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:

• 

  Couldnt be much better - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aaaaaron090 - August 4 - 3:00 pm

  This is an excellent truck for daily driving, and has plenty more to offer for the adventuresome folks in the crowd. I use my truck to travel across the nation, and around town. Ive only had to keep up with routine checkups, but no other notable problems... Highly Satisfied!

• 

  Couldnt be much better - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aaaaaron090 - August 4 - 3:00 pm

  This is an excellent truck for daily driving, and has plenty more to offer for the adventuresome folks in the crowd. I use my truck to travel across the nation, and around town. Ive only had to keep up with routine checkups, but no other notable problems... Highly Satisfied!

• 

  Darn good truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By islanderfan - August 4 - 12:50 pm

  Just got the truck 4 days ago, 250 miles on it. Breaking it in easy, but you can tell it has the power to do any job required. Rides like a car, quiet and smooth. Fits in the barn (9 garage door) but just fits. Looking forward to a long relationship with this truck.

• 

  This is a FUN TOY - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By R Lafitte - August 4 - 6:43 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. People are always telling me what a cute car I have. The top is very easy to get up and down. It is a great car.

• 

  Great Revamp of an Excellent Mvan - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By brightsun1 - August 3 - 6:53 pm

  This is our 3rd Sienna. Got the Ltd. w/ front wheel drive. Toyota has made some real improvements. Driving experience is improved in all aspects, quieter, quicker and better brake feel. The Ltd. interior is first rate (dont quite get the weird vinyl texture they adopted on the interior panels). Weve had the Odyssey, and Town and Country. Toyotas is the most relaxed to drive and can carry a ton of stuff. New styling is a little less bland on the outside. New seats and electronics are amazing.

• 

  2006 Sport V6 4WD - Love this suv ! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnerpa - August 3 - 4:03 pm

  I traded in my new Subaru v6 due to the fact that I wanted better pulling power and room. This SUV is terrific, the only thing I wish I would have waited for was finding a non limited with the JBL system! Standard one stinks! But now have in dash dvd nav with custom sub built in rear and all new speakers with full ipod integration. But JBL would have been a lot nicer. 22,000 miles now, and no issues with this vehicle, it is a true beast in snow and the power of this thing makes you feel like your driving a sports car! Love it!

• 

  A Lexus in sheeps clothing - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Peter Foss - August 3 - 1:50 pm

  This is an extraordinary vehicle. I have the tan interior with maple trim, which adds a sense of spaciousness in an already comodious sedan. The rear passenger area with its flat floor, reclining seats, and ample room, offers more square footage than most college dorms! The car is blindingly fast and will out accelerate a huge segment of the market. Here is the Japanese equivalent of a Buick with a surprisingly strong personality. The dash is as beautiful as it comes. Everything works perfectly.

• 

  Happy Motoring with my "C" - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By rfelton - August 3 - 3:36 am

  Every day is a pleasure with this car. We live in West Va with hills everywhere. After 7000 miles and with normal driving are average computer miles is 50.6 mpg. Best mpg on fill ups is 54mpg the worst was 45.4 in the winter we had a lot of ice and snow then. The only flat road in my area is from the post office to my house 1.4 miles and I avgerage about 65 mpg, 50 to and 80 back. Because on the return its on ev most of the way. Next week we are moving to Ga all flat ground so I will give you a report in a few months. This is our 4th Toyota since 1988 and it is the greatest by a wide margin.

• 

  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By John Seebach - August 2 - 4:33 am

  I purchased a 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4 dr access cab in 12/06. I was a faithful Ford Ranger owner prior to the Tacoma. I had a 97 Ranger until 4/06 and then purchased a 2006 Ranger. I was not pleased with the 06 Ranger. I took a chance on a Toyora Tacoma. Really enjoy the quality and performance of this vehicle, especially compared to the 06 Ranger. There really is a dramatic difference in quality, interior features and smooth ride. The gas mileage on the Tacoma is not as good -about 21 city and 24 highway - but the superior quality makes up for it.

• 

  Excellent all around, V6 perfects it! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Chad - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our 2010 Rav4 Sport for a week now. We did plenty of research on comparable SUVs, but this one beats the competitors. Toyota reliability and resale value. Top safety scores. Great gas mileage. Amazing leg room in second row due to sliding bench. Great storage, with under floor bin in cargo area. Then you add the V-6 and this turns into the sports car of SUVs. CRV doesnt come close!