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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  Wonderful Car! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By me0554_29204 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV. Roomy, confortable -- even after a long drive!

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  Out of Competition - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Vladimir - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been looking for a medium family sedan/SW that is comfortable enough for weekend/vacation trips. Tried all new Honda Accord, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Passat, and all Camrys. Selected this Camry XLE. It is out of competition.

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  Awesome! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Wendell - November 16 - 6:36 am

  Great style, well designed and fun to dive!

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  exceeded expectations - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By rydaniels - November 16 - 12:41 am

  I bought this truck needing something to last me through college and beyond. I was really impressed with all the standard features for this tacoma (skid plates, Auto LSD, Roll sensing side curtain airbags). I was apprehensive about getting a 4cyl pickup. However it has plenty of power and considering it can only seat 2.5 people (half person for the middle bench spot...wouldnt try to fit a full grown adult) it will suit me well. I love the rail system and the tie downs that are included. It feels like a mini truck on steroids. i love the ride height. Its a basic no frills truck that will get the task at hand done.

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  Luxury Truck for 2005 - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Desert Dog - November 15 - 6:40 pm

  I recently traded-up from the 04 Tundra. Great increase in power and a 5 speed tranny made the decision a "no- brainer". Toyota really has a winner with this years improvements. The Tranny has a feature that will automatically "kick-down" to the next lowest gear when it senses youve been coasting, greatly helping brake the vehicle.(something only found on higher priced motorhomes, etc.) This Truck is one smooth performer, the ride quality is better than the 90 Mercedes "560 SEL" I once owned. The electric Rear Window "roll-down" feature is nice, and long overdue. For ride, comfort, performance and "Large Truck MPG", Buy It! It wont disappoint you!

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  Loving the Toyo Retro - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Carter - November 15 - 4:33 pm

  I had owned a Toyota Tacoma doublecab for the last 5 1/2 years and was very happy with it. But it was time to consider trading so I considered my options. After seeing and conducting extensive research on the FJ Cruisers, I purchased one. Overall the ride and initial quaility are excellent. The ride as compared to the Tacoma is much more pleasant and the interior resonates functional quality.

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  Fun to be the First - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BrickMan2005 - November 15 - 4:40 am

  Well we went it to pick up our minivan for service, and came away with an Fj. My wife could not be happier. She was a van hater. This thing is very fun to drive. We have the Blue 6 speed manual and it really is a powerful rig. Ride is surprisingly good on the highway. Have not gone off road yet, but would be surprised if it did not perform great. Positives: the looks (everyone will stop you and ask questions), power is great, room inside is good. Negatives: Gas mileage is not the best (big surprise), premium gas, clamshell doors in back make getting in and out a bit of a chore for the back seat passengers, blind spots are huge, but mirrors are very good, so this is less of an issue.

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  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Iz - November 15 - 3:40 am

  Just bought a Yaris as a commuter car and just love it. Comfortable, even for those with long legs, and really zippy. Handling a long, hilly commute at highway speeds without any trouble. Already enjoying the great gas mileage and my reduced expenses!

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  Surprised Myself and Bought a Corolla! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By latsyrch - November 14 - 9:29 am

  I test drove the Mazda 3, liked it but getting the features I wanted drove the price into the stratosphere. Decided on the Camry SE and went to purchase it. It was just so....blah. Ended up test driving the Corolla S Plus. Did not feel like a compact. Feels roomy inside, big backseat, and fun to drive too. Ended up getting a deal too good to pass up on a fully loaded little red Corolla S Plus w/drivers convenience package. My husband wanted the Camry, but he has come around after driving the Corolla a few times. It is far more fun to drive and has plenty of room for my teenagers who exceed 6 ft tall in the back!

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  First Corolla, others to follow - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Jon - November 14 - 5:31 am

  Bought this 2001 with 98,000 miles in January, 2009. Was a very clean, one-owner car. As of Aug 2016 we now have 230,000 miles on it, some rust showing, but it may give us another year. Only repair besides expected maintenance was the rack-and-pinion went out; replaced with inexpensive used part. This car has been reliable, very good on gas (usually 35-40 mpg; winter that dips), and easy to park in our small parking pad. Oh, both front springs have broken, but since it still steers and brakes and corners fine, Ive not fixed them. It clunks on bumps, but tire wear remains normal. FYI, though, these 1.8L motors do begin to consume oil once miles add up. Oil return ports begin to sludge and restrict, causing blowby. Ive just kept a close eye on oil levels and add as needed. I used Amsoil for a long time, but now use inexpensive conventional, and synthetic in MN winter.