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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  Good basic truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By mountain guy - January 19 - 2:00 am

  For a reliable basic truck the little Tacoma is tough to beat.

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  Buy this car.. - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By jbintegra - January 19 - 2:00 am

  My LIFE is driving. I annually put around 40,000 miles on vehicles, and as an avid older Porsche collector, I demand satisfaction. My Integra with 376,850 actual miles (original VERY tired engine) finally croaked. Found the "S", liked it, and got the 0% financing. I am in LOVE with this car- the "squishy/squealy tires" and soft suspension are exactly what I need for my job. Indeed, I am 510 and 135 lbs, so the seat-comfort complaints might be valid for larger drivers. What I love is how quiet it is, the impeccable build quality, the ample power and the incredible gas mileage (39.6 avg). Turn the key and drive it for 10 years. I trust it.

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  very good but very thirsty - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Okie - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good truck. My previous truck was a 98 GMC Z71. This truck is somewhat smaller but has significantly higher build quality. The gas mileage is extremely disappointing; it is as bad as the GMC which also stinks.

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  Not the greatest family vehicle - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pilotboy03 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very powerful and drives pretty nice although some extra space and comfort is needed.

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  Nice car, BUT..... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By bschram - January 18 - 3:48 pm

  Pleasantly surprised by what this 4 cylinder can do. Quiet, smooth great mileage but you have to drive sensibly to get the grat mileage. I have got close to 38 MPG at cruising speed on the freeway and got about 35 overall on one recent short trip. The secret of getting good mileage is to keep your foot out of the engine. I have had this car about a month now and so far so good. Only down side is the front fascia on this car. It is weak and by that I mean it is fragile. I had to bring it back the day after I bought it because the cheap under panels under the front fell off and scrunched under the car. Front bumper has a crease in it from some kind of bump and looks like hell.

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  Love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By shrink2477 - January 18 - 3:30 am

  I would order this car again without hesitation. Its fun to drive, gets good gas milage, is well designed, and has been an overall delight. Gas milage runs 45 in hot weather, and about 40 in cold. Not bad. High intensity headlamps are fantastic. Im totally satisfied.

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  First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Craig - January 18 - 2:50 am

  My first Toyota but Ive had numerous Japanese sedans. What separates the Avalon from other Asian performance sedans is that it has 268-280 hp yet takes regular gas and frequently gets more than 20 mpg. That alone is worth considering this car. Numerous reviews commented on what a good car this is but its not "athletic." Ive found the contrary with the Touring edition. The suspension is ideal and is mated nicely with the power of the vehicle. It feels very non-American because there is absolutely no bounce, no matter what kind of surface Im driving on. Ironic since this is a large luxury sedan that was designed and built in U.S. Make a stick shift option and a less Camry-like exterior.

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  Great for an inexpensive car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Heather - January 16 - 3:10 pm

  Most of my driving is in a small town with stop lights or signs at almost every intersection, and I am still getting 28 - 30 MPG. I love the roominess of the interior. The seats fold down completely flat so that you can really load this car full of cargo. My only complaint is that in order to depress the clutch completely, you are too close to the accelerator which can get uncomfortable if you are driving for awhile. I bought this car for economy and did not expect it to be as nicely appointed or to ride as well as the more expensive Toyotas or Volvos I have owned in the past. It isnt and it doesnt but its not bad. Its roomy, and, for what I paid, it is an excellent car.

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  New Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shawn - January 16 - 1:03 pm

  Im hoping this truck will match my 1986 toyota pickups reliability. I must say that so far the ride has been lots of fun! Better gas mileage than my s-10 zr2 and plenty of pep for a 4 cyl. The interior is a step above the colorado and ranger, the ride is much more refined as well.

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  Slightly too small - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By 2nd thoughts??? - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my V6 Double Cab Tacoma for almost exactly one year now and for the most part...I love it. However, the head room and leg room are a bit too small for someone who is much over 6 tall. Also, the front seats are not very wide. I looked at the Ford F150 but was too scared at the time to buy a Ford. The Double Cab Tundra had just come out and so I figured would settle on the Tacoma. I hate to sell or trade it in but the interior size and truck bed may force me into a Tundra or F150. P.S. Do not even consider the 4 cylinder in the Double Cab....way too underpowered!