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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  Toyota Sienna: Best Van 4 the $$$ - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Todd - August 31 - 9:03 pm

  The resale, fit and finish, stability, reliability, transmission, engine, dash board views, and rubber/ plastic movement and sound surpass the other minivans. The Sienna is heavy duty family grade. We drove the Honda and it was really nice. But not as heavy duty as the Sienna. The Toyota is much studier and feels better on the road. We love this van and I swore Id never buy one!!

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  238,000 miles and still going strong! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By DeFoor - August 31 - 8:06 pm

  This is my 2nd 4 runner. I have only replaced the water pump and timing belt. The truck still looks great inside and out. If you want reliability Toyota trucks are the way to go. I expect to get at least another 150k. I dont drive like you mamma either, these are hard miles. The 4 wheel drive is there when you need it, it will climb some steep hills. If you are worried about good dealer service- dont, you will not need it!

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  Very nice ride - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Stewart - August 31 - 7:13 pm

  Very happy with my first hybrid. I get a average 36.9 mpg easily. Quiet and smooth in the city or on the highway.

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  Best bang for your buck - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Billy Golden - August 31 - 6:17 pm

  Bought this car about half a year ago with 178k miles for $1,550. May have overpaid slightly, but the car was maintained very well. Some say the clutch is on its way out, considering it is still the ORIGINAL, but I believe it shifts great still. Now has 186k with original clutch. Frequent oil changes, tires replaced, other than that, havent had to put a dollar into the car. Besides an air filter. 15 bucks. I use this car to deliver pizzas. Bumpy dirt roads are frequent. The suspension is fantastic. Driving 80+ MPH feels like youre going 50. No drifting left or right, drives straight as an arrow. Fantastic get up for a little 1.8l engine. Cant suggest this car enough to you. If you find one with the 5 speed 1.8l, dont sleep on it. The gas mileage is awesome, reliability is even better. Hope to get it to 250 on the original clutch, but well see how that goes. ;)

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  Van Life - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Kurt Horan - August 31 - 6:15 pm

  If you are destined to drive a mini van the Sienna is the way to go. The all wheel drive is great in the snow.

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  Awesome van - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By WM - August 31 - 4:50 pm

  Superb interior finishing, excellent display and controls, very comfy.

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  238,000 miles and still going strong! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By DeFoor - August 31 - 3:40 pm

  This is my 2nd 4 runner. I have only replaced the water pump and timing belt. The truck still looks great inside and out. If you want reliability Toyota trucks are the way to go. I expect to get at least another 150k. I dont drive like you mamma either, these are hard miles. The 4 wheel drive is there when you need it, it will climb some steep hills. If you are worried about good dealer service- dont, you will not need it!

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  Driver-side Window - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By pikabill - August 31 - 9:06 am

  The build quality and reliability of my 2008 Highlander has proven to be poor with only 59,000 miles on it and Toyota Customer Service was a waste of time...for example, the driver- side window failed from a plastic part and the dealer charged me over $400 to fix it. Toyota Customer Service and the dealer provided no consideration whatsoever. Yes, it was outside the warranty and Toyota has no obligation to fix it and I have no obligation to purchase another Toyota.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By kefla22 - August 31 - 5:06 am

  We have had our Rav4 for over 3 years. Never needed any service, besides regular maintenance. It would have been nice if Toyota put an extra 1 to 2 feet in length as the back seat hardly has any legroom. We drove across country to San Diego, was there for 6 months and drove back and it performed perfect. If you dont need a lot of room, buy this vehicle. Reliability - Committment to excellence

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  Just what I needed - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By JungleLove - August 31 - 5:03 am

  I love driving this car. Driving any vehicle is a privilege not a right, and driving the 09 corolla seems like an amazing privilege to me. Not the speediest car, but thats not what Im looking for. I drive down and up a canyon five days a week and my avg. mileage is 37.5 to the gallon. Automatic lights, auxiliary plug for my iPod, volume and station controls on the steering wheel, room for a massage table in the trunk. Perfection. Sweet.