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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  Best Compact Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Troy - September 9 - 1:46 am

  I love my new truck, 4dr 4WD 6cyl 5spd Auto, with Off Road Suspension Pkg and Tow Pkg (6500lbs). Ride/suspension is better than anything I would expect from a truck. Very quick when needed and havent climbed with it yet but plenty of torque @ 266 ft lbs. Quiet smooth ride, great steering/ handling/ shift and great sound system w/upgrd stereo/6cd + subwfr. Plenty of front and back legroom. Quality vs. cost = great value. 18/21 mpg! If you want a compact truck w 4wd, plenty of space, hp, tow capacity, mpg, and quality then Tacoma is best choice for a few 1000 more.

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  Here it is! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - September 9 - 12:43 am

  I was looking for a commuter car that was well built, comfortable, good on gas, and I wouldnt be ashamed to drive. I went looking for a Corolla, but when I saw the Yaris, I had to drive it; when I drove it, I had to have it! Good on gas, comfortable, peppy, great visibility, stylish, and fun. Love the five speed. The optional 15 inch tires make for a smooth, stable ride. WIth the AC and a CD player, its everything I wanted and more! And the price . . . :)

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  Great commuter with flexible utility - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dmitry - September 8 - 7:26 pm

  Ive been eyeing and researching this vehicle for a while, and Toyotas recent financial incentives have finally made me buy it (was able to get 0% / 5 years). The experience (2 weeks now) has exceeded my expectations in almost every category. The only "downgrade" is less cargo space compared to an older van with removable seats I drove before. Daily drive: 80 miles (25 miles on town/arterial roads at 35/55 mph, and 55 miles on freeways at 60-70 mph). The average gas mileage on 3 tanks so far is at 25.5 mpg. Excellent commuter with utility flexibility; great for moving family of 4 with a large dog (German Shepard) with folded 3rd row. When grandparents come to visit, we all can still fit.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned or driven - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mmon10 - September 8 - 4:05 pm

  We got our 2004 SR5 V8 4WD 4Runner a couple of years ago as a certified pre-owned. It had about 50k miles, drove like new. Never gave us any issues at all, always ran like a champ and never needed any repairs. I drove that truck over countless miles of bad road and it wouldnt rattle, wouldnt waiver, and never broke down. Change out the oil and put gas in it and you were good to go. The only thing I would like to see improved is the MPG. Sadly, not all Toyotas are created equal, but the 4Runner is the flagship unit when it comes to reliability and durability, and if I could, I would buy mine back in a heartbeat even with double miles. Really regret trading it in. REALLY miss my 4Runner!!!

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned or driven - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mmon10 - September 8 - 3:43 pm

  We got our 2004 SR5 V8 4WD 4Runner a couple of years ago as a certified pre-owned. It had about 50k miles, drove like new. Never gave us any issues at all, always ran like a champ and never needed any repairs. I drove that truck over countless miles of bad road and it wouldnt rattle, wouldnt waiver, and never broke down. Change out the oil and put gas in it and you were good to go. The only thing I would like to see improved is the MPG. Sadly, not all Toyotas are created equal, but the 4Runner is the flagship unit when it comes to reliability and durability, and if I could, I would buy mine back in a heartbeat even with double miles. Really regret trading it in. REALLY miss my 4Runner!!!

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  better than expected - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By hawaii101 - September 8 - 11:10 am

  This thing is fun. I bought it without driving it expecting it to be up to Toyota standards. Its by far the most fun vehicle Ive ever owned. It has an extremely solid feel and with the full time four wheel drive that comes with the manual transmission it really hugs the road. Ive only done some mild off roading but it handled some fairly large obstacles and ruts at a speed that would have bounced my brain loose in my Wrangler. So far the FJ has exceeded my expectations and they were high to begin with.

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  very fun car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By smo302 - September 8 - 4:46 am

  I traded in a 2002 Nissan XTerra for this cars so I went from 14 mpg to 32 mpg. I love it. I drive 250 mi a week to work so I need great mpg, but to get a fun car that definitely can move out of its own way is great. Thinking about purchasing the supercharger from TRD. This will give it the same power as the XRS model for about the same price. Otherwise I am very pleased at the power above 4000 rpm for a little 4-cylinder engine. We shall see what winter brings without a 4 wheel drive anymore it will be interesting.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By john kohanski - September 7 - 10:21 pm

  I bought this thing new with 12mi on it, because I needed a car for my 125mi per day commute at 5 days a week. Right now it has over 300,000! miles and still runs like a clock. Still has original anti-freeze, alternator and most parts. I am a former mechanic for a living and it broke my heart to buy this over American, but this thing is the real deal. Still getting 32mi/per gal, enough power interstate part of commute, and room for family. Trunk hold more then you think. When it finally dies I am going to get another one.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kycelyn - September 7 - 8:06 pm

  I love the exterior design. Just looks sharp. Huge truck space for a convertible and smooth ride. Great warranty and I got a great deal. Comfortable too! Just a fun car to drive.

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  Solid SUV - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mister Salvatore - September 7 - 9:01 am

  FJ is a good, solid off-road vehicle. I have the manual six speed. I am 66 and have driven a standard shift since I was a teenager. But it pains me to say with my arthritic joints, I just cannot handle the clutch and shifting any longer. This vehicle is also a bit rough on the road. With the full-time four wheel drive and all the computer management, it rides straight and true on the slippiest of roads. I did all the factory scheduled maintenance and have not had a single issue or anything break in my six years of ownership. If I was younger, the rough ride and shifting would not bother me at all. I was never the luxury car type, but now it is time I get a vehicle with some cush. I really hate to depart with FJ, but it is time I go luxury. Not exactly a family car, but is great for camping, outdoor stuff, off roading, that type of thing, or for someone like me that just likes an off-road type of vehicle to drive. And, oh my goodness, so good-looking!!