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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  Fuel savings vs Ford Escape traded in - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim in Wimberley, Tx - August 15 - 11:30 pm

  My Ford Escape averaged 20mpg. I prepared a spreadsheet to compare fuel and cost savings with my new Prius. Everytime I fill up I write down the price per gallon, no. of gallons purchased, total cost of fuel, and no of miles traveled. So far, weve driven the Prius 3,500 miles and averaged 45 mpg, with a total cost savings of $365.00 and 97 gallons of fuel. Just think of the fuel and money we can save if those of us that dont need a truck or larger SUV any longer. Ive hauled loads of potting soil, mulch and pots in the back of the Prius without any problems. Its time to reduce the amount of oil we consume where possible.

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  No longer Toyotas Cheap SUV, good car! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Kentucky - August 15 - 7:06 pm

  Great turning radius, great gas mileage, great room - for its class and fuel ecconomy.

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  I Love this car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff - August 15 - 8:33 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car and it helped in my deciding to go with the Prius. I has so many features and is so good on gas, it has good power and very comfortable to drive. I am a 300 lb male and I fit very well in the car and can ggo for long drives with no problem. So far the best car I have ever had.

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  Why did I buy a 4Runner? - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By brock1313 - August 15 - 7:36 am

  My 4Runner has been more trouble than it is worth. Between faulty stereos (Im up to three now), the paint peeling off the front bumper (which Toyota will not consider a factory defect), and the vibration problems, I am wondering if I just got a lemon or if Toyotas high ranking for quality is nothing but a bunch of hype. I can say that if I dont get these problems resolved soon that I will get rid of that albatross and get something more dependable and mechanically sound.

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  Cant beat it - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By thebigv21 - August 15 - 6:03 am

  I traded a Pilot that got 18 mpg in on this Matrix for the same reason as everyone else. I have only owned it a week so some of the ratings of 9 are minor things, really not worth mentioning in detail. A squeak here and there on the interior but overall a solid vehicle. I was amazed at the room inside. Being 64", I couldnt believe the room. I am looking forward to driving by the gas stations. I am curious to see though how it does in the snow. Overall, a positive experience and I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Power, Looks, and Comfort - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Korben - August 15 - 4:50 am

  I have had this truck for almost 3 months and 2,500 miles with no problems at all. The power and 6 speed transmission are perfect together. You really have to be careful on the highway because it is so quiet and smooth that when youre going 75-80, it feels like 55-60 (1,800 rpm at 70 mph) . The double cab has plenty of room for 2 car seats and the center console is big enough for a cooler. My gas mileage has been about 14-15 in mixed driving and around 18 on the highway. With the power you have, that isnt bad. I used to have a Dakota regular cab with the 4.7 and I get better gas mileage in the Tundra and have almost 150 more horsepower.

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  Silkly smooth, quick, supremely comfy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By C E Herro - August 15 - 4:00 am

  My Avalon is so quiet and smooth that it is hard to tell that the engine is running when first started. It is as comfortable as sitting in a recliner in my living room. Acceleration is very quick and shifting gears are seamless. Instrumentation is well thought out and extremely simple... the cabin is elegant. The dash is uncluttered with all extraneous gizmos hidden behind easily accessed "hatches". The mileage is wonderful. I have watched mine inch past the 31 mpg highway estimate to 32 and 33 mpg. Emotional attachments to my old 55 Chevy aside, this is the best car I have ever owned.

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  a replacement - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob Michael - August 14 - 11:33 pm

  Replaced a 2001 Tacoma TRD. It was a great truck that was very dependable. If this Tacoma is 1/2 as good I will be very satisfied.

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  Mad - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By mary - August 14 - 10:40 pm

  I bought the Matrix because I heard Toyota was a great car. I owned my Matrix for a month when I noticed paint chips on the hood, roof & back bumper. Took it to the dealership, they had the hood redone & touched up the roof & the bumper. That upset me. I thought it should have been repainted. Mind you I spent the extra 2000 & for the protective coating. One month later its chipping on the hood & roof again. They sent me to the gentleman who repainted & touched it up the first time. I dont believe its his fault. They should be dealing with it.

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  I wish I knew about this car earlier - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By kevin - August 14 - 10:13 pm

  I used to have a business and efficiency was not an issue. I had a BMW and I also owned a Ford Sport trac. In 2002 my business went bankrupt and I had almost no money. I bought a 1993 toyota tercel. That car cost me nothing for repairs and it would run and run. I promised myself to stick with Toyota forever because it saved my life. I bought a Corolla in 2006. Its perfect. It runs like a swiss watch. Never been to a repair shop. Never has a problem. Its 100% reliable. And this car makes you money if you work fo a company because the gas mileage is excellent.