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:

• 

  My new Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gary Kos - November 24 - 1:53 pm

  Love the truck! Had an 84 Extracab (just got rid of it last year - talk about durability!) Wish I would have waited to buy - brand new model and, with low supply, dealer wouldnt deal. But it was just what I wanted, even in Speedway Blue! The upsizing is good. Engine is great. Would like better gas mileage but hope it will increase as it breaks in - only 2K miles.

• 

  Better than Avalon or Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bob in Carolina - November 24 - 11:40 am

  Even at 60,000 it still runs and looks great-no wear at all on leather interior. Get about 29 miles per gallon mixed city and highway. The V^ delivers what I want, when I want it without delays. When I think about trading, I get in it and end up asking myself "are you crazy?" I have looked at 2007 Lexus, Camry XLE and Avalon, but not any better in reality. Also, not nearly as well designed inside, especialy the dash and consoles. Super low cost to maintain-change oil & filter and go for the most part. Paint is in excellent condition. Seats are exceptionally comfortable and rides like a dream.

• 

  No regrets here.... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By No regrets here - November 24 - 10:13 am

  Bought my car from new from a credit union, so I didnt even have to go and put up with the dealer. Paid below invoice, definitely recommend that route. Car is absolutely fabulous!!

• 

  Fun - Sporty - And all the comforts - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Gas Sipper - November 24 - 3:43 am

  Prior to buying this car we had 2 SUVs that we probably put 12 -15k per year on each, averaging 13 mpg. We bought this car to be a shared resource to offload mileage from both cars. THe goal: fun, sporty and comfortably seat our family (accomplished on all). We all love the car. Sitting in the back with 2 kids, I find it to be comfortable. THe car has plenty of zip. For us, the only bad thing is, we are a family of 6. So when we all need to ride (20% of the time), we need to hop back into the SUV.

• 

  Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Charles Moninger - November 23 - 9:26 pm

  Ive been driving mine for almost 3 years now and I absolutely love it. Plenty of interior room, excellent reliability, good mileage, nice design -- whats not to love?

• 

  Great family vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bear1 - November 23 - 12:53 pm

  If you need room for a large family, enjoy traveling in silent comfort at barely legal speeds, and do not worry about a high gas bill, this is the vehicle for you. Seems readily apparent that the Lexus engineers had a hand in designing all aspects of this versatile family hauler.

• 

  Rav4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Glenn Sostak - November 23 - 11:06 am

• 

  Just what youd expect... - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tahoclimbr - November 23 - 10:56 am

  If you are considering buying this car, you are likely looking for something rugged, durable, reliable, and fun to drive. This meets all expectations. I have had my 2012 FJ for 1 month now and couldnt be happier. It gets the same gas mileage as a the Highlander, drives and handles great, is actually just as quiet (or quieter) than my friends Audi S4 (except at speeds over 70mph, then of course there is more wind noise). I get compliments everyday on the car. Its spacious, reliable, rugged, unique, fun to drive, handles snow/ice/mud great, what else do you want? If youre considering buying this vehicle, its just what youd expect.

• 

  2017 Toyota Tacoma SR5 6.1 bed - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin Kronenberger - November 23 - 7:09 am

  I have owned Chevy, Ford and Dodge trucks during my lifetime. I had great luck with my Dodge Ram trucks but decided to buy a Tacoma this year. I shopped around for three months and found the truck I wanted. It had everything except 4wd. I bought it anyway. I love it! It has been a dream to own, is cheap on gas, fits in my garage, has great resale, and can accommodate 4 people. It is just the right size for my wife and I and is perfect for the occasional run to Lowes or Home Depot for materials. The long bed is just the right size for hauling furniture and you can tow a small RV. It came standard with a limited lifetime warranty from the dealership as well. I do wish it had the 4wd capability but in Texas we dont get much snow or ice. It is a great truck if you are like most consumers and dont need a standard full size truck. I am glad that I made the switch to a Taco.

• 

  I Love What U Do For Me! - 1998 Toyota T100
  By RueVac.com - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My company purchased this truck for me in February of 1998. I have maintained the truck like clock work. It has never let me down. I tow trailers with equipment and materials without a problem. My truck now has 150,000 miles and is still running as strong as ever. I would deffinately recommend the T-100 to anyone who is considering purchasing a mid-size truck. I installed a Fabtec 3" lift kit, 31" tires and stiffer torsion bars. I ordered new rims with a larger backset to correct the sunken in wheel look. The gas milage suffered slightly however the truck looks as mean as ever.