven and I also like the 6-disc CD changer, I also enjoy this cars ULTRA-quiet cabin and soft ride and yet you can still feel the road. I am in love with this car and will continue to buy them untill a better car comes out (which will probably not happen).

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  TOYOTA Recall entune 3.0 and Scout GPS - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By bob - May 9 - 9:52 pm

  TOYOTA Recall entune 3.0 and Scout GPS

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  No complaints - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Daisy - May 9 - 4:03 pm

  I am very impressed with the Prius. It is sooo quiet and runs so smoothly. The gas mileage is exactly what I expected. I average between 50 & 55 MPG. Those individual who claim that it gets less may have other contributing factors, such as hills, more freeway driving or a "heavy foot". My husband gets less MPG but that is because he drives it harder than I do. The seats are very comfortable and it is suprisingly spacious. The GPS is outdated right now, but that it because GPS units have to be manually updated. The dealerships have a CD that can update the car.

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  Regularly Irregular - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By H.Markm - May 9 - 4:00 pm

  I bought it because of the 6 cyl. My Honda had 6. It got 20-21 mpg in city. Only getting 17. Have transmission difficulties that dealer says dont exist. Have filed with NTSA. Have to drive like stick shift mode (its an automatic) just to get it to drive/shift in a normal pattern. It either bogs down/lags or takes off. There is no happy medium. Would be happier with manual transmission at this point. I shopped for almost 2 years, made my decision and am not happy.

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  07 Tundra is almost perfect - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Paul - May 9 - 3:16 pm

  I have owned/driven all of the other brands before buying my 07 Tundra. I have owned a Ford F150, Titan, Dodge Ram, and none of these trucks compare to the new Tundra. It is more refined, powerful, comfortable, and reliable. Really, there is nothing that Toyota can do to this truck to make it better... maybe some power adjustable pedals. Overall, I am VERY impressed with this truck. The 07 Tundra is truly going to change everything and everyones perception about trucks. Its as perfect as a truck can get.

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  Affordable Luxury - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By CPZ - May 9 - 11:20 am

  Cars interior, handling,quietness, leather, computer dash make the car a pleasure to drive and be in. Very reliable. Trunk is huge. More interior room than my es300 had.