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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  My wife loves it! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By michaelsy1 - August 29 - 12:13 am

  I have the Timbermica green with the tan interior. 5.7 4x4 TRD. Two words: love it! The wife fell in love with it as soon as she drove it. It handles great, and for a truck with an off road package I dont think the ride is that bad. Fit and finish is great, and there is plenty of room on the inside for traveling or loading up the family for a Sunday outing. The 5.7 is quite and powerful. I would buy it again in a heart beat.

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  Retirement Car - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By lnofeagle - August 28 - 10:22 pm

  Got it in March 2013. Just hitting 10,000 miles. Found that I get better than sticker said for road. I have gotten from 39.1 for low and 46.9 for a high. City driving is another thing though. I have a low of 28.0 and a high of 44.2 in city only. 28.0 was in suburbs of Memphis, TN. I use a calculator as the computer always claims higher mileage except 2 times when it was low! Car exceeded my expectations! Substantial vehicle for the money!

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  Corolla - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike Iannuzzi - August 28 - 5:36 pm

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  Perfect Balance - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By avusblue - August 28 - 3:06 pm

  The Highlander is a well-rounded vehicle and the perfect compromise. It combines great utility (passenger and cargo space), smooth comfort (plush and quiet ride), nimble and quick handling (plenty of power), good fuel economy (averaging 23 mpg w/ V6), and a reasonable purchase price. I replaced a Chevy Tahoe and the more manageable size is great when parking and maneuvering - yet the space inside is still ample. I compared against the RAV4 and found the HL to be more comfortable, upscale and attractive, for about the same net price. I skipped the third row seating as IÂ’d never use it, and I appreciate the under-floor storage locker thatÂ’s provided instead.

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  Still going strong! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Larry - August 28 - 8:37 am

  After 205,000 miles I continue to be amazed every day about how good this car really is. Comfortable for long hauls, 4cyl power is plenty for virtually any situation and consistently 25-27+mpg city and 35-38mpg on the interstates. I do need to replace a valve gasket and Im about due for struts but other than that its been trouble-free motoring. I fully expect it to go right through 300,000 miles easily.

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  The Toyota Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Harryooooo - August 28 - 4:56 am

  The toyota tundra is the truck. I have owned them all from Dodge to chevy to Nissan and the tundra puts them to shame. The best part of owning a toyota tundra, when its time for sell, it holds its value. Lets face it, if everyone could afford one, they would be driving one. Toyota is the smart choice

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  Re-toyota - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By kydna42406 - August 27 - 11:30 pm

  Owned previous model 2004 xls. Upon the redesign traded for 2005. No real quality issues for the new model with the exception of the radio door sticking. Needs minor adjustment. Brakes are a bit sluggish with heavy humidity on first stop. Other wise no issues on the first 16000 miles. Comfort, features, gas mileage, all wonderful. Heat and air seats, two thumbs up!

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  It will run forever - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By car nut - August 27 - 10:46 pm

  I bought this used in 2005 with 38,000 on it. Had to replaced the windshield in 2006 ( a rock got it) one rear wheel bearing, and two sets of tires. Other than oil changes, and a set of brake pads, it has never failed us. We live in the Midwest and travel a lot to see our family. Its fantastic on gas ( 41 mpg on the flats going to California on one trip.) Im kind of a big guy, 63", and about 260 lbs. and I find the car fairly comfortable. I would buy another one with no worries. Too bad the echo is not made any more.

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  Spacious car for its class - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By James - August 27 - 10:00 pm

  I drive about 700 miles per week (practically all interstate), so I am loving the fuel economy. I went from an American mid-size car to this and really do not notice much difference in the comfort level. I have had this car about 3 weeks now and am getting around 35-37 mpg so far. That is enough savings to make 1/2 the payment!

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  Toyota still beats the other brands - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jake - August 27 - 3:30 pm

  Value and reliability!!