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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  BUY ONE! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Awesome Truck! - February 11 - 9:56 pm

  Just another honest opinion. Bought the Crewmax when they first came out. Compared with my other vehicles, I couldnt be happier. I wont mention the brands but they have all been in and out of dealership for repairs. This truck has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned. However, as with all vehicles there has to be a problem. The front diff. Needs repairing. Makes a "woo. Woo" noise once and a while. But Toyota will replace it. Unlike other brands who claim you are hearing things. Tons of power, tons of room, not bad on fuel (87 octane), and will spank a ext. Cab hemi with the supposed 390 hp. (ask my brother ; ) ). Stereo is good not great.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - February 11 - 7:20 pm

  The mileage you know about. This car barely sips regular gasoline. The Prius has every possible feature that doesnt add weight, carefully planned, fully integrated, and built with quality. When GM and Ford complain that their cars dont sell, ask them why they insist on building gas guzzling SUVs instead of fuel efficient hybrids.

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  Best riding car Ive ever owned - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By Tom - February 11 - 12:00 pm

  Smooth ride. Screens encourage me to drive less aggressively as I see how my old habits were jerky and inefficient (or maybe Im just getting mellower with age). Incredibly quiet inside and out. Only quibble is the navigation screen is too small. But I love this car.

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  A Home Run With Me - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Tom - February 11 - 7:50 am

  I bought this car new back in 2002 and quite frankly it was the first foreign car Ive ever purchased. I always bought from GM, and at the time of purchase, the "Big Three" were making only gas guzzlers (the Geo Metro was phased out). So I was very apprehensive about buying foreign. Wow, my fears were unfounded. This car runs and runs and runs. Ive got 80000 miles on it and the only thing Ive done is put gas in it and change the oil every 6 months religiously. Absolutely no problems, not even a sensor light has come on. Love this car - would recommend this car to anyone - and I have, and two people have purchased this car used and they love it as well.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe - February 11 - 12:10 am

  This is my first SUV and this is a great choice. Refined ride, great power, smooth transmission and a responsive V8 make a very capable vehicle that can tow a ton, handle any weather, and full time 4WD make it very safe in any conditions. The steering is a bit unresponsive, but once you get used to it, you feel secure in it. The iterior is well made, the leather seating is not as supple like some, but seems to be built more for duribility. MPG is good for a V8. I average 17.9 with mostly stop and go driving.

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  Quiet and comfortable luxury - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David Kennell - February 11 - 12:03 am

  We purchased our hybrid two weeks ago. So far it is a very comfortable car with a very quiet ride. We got 34 mpg with mostly city/short drives on our first tank of gas. We expect to get better after the car is broken in. We went from a 2000 Civic to a fully loaded Camry. We wanted a luxury car without compromising gas mileage. So far so good. Dont think we could have made a better choice, but will write again in about 4 months to see if we still like the car as much as we do now.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jack - February 10 - 10:46 pm

  The Avalon limited is without question one of the best cars I have owned. I have owned a Volvo S80 and 740 turbo. I have owned a Mercedes E and S class. Yes I enjoyed my S class Mercedes but for the money, you cant beat the Avalon. I love the style outside and in. I have had more compliments on this car than any other. And, I love to drive it.

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  First New Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Javier - February 10 - 9:30 pm

  The 2007 Corolla drives incredibly smooth for a car its size with great fuel economy. I fill up my tank once every 15 days and it only takes $22.00!

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  Super Truck - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By JPB - February 10 - 4:52 pm

  Love this truck, only thing I found was front lights are not a good as the 2014.

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  Love It! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By MikiC - February 10 - 3:20 pm

  Get 47.8 to 55.3 MPG. Package 3 that has more features than the car it replaced. Comfy ride everywhere I go. Sound heavy vehicle that is very smooth and fun to drive. Wasnt interested at first because thought it was too small until I test drove one. Very impressed with what I saw, and walked away that day with one!