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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  Dans Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dan Fullen - December 16 - 11:10 am

  It is a fun car and, being a 65 year old geezer, its great to have people livid with jealousy over it (especially the guys). The only drawback (but it IS a sports car after all), is the lack of storage space. In the end, who cares!

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  The Most Conscience Vehicle On The Road. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By lance johnson - December 16 - 9:30 am

  As one of the first people to own this car in southern california i cant say enough positive about it. It is an absolute joy to drive. Dont let ANYONE tell you that this car is underpowered. It hauls! I drive the car between Los Angeles and San Francisco. my average speed is between 85 and 95 mph fighting head winds all the way, and it still gets 38-40 mpg. On a recent trip to northern calif I drove the car well over 1500 miles and it cost me arond 80 DOLLARS. I also own a porsche 993 and an 04 Jag XJ8. The Prius is the one I perfer to drive not only because of fuel economy and the fact that it is rated a 0 emissions vehicle, but also because it is so easy to manuver and very comfortable

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  I love it - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jim - December 16 - 8:33 am

  This is my second Sequoia, the first is now in my daughters hands and she loves it, I got the 08 when she got my old one and although it took a little getting used to, its a superior vehicle to any other SUV Ive owned, Ford and GM. The features of the Platinum trim line include the backup camera, reverse tilt mirrors and more. We tow an 8500 LB travel trailer with ease, great vehicle!

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  Comfort and reliability - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Ken - December 16 - 2:33 am

  This is my first Avalon. I bought it used with 6,000 miles. In 2.5 years I have added another 50,000 and it still runs like new with only normal maintenance and rear brake pads. This car has a very comfortable, low-stress ride. You will feel as though you are gliding down the road. Interior room is excellent for driver and passengers alike. The room in rear seat is unmatched by any car I have ever been in and the trunk is big too. Gas mileage is typically 25/30. This is not a sporty car, but if you are looking for comfort and luxury at an affordable price, you will be happy with this car. Great car! Id buy another.

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  Oldie but young in miles - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Ray Robison - December 16 - 2:09 am

  Im selling my car because of my age disabilities. Im driving so little that my battery kept dying on me until I just recently (February 2017) had to buy a new battery. This car has thousands of good miles left in it.

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  Excellent Ride - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Pippin - December 15 - 2:00 pm

  The Yaris has far exceeded my expectations after reading lackluster reviews. It is as quiet as my wifes Mercedes on the highway, with far better gas mileage. It doesnt feel cramped at all. The stereo is decent, not great, but its all in the speakers which are easily changed. I have the pwr pkg, which has upgraded trim, well worth it. Auto has very smooth operation, and the electric steering is buttery. Very solid on hwy, no small car feel. When I walk to the garage and have the option of the Mercedes E320 or the Yaris - its always the Yaris for me. FYI - the dash lightup at night is very, very nice. The center gauges mean no reflection on the windshield in front of you at night.

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jt - December 15 - 11:40 am

  I just purchased this car a couple of weeks ago and really love it! Its fun to drive, has ample acceleration, and has a great ride. Love the roomy interior and storage in the back.

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  For those who still want a truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - December 15 - 5:56 am

  This truck takes a while to break in, but I am getting 21.5 miles per gallon (10,000 miles) up from about 18.5 when I first bought the truck. I think this is the most reasonable truck on the market. First of all, the 4 door crew cab can actually fit people in the back seat, even full size adults. Second, this thing can tow up to 6,500 lbs, which is more than enough for the average truck driver. Third, this truck gets 20 plus miles to the gallon. When you drive this truck, you will notice that the rpm barely break 1500 if driving light (lots of range in the transmission). But if you hit the gas, this thing will throw you into your seat (supposedly goes 0- 60 in about 7 flat).

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  Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jm49 - December 15 - 5:30 am

  Very happy with car. Great gas mileage driving into Philadephia every day. Great acceleration onto very poor visibility and short access ramps of Schulkyll Expressway. No mechanical problems. After driving Ford Taurus for years, had to get accustomed to small size and not being able to see front hood.

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  YEE HA - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Old Bimmers - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  Driving this car while naked is the only way to improve the experience. Bought used from meticulous owner (96k miles). Drove back from TN to waves, smiles and honks with the top down of course; got about 33 mpg @ 75-80 mph. Came back with a framed picture, a lamp w/shade, a wheeled suitcase, beach bag and a pink flamingo. Who said theres no storage? (Just delete any passenger.) Theres storage behind the seats and you can sneak a few small items in the spare tire well. This car sits lower than a Mini Cooper. A Honda Fit looks like an SUV when you pull alongside. Keep lights on when driving to improve visibility by others. Buy one and look for the winding roads! YEE HA!