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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  I love my Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - December 17 - 1:03 am

  I love this truck. It definitely feels like a truck. It has way more features than are available on the competition. It is loads of fun to drive. I highly recommend it.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By ChrisG - December 16 - 7:16 pm

  Comfortable, pretty, and all it has ever needed in 47,000 miles is standard scheduled maintenance and a new set of tires. Averages almost 30 MPG without fail.

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  This is the SUV of Choice - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By RVJ - December 16 - 4:13 pm

  I am totally in love with this vehicle. For a large SUV, it handles the road perfectly. I ride in safety and comfort. I am happy that I decided to buy this vehicle and have no regrets.

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  does anyone else have this problem? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Rose - December 16 - 7:56 am

  This is my first Toyota after yrs of driving GM cars. Every time it rains, water collects inside the door and when you open it, rain falls on the seat. You have to carry paper towels to wipe it up or have a wet butt! Also, Im glad to know Im not crazy about the way it shifts; I thought it was just me!

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  Nice Car, Great Price - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Joey31776 - December 15 - 11:33 pm

  Just went and picked out my car today after searching and getting the price right. I love my Corolla. I got the Corolla S model for 16400. with 3 years of oil changes included Great Price considering the window sticker was 20900. I have test drove everything that is comparable and hands down the Corolla sport is well worth the money.

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  update - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By galaida - December 15 - 9:23 pm

  The car is an excellent performer and the fuel mileage is beyond my expectations. Getting 32 mpg with 2 rest stops per fill up, around town 22 to 24 mpg which is better then my 2002 Avalon with the 3 Liter engine. This is driving cross-country at speed limit plus 5.

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  Love My truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By DHoward96 - December 15 - 7:03 pm

  I love the truck more and more everyday. I bought it 7/31/06. I was a Chevy man to the core, traded a 00 Silverado ext. cab to get this truck. I have used it to tow everything from my 24 ft. pontoon to my 25 ft. camper. I tested 06 Silverado and Ram crew cabs, they didnt compare to this truck overall. Had a bigger bed than the 06 Silverado and interior is just as comfortable. All the Dodge had going for it was that gas-sucking hemi. Toyota in my opinion had it beat everywhere else. If Toyota ever produces a diesel, I will never drive anything else. That is the only way you will ever get decent fuel mileage towing a camper. Great looking truck too. Large truck fuel economy though.

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  Best Car I have Driven - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By v8ck - December 15 - 4:40 pm

  I do believe its the best car ive driven. Our other cars had lots of flaws. I get extremely good gas mileage, which takes work and a 15k mile break in period. Currently im achieveing over EPA rating of 60mpg with highway driving about 75% of the time. I recommend this car to everyone. Ive seen people who drive BMWs, Mercedes, and just about every luxury car out there switch to the prius and really enjoy it. Savings in maintenance is going to be incredible. Oil changes every 5k. Gas engine will last 500k. Battery last more than 300k so far. (tested in real life) Gas savings... etc. No real transmission. it will last the life of the engine.

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  The Perfect Pickup Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By John - December 15 - 1:20 pm

  Never repaired in 59,000 miles, fits in a standard garage w/ walk-around room, quieter than most cars, powerful, great towing capacity, 18-20 mpg driven gently on Michelin tires and Amsoil 2000, amazing paint job, outstanding seats - more comfortable than my wifes Lexus. I towed a 5500 lb trailer all over Colorado and came down every pass except the single steepest one in the state. Did it in first gear hardly ever touching the brakes. 10-10.5 mpg towing @ 55. Burns zero oil in one year (13,000 miles). Be sure to change diff fluid. Mine had some metal shavings determined to be from mfg, not wear. Better than other trucks.

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  I just purchased - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Sue - December 15 - 12:46 pm

  I traded my Explorer for better fuel economy, I did love my truck. But 37 miles to work and back. I did research on several cars for a few months. I like the cargo area, I am always packing things around and there is plenty of room. My husband is over 60 and has plenty of head room. Driving is fun, and solid. I feel pretty safe with the airbags ect. So far so good!