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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  96% Happy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Damon in Jax - August 5 - 9:33 pm

  Lets start by saying that Im not partial to any truck brand, you name it, it doesnt matter. I do the research the best I can, if that research shows one or the other to be the better buy/quality then thats my truck. Who knows? I could spend all day listing what I like about this truck so I will stick to the bad. Year one I had three or four hard starts, dont know why but hasnt happened since. The brakes seem a little weak. I do own the biggest model Tacoma but they could still improve a bit. At 1-1/2yr, 43k miles the release strap on the passenger side back seat pulled out (very inconvenient). Still, problems are minimal.

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  Awesome!!!!! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By mpotito - August 5 - 9:26 pm

  First ever Toyota Truck! What an awesome truck!!!! Get the 5.7 litre. The average fuel per gallon is 16!! WOW!! I have always owned Chevy trucks but I have to tell you not only is the truck built in the United States but it blows away the Chevy and GMC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great family sedan - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Don - August 5 - 8:20 pm

  Roomy, fun to drive, good acceleration, lots of little conveniences, 5 speeds make a difference, love the "autolights" feature, mpg as listed.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By big jim - August 5 - 6:36 pm

  After 50000 miles driving, owning this truck I am throughly delighted with it. I would like a larger truck to tow our fifth wheel with and am eagerly awaiting the 2007.

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  fourteen years and counting - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom Ferguson - August 5 - 5:11 pm

  This 4runner must be one of the lowest cost to own vehicles of all time. Purchased new 14 years ago and love it even more today. Own a 2017 4wd pickup and a 2014 sedan but cant force myself to part with this 4runner.

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  4x4 6 speed manual - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By roll_tide_geek - August 5 - 11:47 am

  I recently traded this truck in, but had it since 2007 when I bought it new. Never had to replace anything but the oil! It was the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Great off road, comfortable ride. The biggest downside was the fuel economy. It is very poor for a small truck! When I first bought it I didnt notice it as much but then when I moved and had to drive more the economy became very apparent. That was what made me trade it in because it was just too hard communiting 40 miles everyday.

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  Favorite Car Yet - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jordan - August 5 - 5:40 am

  This car gets excellent gas mileage, is fun to drive, sharp looking, and inexpensive even with some options. One very nice option is the MP3 player port, which was my excuse for a new iPod. Most surprising is the spaciousness of this car. For how small it is, it is very roomy, especially in the back. I was very surprised by that. This is my first Toyota, and it wont be my last. I can only say one bad thing about this car, but even it is typical of cars today anyway... it has rattling issues. This is mostly just because of all the plastic used on cars now. Its just something you will have to put up with no matter what kind of car you drive.

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  Amazing - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Brian - August 5 - 3:24 am

  Im only 41 but love my 2011 Avalon Limited family vehicle! They dont make cars like this anymore! Its like a living room on wheels, convenient, safe, comfortable, efficient. This is what a big luxury sedan should be. Any complaints are totally mitigated by the cars incredible value when compared to other vehicles (I frankly see no other competition at this price) and the unfortunate fact that cars like this have gone out of style. My wife calls it an "old man car," and that may be true. I respond that for some people it takes a lifetime to realize the beauty of a car like this, we are lucky to appreciate and enjoy it now.

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  Love it, and Navigators cant follow. - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By PerryPaul - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I live at 7,200 feet elevation and going up and coming down a 18% snow covered dirt road is a cake walk with 4- low. The engine braking system lets me coast down with complete ease. The rear DVD system with wireless headphones keeps my kids quiet, and the navigation system can find the smallest dirt road. I travel in quiet Toyota comfort and quality, but can go where Escalades and Navigators can not.

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  4Runner Anal;ysis - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By don koch - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Superior Reliability with unmatched 4 wheel drive performance and reliability.