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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  MID-AGE CRISIS? - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Paul - August 16 - 11:23 pm

  Bought the Canadian version of the S, the RS, had it lowered, put 18" wheels on it, a light tint and a few subtle additions. I LOVE DRIVING IT! I never drive my large luxury sedan any more. I may be pushing 57, but in this little pocket rocket, I feel like a twenty year old zipping about in Europe. I feel so smug when I pull away from a fat, super duty truck or the like. My first (not my last) Toyota.

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  Hard to believe - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By john - August 16 - 10:04 am

  I have been thinking about replacing one of our Subarus with a off road pickup and was happy to see remodeled Tacoma. Upon driving it though, I have to wonder what the Front Office is thinking. Did they test drive this dog before they released it? I doubt it because it is so lacking power and transmission gel that it made for a very dissappointing test drive. I wont buy one until they address these ridiculous shift points. In trafic you have to just about floor it to change lanes and it has a very annoying vibration. I cannot imagine taking this hound on the freeway. The seat is "one size fits all". There is no seat height adjustment on this 37,000 vehicle! [non-permissible content removed]

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  Great Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Natalya - August 16 - 8:53 am

  This car is perfect. The EPA says 36 but I am averaging closer to 43. I try and keep my tank above the half way mark at all times. It really is a great car!

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  Tacoma SR best for the price - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chuck - August 16 - 7:46 am

  I have owned this truck for 8 months I find that the overall construction is excellent, styling is great. The main concerns I have is that I got the 4- cylinder and it is under-powered for this truck,even with the 5-speed manual transmission.The other thing is the squeaky clutch pedal. I would buy another Tacoma in the future and would still get the SR or SR5 but with the 6-cylinder and 6-speed manual transmission.

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Horatio - August 16 - 5:20 am

  No complaints at all. Joy to drive, love the feel and smooth transition from elect to gas. One must listen to realize the gas motor is running.

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  Poor mileage for me - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By michigandriver - August 16 - 3:36 am

  I traded in a 2000 Lexus for a 07 Camry Hybrid. I dont like it. It does not even compare to the Lexus in quality or comfort. The ONLY time I have gotten close to 40 mpg is on the highway with the cruise set at 60. Otherwise I average between 32-35 mpg, tops. I drive very conservatively and have tried different driving styles to try to improve the mileage, but no luck. Handling (especially cornering) is a bit sloppy with this car (no comparison to the Lexus). The heat/air is also noticeably less efficient with this car than with the Lexus, and also with the previous 3 Toyotas I have owned. Im going back to Lexus!

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  Surprised at How Much I Enjoy It - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By TreyBlaq - August 15 - 8:56 pm

  As a road warrior moving from an Acura RL to an SUV, I have been very surprised at how much I have enjoyed this vehicle. I typically drive 1,200 miles per week and with the exception of brake pads and tires, this truck has asked for nothing but gas. On that note, I have been tracking the mileage for the past 30k miles and Im averaging 20.9 MPG - not bad for a V8.

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  Just purchased - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By mobiledan - August 15 - 3:12 pm

  I just purchased, or leased, my Rav4, so I can only give my initial impressions. I had narrowed my search to Equinox, Outback, and Rav4 - they are similar in size, price, and features. My choice ended up being based on the deal; my Toyota dealership was willing to deal. My Rav4 is base model, with upgrades of moonroof, leather seats, tinted glass, 17" mags, mult-disc cd. My impression is that it performs well, and is the peppiest of the three (I only tested 4 cylinder models). The Chevy and Subaru have enough power, too, but they feel and sound like 4 bangers winding out the rpms. The Toyota felt like a 6, with no straining or revving out. I also think the Rav is by far the quietest o

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  Not Worth the Money - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - August 15 - 11:56 am

  Bought the SR5 4 cyl access cab in Jan 2009. Hated to part with my 2001 at the time, now Im really sorry I did. The 2009 Tacoma has the worst wind noise coming from the back. The seats are too low and not comfortable. Tilt wheel, what tilt wheel. It moves about an 1/2" up and 1/2" in and out. The windshield is so low it’s almost a problem seeing out. All around visibility to the outside seems less than my ‘01.The radio does not pick up stations like my ‘01 did. I’ve never owned anything but Toyotas, and I expected this truck to be nothing less than my previous trucks. I was wrong. The more I drive it the more I dislike it. This truck will be gone next year. PLEASE BRING BACK THE 2001 STYLE.

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  A lot of bang for the buck - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ted - August 15 - 12:56 am

  After owning this car, it is easy to see why Toyota is doing so well. This American designed and built car is like owning a Lexus but costs much less. The blizzard-white pearl paint job is beautiful. Also owning a fuel stingy Rav4, I am also impressed with Avalons 31 mpg on the highway. I test drove a Lexus and previously owned a Volvo, but the Avalon was such a great car for the money.