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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  Silkly smooth, quick, supremely comfy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By C E Herro - August 15 - 4:00 am

  My Avalon is so quiet and smooth that it is hard to tell that the engine is running when first started. It is as comfortable as sitting in a recliner in my living room. Acceleration is very quick and shifting gears are seamless. Instrumentation is well thought out and extremely simple... the cabin is elegant. The dash is uncluttered with all extraneous gizmos hidden behind easily accessed "hatches". The mileage is wonderful. I have watched mine inch past the 31 mpg highway estimate to 32 and 33 mpg. Emotional attachments to my old 55 Chevy aside, this is the best car I have ever owned.

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  a replacement - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob Michael - August 14 - 11:33 pm

  Replaced a 2001 Tacoma TRD. It was a great truck that was very dependable. If this Tacoma is 1/2 as good I will be very satisfied.

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  I wish I knew about this car earlier - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By kevin - August 14 - 10:13 pm

  I used to have a business and efficiency was not an issue. I had a BMW and I also owned a Ford Sport trac. In 2002 my business went bankrupt and I had almost no money. I bought a 1993 toyota tercel. That car cost me nothing for repairs and it would run and run. I promised myself to stick with Toyota forever because it saved my life. I bought a Corolla in 2006. Its perfect. It runs like a swiss watch. Never been to a repair shop. Never has a problem. Its 100% reliable. And this car makes you money if you work fo a company because the gas mileage is excellent.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By noone - August 14 - 6:56 pm

  Getting the best mileage requires relearning how to drive. Either use cruise control where safe, or back off on the accelerator once cruising speed is reached. Use the feedback displays to optimize speed vs. consumption.

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  Great So Far - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By rs118 - August 14 - 2:40 pm

  Never had a car this big so its easy to love the huge space. Captains chairs are great for the toddlers. Third row works for two large adults after configuring all seats. Really nice inside. Much smoother and quieter than the Odyssey Im familiar with and tested. 13,000 miles, just regular maintenance. Occasionally when starting the van, the JBL stereo lights are off and the volume knob wont work. Using volume on the steering wheel seems to correct it. Engine is a little loud, seems like a loud exhaust note at times, but quiet when cruising. Tires wearing quickly. Only 17 mpg in city driving. People dont hear us well on Bluetooth, cheap no-name aftermarket is better.

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  not too bad - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By ox - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my seq for over a year now, and its the most comfortable and easy ride Ive had in a while - it compares to riding in a car - but still reminds you its a honking suv.

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  very pleased - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By jjdd - August 14 - 10:00 am

  not much to say - except its a not the top of the line lux land cruiser - but its pretty damn near. toyota - itll run forever, and the trade in will be much better than most, and its a great machine.

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  Liking it so far.. - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By New4runnerMan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it (used). The PO had it 35k, no problems. Much easier to drive and manuver than expected. Smooth and quiet for a truck. Required attention when driving in high winds. Driving teens like it alot. I inspected everything pretty good and most parts and components have look surprisingly in good shape. I think I made the right choice.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By colorado mtn man - August 14 - 10:00 am

  After debating between the Acura MDX and the Toyota 4Runner, we chose the 4Runner (mostly becuase of cost). Our previous SUV was a 1997 Ford Explorer. So, all of my comparisons are between the 4Runner and the Explorer. The 4Runner is much quieter and has a smoother ride. For a truck based SUV, Toyota did a good job. The 4Runner has much less body roll than the Explorer especially over speed bumps in parking lots. Acceleration is much better than the Explorer although Toyota should improve the 4Runner to have a 5 speed automatic next time. Finally, the Explorer does have more room in back, but hey, cant get everything.

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  2004 Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By vangoh - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The redesigned sienna is an excelent famaily vehicle, in the past we always drove my 2002 tahoe rather than my wifes 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan that has changed with the Sienna. The Sienna drives better and has more room than the Caravan Its a bit pricy but in the long run its worth a few thousand more for the extra room comport and safty features.