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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  Double cab and double utility - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By echodon - February 1 - 3:03 am

  After 4 months of driving in rain, snow, mud and winter mountain weather I am thrilled with this truck. Every time I drive it I can feel the quality in everything from the butter smooth, powerful V8 to the fantastic 5 speed automatic which has to be the smartest transmission I have ever used. When descending hills, a tap on the brake automatically downshifts the trans. What a great feature. The gas mileage is much better than expected, 16-18 MPG during real world road driving and a solid 15 MPG in town. The extra horsepower in the 2005 V8 is noticable and with the dual exhaust I installed, it gains another 10%. I have not found one thing yet to complain about on this truck.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By dwill - January 31 - 7:03 pm

  This is my first SUV and Im very happy with it. The V6 has more power than you will need, but I thought the 4 cylinder was underpowered. Very smooth transmission. There is plenty of room in the back and I like the levers that allow you to drop the rear seats from the cargo area. Doesnt feel "big" while driving and is very easy to park. Gas mileage with a V6 of this power is exceptional! Well worth the money.

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  2015 Sienna downgrade from 2004 Sienna - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By F Ward - January 31 - 5:46 pm

  This is a very nice people mover with good performance and features. It replaced a 2004 Sienna which was great. Simple changes like reducing the size and capacity of the roof rack and seating changes makes it less useful than the 2004. We expect the same reliability - the 2004 went 225 miles with no problems. The transmission went and cost $4400 but we got to 335K miles and sold for $1400 after the rebuilt transmission also failed. The sliding and folding seat mechanisms are an improvement. The climate controls are unnecessarily complex. Changing to a timing chain should reduce maintenance frequency and cost. Overall, this is a vehicle I would recommend. After about 85,000 miles it is still performing well with no major problems

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  Smart Buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rochester Dan - January 31 - 2:10 pm

  As gas keeps going through the roof, I keep smiling. With an average mpg of 40+ in mixed driving, I cant understand why people dont park their SUVs and get this to drive to work. What I am saving in gas is making the payment, not to mention the lower maintenance costs. The only negative is the cup holders, which is really a minor thing. The stereo is decent, the interior is roomy, and the seats are comfortable. Im not a small guy, but this really doesnt feel like a small car.

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  97 4x4 SR5 Ext cab... what a truck - 1997 Toyota T100
  By nashvegas - January 31 - 12:16 pm

  Bought a new (used) 97 T100 and cant say enough good about the truck. Just changed out timing belt/water pump and cv boots/front axles- 143,000 well taken care of miles from previous owner. Added chrome nerf bars and Zaino clay bar and wax. What a beaut. Ride and handling is adequate, mechanical quality is simple yet superb and exterior styling just make this truck special and will hold its value for years to come. Buy one that has been treated well if you can find one.

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  what an awesome car - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By joebob66 - January 31 - 6:21 am

  I purchased the prius persona in july and love this car, I previously had a Honda accord. I recommend the black cherry color, as this is a limited edition color, so there arent a lot of them out there. this car is loaded with features, and at only 26000 with o percent financing, this was just right for me. I am getting 56 mpg going to work everyday, 24 miles, 17 of them on the highway. I am currently getting about 52 on the highway and about 56 or 57 in the city, I live in Chicago, so the city driving is stop and go, which gets you better mileage, and I have learned how to drive to get maximum fuel economy without being "that guy driving like a grandma". would recommend

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  Toyota 4Runner Sport Edt - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By RSmall - January 31 - 4:00 am

  Im a big guy 63 and this vehicle turns out not to be the most comfofortable in long trips....but it is great in bad weather which I did buy it for that reason I have a long commute and Im in law enforcement and have to get to work in all kinds of weather.

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  4 cylinder makes the grade - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By CHAD - January 31 - 2:33 am

  I bought a 2010 4 cyl. 4runner in March. I had a 2005 Toyota Highlander and planned to purchase another one but came across this model on the dealers lot. I bought it because it delivers good gas mileage, has 8 air-bags, neat appointments in interior. Has better outward visibility than the hl, sits 1" higher, and has enough power in the 4 cly. For my use. I am towing a 2000 lb. Pop-top camper and have no interest in going off road. The storage space is adequate, seats fold down flat, dashboard temp., compass, mileage ratings, etc. Are an added plus. After just 1300 miles I am ave. 20.5 mpg. It has sonar for backing up, fog lights, etc. A very good BASIC vehicle for $28,500.

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  Convenience - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By F.D. Williams - January 30 - 9:40 am

  Excellent dash and options layout, easy to drive, many safety oriented items with thoughtful availability. fuel efficient for size and weight. DLC and backup camera are well received. Navigation system is great for travelers. Power third row seats are excellent choice for older drivers or for physically smaller individuals.

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  Great Decision - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JB - January 30 - 6:40 am

  I have had the car for 6 weeks/1300mi now and am very pleased. The interior is very comfortable and it drives great. The gas mileage is a little lower than I had hoped. So far I have averaged 25-26mpg, 80percent hwy/20percent city. Its been a hot summer so I am hoping it will get better when I can turn the a/c off. Speaking of a/c, it has had trouble keeping up a couple of times when its 103 degrees out. I live in Texas. Works great most of the time though. I would say the RAV4 definitely looks and feels more expensive than it is. Ive seen several people checking it out on the road.