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 True Touring Sedan - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By stargazerm31 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a comfortable commuting car that provides a smooth ride and comfortable seats and a great stero, this is it. 80 miles a day 48 weeks a year and it makes it seem effortless. Reliability has been supurb.

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  Unbreakable - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By thirdtacoma - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck is absolutely indestructible. Ive tried to break it, but Ive come up short. I redline at least 5 times a day, I hop curbs and other onroad obstacles constantly, I offroad whenever possible, and I cruise at 85+ mph just to make it work. The truck refuses to die. This is my third tacoma and I was hoping the third time would be charm. Guess Ill have to invest in the old Silverado if I want to break something.

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  Great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By fink - March 11 - 10:00 am

  We love our new Sienna! The split fold down 3rd row was the big seller. The ride is quiet and comfortable. We feel like we have more than enough power for passing and merging. Kids love the extra room.

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  Love my Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Anne Barnett - March 11 - 8:20 am

  After driving SUVs for 20 years, it is a pleasure to drive this car. Love the handling and fuel economy and cargo capacity is greater than expected. I would definitely buy this car again. I do not ride "offroad" and the all wheel drive handled the snow easily. I feel very confident when driving in heavy rain with this car.

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  A "PRETTY GOOD" LITTLE CAR - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By STAN - March 11 - 8:10 am

  I like the comfort for a small car, even in the rear seats. The trunk isvery spacious. Great gas mileage - got 41 on a long trip,get 30 - 33 around town. Handles well, but the ride is a bit harsh. Biggest complaint are dash rattles and "buzzes" on coarse pavement. I also experience intermittent rattles - steering wheel and drivers door, that appear and then disappear - so theyre hard to fix. Im pretty disapointed in this lack of a "solid feel". Otherwise the car is fine. I rented one last week with 12,000 miles on it, it it was solid as a rock. Maybe mine was built on monday or friday.

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  Maybe saved my life - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By rjw2000 - March 10 - 11:09 am

  In June of 2013, a full-sized crew cab Chevy pickup ran a red light and hit my left front corner. My left rear corner swung around and his his R. R. side. $23,000 body damage to 4runner, and they couldnt open the hood. Front end was bent about 10" to the right. Adjuster said the 4runner probably saved me from serious injury or worse. I came out without a scratch. The dealer found me an 08 with only 29k miles- its virtually identical, but grey not black. Its been a great vehicle. Its been elk hunting in CO, fishing on logging roads in Canada, and through some bad winters in MN. Excellent vehicle. I get 19 mpg unless towing a heavy boat, (16). 24 at 65 on the freeway.

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  Quietest car I have ever owned - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - March 10 - 4:10 am

  I traded in a 2005 Prius. What is not to like about 50 mpg average? Problem with was ride was harsh and too much eyes off the road with needing the touch screen all the time to do even some basic functions. Liked the simplicity of controls and just a few buttons on the wheel. Prius had 13 on just the steering wheel plus need to use touch screen. New Camry very simple and just operate knobs by feel, not need to turn from road vision to in cockpit just to raise temp level or raise radio volume. Used my DB meter to check sound levels at 60 mph cruising. Reading of 62 Db on A scale Prius same road 67 and previous Camry a 2004 67 also. Sooth easy handling with good road feel.

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  The Best Vehicle Available for 2008 - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Lyn - March 10 - 12:30 am

  This is my first Toyota and what a wonderful experience. I am a 48 year old grandmother who still needs a little fun in her life. This vehicle fits the bill of not too large and not too small. Perfect for taking my children to college, loading groceries and simply a blast to drive. Would highly recommend this car-based vehicle to everyone. Past loves have been Expeditions, minivans and a sport car. Best value and so much more. I appreciate the car more each day. Even my honda loving husband of 24 years enjoys driving it! I love the stares when I drive it!!

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  FJ is awsome! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Suzanne - March 9 - 1:03 pm

  I love my FJ! I have had it for 3 months, and have not found one thing I dont like about it. Everywhere I go people ask "what kind of truck is that" "how much was it" etc etc. Im not afraid to say that Ive had at least 1 positive comment a day since my purchase. Mine is yellow. Im very impressed with the on-road comfort. Every 4x4 Ive ever had was rough on road, but not the FJ. The inside is super easy to clean. My little 4 year old boy loves it too, and the back is perfect for him, even on long trips. I have to say I wouldnt change anything about it, except maybe a little better gas mileage. Best purchase ever!

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  Your Dream Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Your Dream Car - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Man this car is great. Bought the car from a private owner at 117,000 and it runs awesome. It was in mint condition for 117,000 because those owners babied the car like their own child. I drive this everywhere I go. Needed to replace the fuel injector once but thats it. This car has been in some minor accidents but it so boss it just shook it off. I even installed a giant sub- woofer to add on. Wont be surprised if this car lasts 500,000.