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:

• 

  Conservative style, but still a beautiful car inside/out - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By dchev - August 4 - 2:04 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw redesigned 2011 Toyota Corolla S. You might think that it looks like 2009-2010 Corolla, but with small cosmetic and mechanical changes they did on 2011 model, the car looks very refined. Interior is simple and elegant, with comfortable seats. Also, Blue-tooth radio works very well. Driving 70/30 city/highway gives me 30-32MPG with A/C running all the time. Overall, this a great ride!

• 

  I love my 2005 XLE V6 Camry!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By inflightslave - August 4 - 3:23 am

  This car just ROCKS! another winner!

• 

  Good overall SUV, some flaws - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By b42346 - August 3 - 11:32 pm

  Overall good SUV. We bought it brand new in fall of 2005. But, we actually liked our 2 previous Chevy Suburbans WAY more. We got the Limited Sequoia with DVD. The 3rd row seat is actually comfortable for adults. In just 6 years, we have put approx. 130,000 miles. The gas mileage is horrible. I get 15 combined. Next cars will be a Suburban or Audi Q7 diesel for the fuel economy. Also, acceleration left something to be desired.

• 

  2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Last Toyota - August 3 - 9:06 pm

  I grew up as a Toyota person and my first car was a Toyota Supra, then Celica GT, then another Celica GT. Now I have a Sienna with every option possible and unbenounced to me, I have lived the past two years as the most frustrated person owning a vehicle. The warranty support by Toyota is poor at best when comparing to Honda...thus the need for extensive warranty in the first 24 months speaks to itself. Never say never...but my intent is to rid myself of this Toyota and never own another Toyota product.

• 

  Perfect dad truck! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By rayrn87 - August 3 - 1:37 pm

  I love this truck!! Legendary reliability and resale value is ridiculously high! I have a v6 tx edition pre runner double cab so it has a tough rugged look. Cant even count how many compliments Ive gotten on how badass the truck looks, I had a crewmax tundra and the taco is much easier to maneuver and more comfortable to drive daily, although the interior is smaller, my 2 kids and the wife fit comfortably. My only regret is not getting the 4x4 but Im not much of an offroader. I mainly use the vehicle to drive to work , plenty of stop n go lights but gas mileage is decent and you dont notice the meter move unlike full size trucks.

• 

  Miles per gallon - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jim - August 3 - 10:30 am

  The highlander hybrid I purchased has a mileage rating of 28 highway and 32 city. This would make me assume the mileage would not average less than 30 per gallon. I have been trying my hardest to "work" the battery for better mileage, although the best I can average with this vehicle in any condition is 27.5.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - August 3 - 9:13 am

  Truck has been totally trouble free. Everything is very well thought out. It drives almost exactly the same as when I drove it off the lot. The engine is quiet and very smooth and the suspension is awesome: it drives the same whether the bed is empty or filled to its capacity. Its become an old friend.

• 

  Sure its not a Lexus? - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By corkyf - August 3 - 8:09 am

  I picked up my Highlander Limited AWD on Tue. Thurs my wife and I headed out on a 500 plus mile long weekend (37th anniversary). I had been checking out the Buick Enclave, but couldnt get the price I wanted. Id been to the ACC tourney and Toyota had a couple of cars in one of the tents. Saw the Highlander Limited.......liked the price and looks (especially interior). Visited nearby dealership and drove one. Fairly impressed. Looked online and got a price I liked..and made the deal. On our trip through the mountains of NC, TN, and VA.......it was much better than expected. Quiet, smooth, comfortable.......pleasure to travel in. Enjoyed it as much as my wifes infinity M35.

• 

  Concerns about quality - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By new owner in Feb. - August 3 - 1:20 am

  We have owned two Avalons previously and liked them a great deal. The 2006 XL we purchased gives us some concern. The transmission hesitation when you want the car to move quickly is a real problem. In addition, after backing out from a parked postion and then moving forward there is a low rumble in the rear. Other than this, we like the quietness in the interior, roominess, and looks, especially with silver pine mica.

• 

  Sporty Camry SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By lynn thomas - August 2 - 1:14 pm

  Love this car. I previously owned a 1997 Camry CE. Moving up to a 2010 SE felt like heaven. Lots of extras that I had never experienced but have been around for a while. Great price point and it was smooth working with the dealership. Hopefully my last car since it only had 35K miles.