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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  2 months of city driving - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By quentoncassidy - August 7 - 6:44 pm

  Just had it about two months. Very good handling vehicle around town and the mpg are fantastic! Im averaging over 50 mpg in stop and go driving. Took a relatively long trip of 350 miles and averaged 56 mpg. Seats are very comfortable and the NAV system and technology features are great. Sound system works very well; I have the Deluxe Solar Package and the upgraded stereo is excellent. There is a solar array on top of the vehicle that runs a ventilation system to cool the car on sunny days and this is another wonderful feature. Ive had sun roofs on all my cars since 1978 so I had to have this on the Prius.

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  They Need To Continue Making This Car!! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Jennifer Pirelli - August 7 - 1:33 pm

  This car has been my dream car since high school and I finally got one for myself and I wouldnt trade it for the world. I absolutely love the sleekness of its body, its so sharp around turns, it really hugs the curves, it feels like driving a little racecar except its really not that fast, but it sure looks like it is!! Its a beautiful car and I would recommend it to everyone, its so dependable, I have never had a problem with it. Ive had it for about a year and a half and I bought it used, but certified, and it has never been in the shop for anything but inspection and oil changes. I love it!!

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  03 Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By W. Clements - August 7 - 12:40 am

  This is my second Toyota truck (first was a Tacoma) and I am not as pleased as I hoped. The vehicle required new front brakes at 30,000 (I dont tow or use it for work), one rear brake froze up at 25,000 miles (my Jeep and Fords didnt do this so the climate cant e blamed), paint seems to chip easily, and the steel wheels started rusting after the first winter. Worse is a constant noise in the front drive train that the dealer cant diagnose and has been little to no help in resolving. This is my last Toyota; I could have spent much less on another brand and thought I was avoiding these types of problems with a new vehicle.

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  Toyota sells lemons! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave in Boston - August 6 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Avalon after my 2006 was declared a total loss. My car was trouble free until 55,000 miles when the check engine light went on. The AC was broken, O2 sensor, gas tank and a list of other items brought the repair bill to $4500. If it were not for CA emissions warranty, Id have to pay the entire thing. Im still on the hook for $2,000. The dealer was fine but Ill never buy a Toyota again- my Chrysler was more reliable.

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  My thoughts about the Corolla - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Jose - August 6 - 7:33 pm

  Gas mileage is great. Small size for easy city/tight spot parking, yet spacious inside. Has a luxurious feeling to it inside. I got the LE fully equipped: ABS, EBD, curtain airbags for rear, cruise control. Acceleration is a bit disappointing on highway, but once cruise speed is attained has no problem reaching 90 mph, and sounds and feels quite smooth.

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  2006 Corolla S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathie - August 6 - 2:43 am

  Ive owned the car for a year and have really enjoyed driving it. On a long highway trip, I did reach 40 mpg. Around town I usually average 30-32 with a lot of starts and stops. I love the look of it - the paint color really shines. Performance is great. Havent had to do any maintenance other than oil changes, no repairs either. Trunk size is very large. Seating very comfortable. Love the sun roof!

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  This truck is godly - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By yoder man - August 6 - 2:00 am

  My 95 yoder is bulletproof, Ive only put a timing chain and wheel bearing in it. It has 100,000 miles and still going strong. I bought it and it was running awesome, then I tweaked it (cold air intake, flowmaster exhaust, the timing is advance about 20 degrees) that is the best 4 cyl. That I have ever had, it has 31 in. tire and it pulls them like nothing, and it is the best off road vehicle, it goes anywhere that I want to take it, mud, snow, ice, no problem. It will move on, rite now it produces about 170 hp. Always run 94 octane gas in them or the valves clatter. But it is the best truck ever.

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  lovin my RAV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By cjod92284 - August 6 - 1:33 am

  The Sirloin of SuVs...Love it....Wish I thought of buying this Rav a long time ago ....Love it....NO more mini van !! fun to drive. Turns heads...makes you want to keep on driving.....a must have..love the Sport model the best!

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  96% Happy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Damon in Jax - August 5 - 9:33 pm

  Lets start by saying that Im not partial to any truck brand, you name it, it doesnt matter. I do the research the best I can, if that research shows one or the other to be the better buy/quality then thats my truck. Who knows? I could spend all day listing what I like about this truck so I will stick to the bad. Year one I had three or four hard starts, dont know why but hasnt happened since. The brakes seem a little weak. I do own the biggest model Tacoma but they could still improve a bit. At 1-1/2yr, 43k miles the release strap on the passenger side back seat pulled out (very inconvenient). Still, problems are minimal.

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  Awesome!!!!! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By mpotito - August 5 - 9:26 pm

  First ever Toyota Truck! What an awesome truck!!!! Get the 5.7 litre. The average fuel per gallon is 16!! WOW!! I have always owned Chevy trucks but I have to tell you not only is the truck built in the United States but it blows away the Chevy and GMC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!