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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  Great Toy - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kurt - September 21 - 12:40 am

  I love this SUV, fun to drive, goes anywhere. I call it a 2 passenger gas hog though. My only complaint is the back seat, it is to small for a lot of adults, not easy to get in and out of. The flip side is I will never see a soccer mom with car seats in the back driving one. I take it off road whenever I get the chance. I have only had it high centered once but it blasted its way out eventually. Could use serious tires for off-roading. It rides like a car with the factory tires. I added lambskin seat covers from Costco and they are great over the stiff factory seats. If you like fun and dont care about hauling many people get one. I have all the performance extras and get 15-16 MPG.

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  Satisfied - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Delfin Ramirez - September 20 - 8:05 pm

  Very spacious

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  On slick method of transportation - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By stuckatriley - September 20 - 3:50 pm

  I looked long and hard before buying this van. I love the look and feel of this van so much it feels like a tall car.

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  Excellent family SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Wayne - September 20 - 11:20 am

  Purchased new Highlander Limited AWD about a month ago, primarily for my wife. Interior is comfortable and well designed. Lots of bells and whistles including a great nav system, and JBL sound. Plenty of power, and responsive steering and brakes. Fun to drive, and looking forward to our first long trip. No problems so far. Primarily in town driving so far, and averaging abou 18.4 mpg. Appears to be an excellent family SUV.

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  2011 Camry as a family car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By klebinek - September 20 - 7:53 am

  I chose to buy a large sedan this time and based on recommendations went with 6th gen Camry with the updated engine and 6 speed auto. I was tired of stiff ride of suvs and wanted to move away from that this time. Boy am I glad I went with a camry. Ride is plush, perfect for a 2 year old sleeping in the back. Great gas mileage and very smooth. Interior quality is not great but its not bad either. What really gets on my nerves is how these reviews now a days concentrate on sportiness and sporty ride. If I wanted sportiness I would go with a sports car, this is a family car and drives as such, I wont race anyone or hit corners fast with a baby in the rear seat.

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  Go Go MR2 - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Ma - September 19 - 8:23 pm

  I purchased a 2000 Silver MR2 Spyder and Ive had so much fun driving the car. Its quick and responsive, cute and attractive. The gas mileage is excellent. Although the car literally has no storage space, it is nevertheless a fun weekend getaway rider.

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  LOVE MY TUNDRA! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By E. J. LEAGUE - September 19 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had ford and chevy but the tundra is the quietest, smoothest ride for a pickup truck i have ever experienced. The power is impressive, and I have extras like sunroof, navigation, heated seats, which just add to the enjoyment. Best of all, this truck looks good!

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  High Class Car - Not quite high class $$ - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Karl Meier - September 19 - 6:13 pm

  This car has loads of room front and back. Large trunk and leg room in rear seats to give away. A neat new look outside that should stay in style for some years to come. The dash controls are easy to read day or night (back lit for nite). Its full of new tech features like the push button start/stop with your keys never leaving yor pocket. The automatic windshield wipers come on when the drops start to fall and speed up or down depending on the amount of rain without touching one knob. The voice command for various controls like radio and navigation are first class. This car has it all.

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  At 160,000 miles and still going strong! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Going on 160,000. - September 19 - 5:33 am

  We own 1 car and we have nothing go wrong. We just started to have to replace parts. Its cheaper than buying a new car. It still looks as good as the 1st day we got it.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mora - September 19 - 2:13 am

  This truck has got to be the most comfortable and most fun ride Ive seen in a truck. Best truck for your money.