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:

• 

  2 X Tundra Owner - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mark OConnor - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  I really liked my 2004 Toyota SR5 Double CAB but love the 2010 Crewmax. The ride, performance, size and turning radius are all much improved from the 04.

• 

  My Small Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By cromanxx - November 11 - 6:30 am

  I use my truck for pleasure and work. I pull a 3 ton dump trailer with no problem. It handles well in snow but you must engage 4 wheel drive. I dont go off road, but the ride is fine considering its a truck. Ive filled the bed with pavers & cement and the truck didnt flinch. Its a reliable and dependable vehicle. I only take it to the dealer for service. I put a cap on the bed and it looks great!

• 

  After a month, so far, so good - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By John - November 10 - 7:11 pm

  My wife "stole" my RAV4 for a January trip to West Virginia. "Awesome" is her only report.

• 

  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By inlights - November 10 - 11:36 am

  This is a joy to drive and a fine piece of modern technology. I just am amazed how well the Prius works. I am averaging 50.7 mpg this tank full.

• 

  This thing is a blast! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Nuanu - November 10 - 11:20 am

  The reviewer said the Echo suffers from cartoon- like styling. I say thats the whole idea. My Echo is like driving a cartoon. Never have I had a vehicle with absolutely *no* features--mine doesnt even have power steering--that is so delightful. Its so impressive, its a joy to drive. Just bought it last week with 16k miles. I [a designer] am quite impressed with all the thought that went into making this car, at its most stripped-down level, really neat. The driving environment is wonderful, its plenty big inside, it floats down the road effortlessly and with a smile. And the best thing: with a basic, used car my expectations were low. So I am overjoyed. Hope that helps.

• 

  Put gas and go! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By surfer40 - November 10 - 6:16 am

  My Camry is like an old friend. As it gets older, items wear, I guess. My exterior driver door handle broke and revealed it was not designed as I thought it shouldve been. Car gets temperamental and an infrequent occasion, it doesnt want to start and I found out several other owners had suffer from this. Lots of good looking plastic, but I guess the good ole days of steel are gone. Especially the bumper. Wind noise from exterior mirrors is loud and CD player probably needs adjustment.

• 

  Excellent truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By David - November 10 - 3:40 am

  Ive owned many trucks over the years, but I have never been as happy as I am with my Tundra. When I haul my fifth-wheel, I occasionally check my mirrors to make sure its still attached because the truck doesnt even feel like its working any harder than usual. Im totally pleased.

• 

  Ecofriendly in Memphis - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Craig Jordan - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Our Prius experience has been excellent. Approaching 5 K miles we have averaged 48 MPG overall. The mileage has recently topped 50 MPG in primarily urban driving. The car arrived with no defects and has performed flawlessly. Handling is adequate but not sporty. Heating and air conditioning system is very responsive. Hatchback makes for great flexibility whether carrying people or stuff. My concerns relate mostly to the drivers seat--needs lumbar support, height adjustment capabilities. The car would benefit from GMs oil monitoring technology which bases oil changes on driving and engine conditions rather than mileage. Would certainly buy another Prius!

• 

  Sienna XLE 2010: A Giant - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Rahul Kapoor - November 9 - 9:50 pm

  Sienna XLE has been given all the bells and whistles that can be given to a mini van; it has comfortable seats, mine is a 7 passenger so enough space for my wife to move around the vehicle and take care of kids while theyre on the road. The only problem I have with this van is the accelerator and brake pedals are installed at much lower height which makes me change my sitting posture at least 2-3 times even if it is less than 2 hours drive one way. I have owned it for last over 2 weeks and have already put on over 1300 miles on it; 21mpg is what I am getting (all are highway miles). Overall I am satisfied with this van and will recommend it to my friends!

• 

  Oh What A Feelin - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Josephine - November 9 - 7:50 pm

  First of all I am proud to be a toyota 4 runner owner, there is nothing else to say really about it, it is a TOYOTA this says everything, right?