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 of the Bunch - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ladydriver123 - July 24 - 9:03 am

  Just bought the Highlander Limited after a 4 month search of various SUVs. This car is awesome! Lots of space, optional captains chairs in the backseat as well as heat & a/c, backup camera, keyless ignition, and so many more extras. The powerful engine and 270hp helps make the ride very smooth, and fast. The Blizzard Pearl color w/gray interior was hard to find, but so worth it. Car has more features than the Lexus RX 350, and Toyota reliability is a given. I looked at both luxury and mid-range SUVs, and the Highlander was absolutely the best of the bunch.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Ann - July 24 - 3:46 am

  Outstanding performance, especially the "zippy" feel when accelerating. Even though its a four-cylinder, it feels like a six. I love the fact that the rear seats are totally removable.

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  Why are all the web/print media wrong - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Duncan - July 24 - 1:56 am

  I got my Yaris at the end of March 2008 and have calculated mileage on every tank of gas and the MPG on every tank has been between 35 and 40 MPG. I have never gotten below 35, and I dont use the most fuel efficient driving techniques. Why has every media review, including Edmunds.com stated that the fuel economy on this car is 31-32. This is a great car. You cannot find a better car, with better gas mileage at a better price. Thats it.

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  Land Cruiser rating - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By SUV Driver - July 23 - 11:26 pm

  I have owned 8 other SUVs. Fords, Chevys, Nissans, and Toyotas. This is the finest SUV, by far that I have ever owned. NIce styling, great ride and comfort, with superb dependability!

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  Love Our 2016 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off-Road - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By McCauley - July 23 - 6:49 pm

  Having previously owned a 2007 Tundra and a 2011 Tundra, wife and I agree this is our favorite truck. While it does have a bit of float and wander at highway speeds, it is very commanding and capable off road and in the snow. Yes, we take it off-road in rough terrain often. We have over 9k miles on it so far and have had no issues. My wife drives this truck frequently and comments on the sense of security and reliability it provides her. Naturally, it may not be the truck for everyone, but it is right for us. We opted for the magnetic gray with gray interior and factory folding tonneau cover.

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  simply the best! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sclay1 - July 23 - 5:40 am

  we bought our 4runner 3 years ago with 100000 miles on it, now it has 175000 miles and runs and drives like new! the only thing we have done to it is put new brakes on it, I use synthetic oil and change it every 5000 miles and its full every time. if you have not owned a 4runner you are missing out! Awsome SUV!

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  no teething problems - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By captain - July 22 - 10:43 pm

  This is one car that is about everything that a car should be. Quiet, solid, reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, and amazingly economical. Have had the car now for nearly 4 months and almost 10000 miles - no problems at all and certainly no reason for a dealer visit. Still feels and sounds like a (overpowered) Lexus, will outrun about 90% of everything out on the road while handling/braking is extremely competent for such a large car. I do run premium gas and also do a good deal (70% of my total miles) of 70-80 mph highway driving. 27 mpg overall! Given how much fun I have depressing the accelerator, this is much much better than I expected. Check this one out, highly recommended

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  Perfect Mini SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RDL - July 22 - 5:40 pm

  If youre looking for a mini SUV this auto is it. Get the V6 as the fuel economy is just as good as the smaller 4 cyl. and the V6 gives you the power you need uphill and to pass other vehicles. On the hwy the RAV holds its own and has a nice ride if youre going across town or on a trip. Looks great and runs great. Toyota hit a home run with this vehicle. The added length was a great addition as was the V6. The safety features such as the LSD and downhill features are great as they allow you to go places without needing a 4WD. I have the front wheel drive Sport model and I havent missed the 4WD feature yet. I get around on ice and slippery conditions just fine. Great auto.

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  Awesome Camry! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Happy Customer - July 22 - 12:53 pm

  We bought the 2009 Camry to replace our truck for gas mileage reasons. Boy did it deliver we just got 32 mpg on the last tank. It was great to drive this car for 2 whole weeks and still have 1/4 tank of gas left! We bought the LE because it comes with everything you need plus a lot of safety features. The only option we got was the Vehicle Stability Control. Insurance wasnt that much a month more either. The 158 hp has ample power. You have more than enough get up and go. Its smooth, quiet, beautiful and fun to drive. We are driving it on vacation and Im looking forward to great gas mileage and a comfortable ride. Plus well have plenty of room in the mighty Camry.

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  Great car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By diane - July 22 - 12:13 pm

  I had purchased a 2008 Camry in Sept of 2007 and was very disappointed. The interior was of cheap material and the hood release broke. The cd player did not work after one month of owning the car. the Avalon is great. I purchased the Avalon in july of 2008. I have had no problems at all. very powerful V6 engine and very quiet. love the gps system and bluetooth. Stereo/cd player is great.