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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  4x2 Base Access Cab 4A - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bearcrkrd - September 19 - 8:10 pm

  16,000 miles in 6 months, no problems. Ride is a bit jarring at lower speeds over potholes, etc. Smooths out on freeway, you can go all day. Get 25-28 mpg on freeway, not much lower on two-lane roads. Decent stereo. I do not tow or haul, so cant comment on how this 4-banger handles that.

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  Comfortable freeway ride! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Mack - September 19 - 8:10 pm

  The 2008 Highlander drives like a car but has a good high seating position. I was surprised by the amount of power I get from the V6 engine. Loaded with 5 adults and 2 children it didnt hesitate on hills at all. Very comfortable inside. Love the automatic rear door. Mileage has been about 21-22 MPG in mixed 70% freeway and 30% city driving. Interior cargo room is adequate with the third row folded though I have a Yakima roof box for long trips or when using all three rows. That was my trade off for not getting a Suburban for the few times I really needed the extra space inside. Ride is a little soft but that may be because I was used to a truck and 15 MPG.

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  Cant Stop It - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By zippo - September 19 - 12:46 pm

  I bought a truck to be used for hunting, fishing and outdoor activities. The truck I have has the 2.7 lt engine. I have put this truck into some pretty nasty areas with mud up to the hubs and only got stuck twice. I have had friends with me while I was pulling a small boat offroad to go to one of our hunting locations tell me that there is no way we are going to make it though some of the areas we would go and the truck pull right through. One of my friends got stuck one time and the truck pulled his truck up a levee while in reverse. I have never put the truck in the shop for anything. The only thing that went out so far was the knock senser and I changed it my self. Awesome truck.

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  Outstanding Quality - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Richard - September 19 - 11:46 am

  The quality and finish is better than BMW. The sound system is a 10, the highway mileage is outstanding at 35 MPG, the the rear seat legroom is more than any other convertible and accomodates 6 adults. The trunk can hold 3 sets of golf clubs, the Audi A4 cant even hold one set. The large trunk trade off is the boot height and restricted rear vision. Feature for feature the $30,000 Solara beats the $82,000 BMW 645 Convertible unless you prefer to have a V-8 and get 15 MPG and pay the gas guzzler tax.

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  I love my Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Thebearluvr - September 19 - 7:43 am

  This is my second Corolla and it is proving to be just as reliable as the last one. Drove my last one for 11 years and had zero problems with it. The 05 Corolla is just as reliable. Its comfortable to drive, handles well in all types of weather and looks good. A very good value for the dollar.

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  Driving one will make you want one! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alex Rohmer - September 19 - 7:00 am

  This is my first truck, and I have got to say that it is the funnest vehicle I have owned. I have always had sport sedans/coupes but this time decided on a truck. This truck is sportier and as good handling as any car Ive owned. Plus, I can off-road with it. Get lots of looks from pretty babes and jealous dudes! Comfort, ride, quality are great! Gas mileage is good being a V6 4x4. Great versatile to the hilt, utility/elegant/4 passangers/etc. You can do everything in this truck :) The interiors are great, the stereo is extraordinary with deep rich bass and clear and crisp trebble. A must have all round complete vehicle.

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  Very competent at everything - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By tcmat - September 19 - 6:18 am

  Not hard to see why they call this car "iconic" - it performs very well in every category. Its a geeks car in every good sense; the techy dash keeps you informed of your efficiency, and encourages you to drive intelligently; the 50mpg average is easily attainable. Plenty of room front and rear; Im 6ft-3in, and can set drivers seat for me, and still be comfortable in the driver-side back. Comfortable ride, good pickup on twisty hills, and good cargo capacity with seats folded (seats up, still a good grocery hauler). Not a flashy sporty car, but does the job its built to do, and does it in solid Toyota style.

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  Very Happy With My Rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Smilin Bob - September 19 - 2:40 am

  I waited to review my RAV4 until I could see how well it performed in winter snow. It performed exceptionally well after a 12" dumping. The AWD, traction and stability control worked great. I really had to work to make it skid! (and thats with OEM tires) Its been great when going camping and it gets good gas mileage. Ive not had one reliability issue in 14 months now. I have absolutely no regrets in buying this great mini-SUV.

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  the new taco rocks - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By wml - September 19 - 2:17 am

  just traded my 2013 taco limited for a 2017 model. i hated to see the old one go but the more i drive the new one the more i am knocked out by its performance and features. everything i didnt like about the 2013 model seems to to have been addressed by toyota in the past four years. as i understand from my salesman, toyota brought in lexus engineers and they made improvements in noise control, quietness, and the ride - and it works. if you have ever fantasized about lexus making a pickup, this is it.

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  Excellent Driving Pleasure - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Masood Khan - September 18 - 8:50 pm

  One of a class, great Toyota invention of Sequoia SR5. I am very pleased to have this nice and luxury vehicle with full of power and comfort.