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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  A Little More Engineering! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike - June 22 - 12:36 pm

  Love the design. Classic Toyota attention to detail. This is the 6th Toyota I purchased since 1989. You just cant be the quality and dependability of a Toyota. Also like the amount of interior room, very spacious. I am 6-4" and have no trouble getting comfortable in any seat.

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  #2 sequoia owner - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By tim d - June 22 - 5:00 am

  excellent vehicle. One of the most comfy big SUVs.

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  2008 Urban Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By dcrogers11 - June 22 - 1:36 am

  Purchased Urban Runner Sport edition because of the overall appearance and option package. After 1000 miles, I have enjoyed the driving experience. The Blizzard Pearl color really stands out. The xreas stability control is not just a gimmick, but gives a safer feel to handling. MPG has been running from 20.5 to 22.7. I drive 65-70 mph with 80% hwy driving. Bluetooth function paired nicely with my iPhone and works well. Tomtom was a big letdown. Dont buy the UR package for the Tomtom. Instead opt for the nav option in a Sport or Limited. It cost more, but if GPS guidance is what youre looking for spend more for the nav/backup option. V6 engine has good acceleration for a 4.0.

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  Very Satisfied Tundra Owner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By T Massey - June 21 - 8:03 pm

  We did our research, including he said & they said. We test drove The F150, GMC, Chev, Dodge. For us the Tundra was it. Drives really well, silent running, lots of room. V-8 is powerful, and does an excellent job in meeting our needs. Work, show, or play we feel secure. Tight, solid, speed, and handles as good and better than many cars. Very, very easy to handle on the road, parking, and lots of leg room. We are just so very please with the selection. None of the "well maybe we should have gotten this one or that one" we have never looked back nor have we questioned our decision. When driving my car and I see a Tundra I feel like running home to get our truck too.Very Satisifed Tundra owners

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  Toyota 06 S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By jaesongld - June 21 - 1:46 am

  This is my 7th corolla ,but it is by far my favorite. I think it is very peppy, it looks great, to its earlier models, my last being a 2000. I look forward to many years of fun driving with my fully loaded S 2006.

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  Excellent 4WD Limited 4Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tuscaloosa - June 21 - 12:50 am

  Build quality appears excellent, on par with Land Cruiser. Excellent ride and comfort with many electronic aides. Navigation and Bluetooth work well as does steering wheel controls. High ride height works well with both short and taller drivers. Overall Mileage around 20 with highway @ 22mpg. AM radio works well with mast antenna. I looked at: BMW, Lexus, and another ML350 but bought 4Runner. The build quality of the 2010 4Runner exceeds my expectation and is better than any previous automobile purchase. 4.0 V6 is all that is needed, it has good torque. Full-time 4WD works perfectly, 20" wheels supply good grip and good ride.

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  05 Corolla CE - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By April - June 20 - 11:40 pm

  Great car! Good acceleration and acceptable stereo. Only undesirable interior design factor I have found is driver side right arm rest.Theres not much too it and its kind of awkward to have you arm rest on it. Out of 10, overall, I give the Toyota Corolla CE a 9.5!

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  Really Smooth Ride - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By joe schmoe - June 20 - 10:54 pm

  Im used to truck-based SUVs having owned 2 Toyota 4Runners, a Mercedes G-500, and a bunch of first gen FJ-40 Landcruisers, so to drive the Highlander is almost effortless. The one thing I have to worry about is the long length and wheelbase, which is longer than any of the other cars that I have ever owned. On the other hand, if I keep the mindset that Im driving a truck or bus, like I used to do for a living, Ill be OK. But I have have never driven anything as smooth and comfortable!

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  Our Venza has been above expectations - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By petemo - June 20 - 10:20 pm

  My wife and I decided to buy a Venza after renting a Camry in California. We wanted a car that was SUV-like, but more of a sedan interior. We have a Honda Pilot which we both like very much, and we thought the Venza would give us sedan characteristics with some SUV features. We were right in making the decision to buy the Venza. It has exceeded our expectations. We love the ride and handling. The mileage on two trips has been between 26 and 30 mpg. It is extremely comfortable for both my wife and I. Im 64" and shes 52. We both fit the car nicely. We chose the sunroof option and I have no problem with headroom. The V6 has way more zip than the 4 cyl that we test drove.

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  I love my Prius!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Ellen - June 20 - 10:06 pm

  My Prius, is a joy to drive. I can keep up with all traffic on the Interstate, and have actually gotten a speeding ticket. I average 51 MPG and, living in Wisconsin, I was worried about driving in snow and also driving in the heat. No problem on either count. It is sure footed in the snow, and the AC works beautifully. I haul four dogs with me, and am an avid gardner. I just fold down the back seats and haul either dogs, or large bags of dirt. Again, no problem. It is just a fun car to own.