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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  This truck saved my life - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By jamie75 - February 28 - 5:16 pm

  First off I loved this truck for the 6 weeks I had it. Gas mileage was about 20 mixed city/hwy. The seats made my low back feel better than my couch at home. Last week a guy ran a light and I t-boned him at full speed. The truck is a total loss but other than neck and back pain I walked away. I highly recommend this truck and as soon as the insurance works it out Ill buy another one.

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  Disapppointed - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By disappointed - February 28 - 5:53 am

  I had a Camry that I loved. It averaged 30 mpg. It was a 1993 so time for a new car. I decided to go down to a Corolla since I didnt need such a large car. But I am so disappointed. I am averaging 17 miles a gallon city driving. I took it back to the dealership and they claim that is the average for this car. Of course when I bought it the sticker said 29 mpg for city driving. I would never have purchased it if it said 17 mpg. I did buy it used. It was 3 years old with low mileage. Also was certified. But have already had dead battery twice, which they did replace.

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  Got Clutch? - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Got Clutch? - February 27 - 2:30 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about 9 months, put 10600 miles on it so far. And just lost my clutch. Luckily my friend with a ram was following me and could tow me to a safe place. Im disappointed. EXTREMELY! I had a rav4 before this which had the tranny drop in it. I just figured it was the luck of buying a used car. I bought new this time in hopes that it would be more dependable... not so much. I take long trips and take my truck off road. I cant be breaking down in the middle of no where when i dont have reception. I would suggest the tacoma... but good luck.

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  Changed my view - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By hay2you - February 27 - 1:43 pm

  Was not expecting to like this car. My husband loves getting great gas mileage and has always been interested in this car. He just hated the older styles inside, thought it was cheap and ugly. The the 2010 came out and he liked it. It drives great, quiet, you can see out of it well. The best turning radius I have ever had. We drive a mixed highway city and have had no less than 52mpg. I had to trade in my 300 Chrysler but I dont miss it. Now I like getting the best gas mileage. We have a focus and suzuki sx4. Hate to say it but this car is a much better car.

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  Absolute Best Midsized SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bill - February 27 - 12:20 pm

  Toyota did what it consistently strives at... raising the bar for quality, reliability, performance, and style. The 4Runner, hands down, is the best SUV in the class. The ride and build quality show with inside and out. Compared to the so-called Big Three and its overseas rivals, Toyota engineers and builders continue to drive over their competion with the best built components and workmanship. Trust me, I have driven just about every SUV out there and this 2005 4Runner will get you in and out of places the others tremble to think about. The VSC and braking system add to your confidence when driving. The gas mileage stands out with my average at 24 MPG highway. The ride is quiet and smooth.

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  Why go anywhere else? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By pathfinder - February 27 - 12:03 pm

  Very much satisfied with this truck. Fit and finish are exceptional, as is the design. Oil changes will be easy (filter on top). The TRD sport package is exactly what I need; nothing more, nothing less. Already said, but the orange dash lighting is a little dated (70s? 80s?). Six-speed transmission is smooth and loves revs. Looked at models with tube steps and running boards -- went with the latter; they are better looking and more functional (help to protect the lower area paint). Dealer made a great offer, and, truth be told, it was the best car-buying experience in my life (and Ive bought a lot of cars). The access cab is roomy and the sound system (with CD changer) is quality.

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  almost perfect - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mencken - February 27 - 10:16 am

  I have had the vehicle for over six months now, and it is flawlessly executed, and easy to drive smoothly, even if it never hides its size. But there is a glaring flaw that might get me to return it when the lease is over: Cargo space. You buy a big vehicle like this if you have a big family, so the third row is always in use. Cargo space is minuscule behind that row, barely a foot of floor, with the seatback angling back, taking away space as you move up. If the vehicle were 18 inches longer, all of it in the trunk, it would be perfect for its mission.

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  Great Disappointment - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Greyhater - February 27 - 9:00 am

  I used to think Toyota was a quality organization that was reponsive to customers. Unfortunately I could not have been more wrong. Buying this car was one of the worst mistakes of my life.

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  My First Hybrid - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By marambula - February 27 - 2:08 am

  I just put 500 miles on my Prius C Three. I traded my 2010 Toyota Matrix for it. Im glad to report Im getting exact EPA mileage, and then some. No regrets! This subcompact is not for racing. You want to race get something else. I have no problems merging in freeway traffic and its size and excellent steering allow me to maneuver in city traffic easily. The seats offer plenty of support and adjust in enough positions to allow me to drive comfortably. The AC cools the interior quickly and I live in South Texas where the daytime temperature is already at 90 degrees. This model is very well equipped for the price. This is an excellent little car that does everything its supposed to do well.

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  Beware of Body Integrity - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By zachsgah - February 26 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had my Toyota for 8 months and the paint is chipping . Dealer wont do anything about it. Its up to the Toyota rep. Also, I am very disappointed in the mpg. Im lucky if I get 32 mpg and I drive more than the speed limit. Since the mileage was the main reason for purchasing the vehicle, Im sorry I bought it. The ride isnt the greatest, but I can live with it. I cant live with a vehicle that is 8 months old that has paint issues nor the mpg for a hybrid.