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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  Good vehicle for a growing family - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By M. C. - August 17 - 9:04 am

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  Not What I Expected - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Dissapointed - August 16 - 9:50 pm

  This vehicle replaced a 2005 Toyota Corolla, The Corolla was nearly a perfect vehicle. The Matrix isnt even close to the quality or integrity of the Corolla. The interior plastic is of very poor quality and appearance. The gas mileage as far, far less than the Corolla. Its hard to believe the Matrix is a Toyota. I am not at all pleased with the Matrix. This vehicle has caused me to substantially lower my opinion of Toyota.

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  Best truck Ive ever had - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By GreatforDogs - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  This is by far the best UV out there for the price. I have driven full size pickups and other SUVs that cant compare for the fun of it. I have 3 dogs and the interior is superior for carting them around and clean up is fast. Put the back seats down and the cargo room is equal to my last short bed pick up. My Dad is a Cadillac man and he is even impressed with the FJ. Getting used to the lack of visibility took some time, but I wouldnt trade my Toyota for anything. It far surpasses the overpriced Tahoe I had. I love it.

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  Happy with my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Brian - August 16 - 4:10 pm

  Im happy with my 07 Camry. Its very comfortable and a quiet ride with low levels of road and wind noise. I drive (not own) quality cars and I can attest to the fact this car rides as well as some cars costing considerably more. As my car is only a 4 cylinder version, performance is adequate to good. There are a few things that irritate me. When one floors the gas pedal, not a lot happens, which can prove to be a bit embarrassing in certain situations. Maybe its some electronic trickery to overcome the lack of traction control! The transmission leaves a lot to be desired. Driving in hilly and twisting roads is hard work maybe a sixth gear would solve this problem.

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  Poor Gas Milage - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Russ Lefevre - August 16 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased a high end Prius with the all the features in 6/08. Started out getting 46 mpg. to 44mpg.Then 3 month later it went down to 30mpg to 34mpg. tops. Brought back to dealer they checked it out & said they could find anything wrong. My Nav unit reads Im getting around 36 mpg. But when you do the math after a fill up its getting 30 to 32 mpg.

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  What a ride - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By zebramoray - August 16 - 11:53 am

  We test drove Armada, Z71 Suburban, Sequoia, and Expedition.. Sequoia so superior in ride. 80 MPH its so quite you can talk in a low voice. JBL sounds great. Tire Pressure Monitor alerted us that tire pressure was too low, and it was, by 7 pounds. Handling is like a car, easy to park. SR5 loaded up is 4-6K less than limited, with same safety features and ride.

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  2008 Prius - An Honest Review - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By cyberfogey - August 16 - 10:50 am

  First of all, lets get past the looks! I was put off for over a year before buying solely because I wasnt thrilled about the exterior looks. You get over that as soon as you drive it. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. Just close the door and you can feel the Toyota quality. I was surprised at the actual acceleration, as much as I will ever need. The technology is very different and takes some getting used to. After 2 months I still find myself reaching for a gear shift lever to put it in park! The glare on the front window can be eliminated by simply turning down the dashboard dimmer switch a little. Practice backing with an empty trash can behind you. Stop waiting! Buy it!

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  CHEAP TO BUY, AND CHEAPLY BUILT TOO! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By retired744 - August 15 - 5:48 pm

  In April 2012, I bought a 2010 Corolla LE with 7018 miles, from a Honda dealer, for $13,685. I bought it because of the advertised great fuel milage, and for the 8 total air bags ( small car safety ). The car is a good vehicle for low speed local travel, but highway noise above 55mph is excessive! I simply would not buy a Corolla again because of the excessive road noise. This is obviously a cheap car, but the all plastic interior is disgustingly cheap. I suppose I got what I paid for, but I now do NOT plan to keep this car. Interestingly, someone else traded it in at the Honda dealership where I bought it. WHY ?? I am now planning to trade it also! I made a mistake buying a 2010 Corolla LE!

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  Not to die for - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Vern - August 15 - 5:30 pm

  I loved my beat up old ride . 100k It never let me down . I bought it with dents on all sides,front & back . Mechanically it worked well .tranny & engine are well matched . I lent it to My son the 2nd time he had ever driven it & had a head on collision with it .Didnt understand front wheel drive vs rear wheel technology . Its a paperweight now but no one was hurt Thank God . All the doors still shut & work perfectly . but there engine is shoved all the way into the fire wall . A lesser car would have resulted in several fatalities . God bless air bags & Japanese automobiles

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  My New Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By toyotalover - August 15 - 2:20 pm

  The Sienna is my first minivan and my boys love it very much. During our first trip to LA we averaged an outstanding amount of 28.2 mpg. I love my Sienna.