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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  AMAZING! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By PFranks - January 19 - 5:26 am

  I am about to purchase a new car and am worried that the newer one will not be able to compare to the reliability of my Camry. The only complaint I have is that the paint has began to fade. Other than that, I have 170000 miles on it and have never had a mechanical problem. It will be a sad day when I pass my car onto another lucky owner.

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  Proud of it! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Billy Bob - January 19 - 5:26 am

  I love my not-so-little red truck! Gas mileage is excellent! Never been under 24 for me, and sometimes is as high as 28. The 4 cyl has plenty of power as well. 4WD is easy to engage and provides extra pull in 4 low. The composite bed is an improvement. Plenty of space on the interior, even for me at 62" 230 lbs. This is a great buy for the price, assuming that it is as reliable as a Toyota should be.

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  Love this truck so far. - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By GBinFL - January 17 - 8:06 pm

  Traded in a 2003 VW GTI for this truck, as we needed a more family-friendly vehicle. Bought with TRD Sport Pkg#1. Truck looks great, handles great, fun to drive. There are some minor design issues that would make a difference. Looks awesome with hood protector, stainless tube steps, and Lund tonneau cover. Love the 115v power outlet in the bed, but worried that composite bed material will scratch very easily. Need to find some carpet or something to line the bed with. Also wish you could get a factory sunroof in double cab models. Like any vehicle, not perfect, but pretty darn good, and hope the reliability is as good as our Sienna.

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  Just Getting Started - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By stardriver - January 17 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased this silver 2003 auto coupe and knew immediately it was a great choice. Quick, comfortable, fun to drive and excellent mileage--even for an automatic. First mileage check netted 280 miles for 8.5 gallons, netting a very respectable 33 mpg city/highway. Believe it will get 38 hwy easily. Killer sound system, lot of room, huge trunk space for a "small" car. Surprising quiet at freeway speeds. Toyota may have made some mistakes marketing this car, but not in building it. The Yaris sedan is similar but getting one of these at a fraction of the cost and you have a great quality car.

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  The Best Vehicle on the Road... today - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By joro05 - January 17 - 8:37 am

  I only wish it got 35mpg... maybe they will put a turbo diesel in it eventually. but for what it is, this is the best truck out there. Tows my boat, hauls 2 motorcycles, and carries 4 passengers comfortably at the same time... What more could one ask for? except 35mpg (it gets 24...when not towing). if you want a practical truck this is it. best in quality and value. I love my toy taco... any time i pass a job site, everyone turns and says "thats a nice truck".

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  I LOVE my Tundra!!! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By kimbolykaye - January 17 - 7:30 am

  I test drove just about every model in every make. I had the salesman drive while I sat in the back seat to test its "passenger friendliness" as my other cars failed horribly in that aspect. We went over 2 speedbumps and barely felt it. As a driver, it is absolutely a comfort to drive. I love that the back window rolls down and that its not too high so that my kids to get in and out easily. I have always had large vehicles and this is by far the best one I have ever driven. The turning radius for a large truck is nice, too.

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  There is no other to compare - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By aenewman - January 16 - 7:51 pm

  Bought our "swagger wagon" after much research this past April. We tried every competitive minivan and even a few SUVs, but we need 7-passenger seating so the field is limited. Weve had two Dodge Caravans and they began to fall apart after about five years. The Kia is junk IMO. So, it cams down to the Odyssey and the Sienna. The Sienna won for three reasons: 1. Price beats the Honda by a few thousand, 2. Consumer Reports show Toyota reliability is unbeaten by anyone in the long run (and we hope to keep this van for many years) 3. The Honda is just plain ugly on the outside (looks like a hearse). IMO, the 2011 Sienna is the best looking minivan ever.

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  Simpy put.... A Phenomenal Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By JABer - January 16 - 7:50 pm

  I cannot say enough about this phenomenal car. Great mileage is only the start ( I am averaging over 51 MPG). There is also the interior room of a larger mid-size, great ride, above average handling, techno-toys galore, simple to operate, and just a joy to drive. You feel great everytime you drive it. The rest is just all Toyota - great fit and finish, and the car feels like it cost 10k more than it does.

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  Good as Usual - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Town Toyota - January 16 - 1:33 pm

  Reliable, excellent ride on and off the highway. Fine balance in very windy conditions. This is our sixth LC. While little is new about it, it still has two basic qualities that mean everything - a good ride and reliablity. No mechanical problems.

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  600 + miles per tank - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Tim Plunkett - January 16 - 6:10 am

  Im old and slow on the freeway, rarely going over 70 mph. Thus, Ive been getting 43/44 mpg to/from /San Diego/ Los Angeles. If I tell Toyota how much were enjoying their Camry Hybrid, theyll raise the price!