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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  Excellent vehicle. - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jason - April 27 - 12:43 am

  After months of automotive reviews and test drives, my wife and I finally decided on the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid and I have to say we are thrilled. This is a wonderfully designed and built machine. The ride is smooth and quiet and incredibly luxurious. My wife has a 2007 Lexus RX 350 and she kids me that she wants to trade vehicles because of the quality of the Camry Hybrid. The engine has plenty of "get up and go" and my fuel efficiency has been unbelievable. Toyota has made believers out of us. If you are seriously considering a hybrid, I would recommend this vehicle. Get yours before the IRS tax credit is reduced due to high volume of units sold. Enjoy!

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  Great Truck - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By sigjuliussen - April 26 - 7:40 pm

  Love my truck, have had for 9,000 miles and I get 23 on highway and 18 in the city. Great off road. When towing a T@b trailer 1900 lbs need to down shift when going up Alaska mountains. If much heavier trailer I would suggest the V6. Pulls the T@b up mountains 65mph.

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  Little Red Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By ColSpieth - April 26 - 2:53 pm

  This has been a very good truck for me. I plan to keep it to 100,000 miles if possible or 2010 which ever comes first. No repair problems except for tires.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Ware - April 25 - 9:30 pm

  Looking at the outside the car looks small but inside it is really roomy. Great fun to drive!

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  Bought two! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By cycler - April 25 - 1:00 pm

  My wife and I bought an 06 Matrix XR in late March. We liked it so much, we bought a second one a week ago. We have three Collies and the Matrix is ideal for transporting them ... room to spare with the rear seats down. We really cannot think of anything we dont like about the Matrix. Ive seen comments about cheap interior, but it all looks fine to me. Everything fits and there are no sqeaks or rattles. My wife and I both feel that they are not noisy at highway speeds. They also seem to have more than adequate acceleration. Fuel economy falls right in line with the EPA estimates. Id recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a small versatile vehicle.

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  08 Avalon Early Impression - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By tfelton - April 25 - 6:36 am

  Up to when I bought the Avalon I had never heard about it but when I first saw it in the showroom I fell in love with it. It has not disappointed me. Ive already taken it on a 3100+ mile trip and it drives just the way I want a car to drive: a good solid, comfortable, and predictable feeling. I dont need a lot of gadgets in the car to keep me happy so the Avalon has plenty to keep me occupied. I consider the styling simple, or classic, so it will look good 10 or 20 years from now. Power is excellent and my mpg on the 3100+ 10-day trip was 29.83 over all which included 4 days of city driving.

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  Good family appliance with a few shortcomings - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Richard - April 24 - 7:13 pm

  Its great that Toyota made the Hybrid available with a 2nd row bench seat again and dropped the price of entry / premium over gas model, but they still missed a few tricks in my opinion. OK, so the standard active safety tech across the whole range for 2017 is great, but I wish I could have front and rear parking sensors with the 2nd row bench seat - I believe you have to step up to the Limited Platinum to get them and those models are only available with 2nd row captains chairs on the Hybrid, even though the bench seat is now an option on the gas versions. The ability to easily/inadvertently turn off daytime running lights seems to somewhat defeat the purpose and no high intensity headlight option is available even for the fully loaded models unlike the CX-9. Lack of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay also nearly chased me into the arms of a Honda Pilot. Overall though Im pleased with the purchase and in a mix of almost 1000 city/highway miles so far the computer is recording 27MPG.

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  Very Nice Camry Hybrid for 2010 - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Donaldo - April 24 - 6:06 pm

  Owned TCH for 2 days. Comfortable drivers/passenger seats with solid ride. Pick-up is robust, on par with my 05 Avalon, which, btw, measures smaller overall car length and width than 2010 CH. Inside leather and appointments are first class. Navigation system registers 9.1 version; I must check and find out if this CH Nav system is the same as Lexus Nav. Have been told that by Toy. dealer. Back leg room ample. Good feel and "look" when driving. Short time owner, thus limited opinions. I really like the car, as does my wife.

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  Great Truck - Congratulations Toyota - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ERNEST GLASTRIS - April 24 - 2:46 pm

  In terms of carrying capacity, this is the lightest duty truck I have ever owned. In terms of overall quality and versatility, it is the best. Toyota has overcome previous problems with ring gears, brakes, power and ergonomics and has produced a vehicle that would please even the most critical of those among us who actually expect a vehicle to do serious work. The 6 speed transmission is flawless. Brakes are superb. Interior comfort and ride is better than many cars. Acceleration is awesome. Towing capacity is 10,000 pounds plus, as advertised. Stable, safe, well put together. I now have 3500 tough miles on her and not a hint of a problem. Best truck I have ever owned.

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  great pick-up - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By moonshiner - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck. Have 140000+ miles on it and only normal maintainance done.I have been thinking about semi-retiring it and get a car to take some wear and tear off it, but it still is going strong. Original clutch, starter, alternator. Great engine (22-RE), probably the best 4- cyl. out there, but in the 4WD, a bit underpowered. Not a problem though.