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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  Vibrates on the highway - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By BJ - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I almost did not buy a Rav4 due to concerns of Quality going down at Toyota. We had a 2005 Camry that vibrated of the highway if the wheels were not perfectly balanced. Well, I took a chance and got burned big time by Toyota. My 2010 Rav4 vibrates at speeds greater than 50. Other 2010 Rav4s tested at the dealership (after I bought it to compare) also vibrate and Toyota officially told me that they were just built that way. I have come across a couple of nearly identical complaints on the internet. Now I am looking to trade for a SUV that does not vibrate. Toyota could care less, but I would never buy another Toyota.

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  Toyota does it again - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By zee - April 23 - 8:26 am

  This is probably one of the best SUVs on the market. IÂ’m 8000 miles into it and I adore this car. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. The navigation system is great and it goes 0-60 it about 6.5 seconds. ThatÂ’s great for an SUV of this size. I average around 20 miles per gallon which isnt the best but itll do for a vehicle of this size. A definite car to buy.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By MRE - April 22 - 7:50 pm

  We bought the XR model with full options almost 3 years ago. We wanted ABS & side airbags, which is not sold in LA area, so we special ordered & waited 3 months - SOOO worth it! Im short and love that I can easily see the road without being squished against the steering wheel. My husband is 6+ and he fits comfortably too. Back seats are very comfortable for adults, our passengers comment all the time. Great gas mileage. Best feature is cargo options, hands down. The power/acceleration could be better - but Im not a race car driver, and this car is more than adequate. Our color is "phantom gray", which we LOVE. This will be our family car for many years to come.

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  A Lexus in Toyota Clothing? - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By robsis - April 22 - 7:41 pm

  What an amazing car. My wife and I took our 11 Avalon in for service and drove out with the 13 Hybrid. We drove Prii and the Camry Hybrid and there was no comparison to the Avalon Hybrid. Smooth, quiet (quietest car Ive driven at 70/75!), handles much more securely than the 11, lots of room, great job on the interior making it both inviting and sporty. We were concerned about the CVT trans and the power and boy were we proven wrong. Not as strong as the V6 but pretty darn close. Transition from gas engine to electric is seamless and no rubberband feel like on many CVTs. . Visibility is excellent. Overall a superb upgrade to the previous model and an excellent upscale sedan!

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  05 tacoma TRD sport 4x4 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By kyle - April 22 - 6:20 pm

  Ive always wanted a tacoma and Im sure I picked the best tacoma yet! With its outstanding reputation, I cant wait to drive it for years to come. Its a great truck!

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  AAA+++++ - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kelly - April 22 - 3:43 pm

  The only thing I could wish for that I dont have with my Prius is leather seats and wood grain dash/ Everything is on this car that a person could want including a great sound system, air/heat and power! I am in California and enter and exit fwys with no problem.

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  Economical Fun Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Clarence S - April 22 - 7:26 am

  The car is a lot of fun to drive, gives a big car feel on the road and handles great around town. Everything has met my expectations for the vehicle. Gas mileage has been great..

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  A disappointment - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ponch - April 22 - 3:13 am

  This car seemed so nice at first, that is until all the nagging details started surfacing. It rides fairly quiet and has good legroom but the trunk is smaller than some competitors. The 4 cylinder is adequate but many other competitors have a good deal more hp and are quieter. Suggest making the exterior look cleaner and less Mazda like. Also bring back the deleted door protection moldings and make the visors extend like on many other cars made today.

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  Woot!!! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By zorrang - April 21 - 11:30 pm

  4runner rocks, great handling, great everything. Looking forward to some 4x4 fun soon.

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  2005 Camry LE V6 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Trent E. - April 21 - 3:26 pm

  This car is surprisingly good, even for a 7 time Toyota/Lexus owner. This is our 2nd Camry, the first being a new 2003 XLE V6. That car was loaded and well enjoyed. However, the 05 LE V6 has proven to be a better car than even the higher priced, heavily equiped XLE V6 of two years prior. The basic LEs V6 is much stronger, quieter and gets great fuel economy over the 03. The ride quality is even more preferable in the LE with stability over rough roads at speed and mild understeer when pushed hard through turns. The sound quality of the basic 6 speaker, single CD stereo is even better that that of the 8 speaker JBL in-dash 6 CD system. Overall, reliable high-quality transportation.. again.