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 for me - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Taz - June 15 - 5:18 am

  First Toyota truck. Owned Chevy, Ford. Overall this is a great truck, I have only had about 2 months. It has about 4300 miles on it so far. Its a great ride, not too soft not to rough, handles really good for a truck. Quiet interior while windows are rolled up, not too loud while all four are down. The only problem is passenger seat-belt buckle slams on window support with all four windows rolled down if there is no passenger. Lots of storage. This truck is easy to keep clean :-), not an excess of dips, curves and crevices. I went camping at beach my second week of owning this truck and fell asleep in front seat, didnt wake up hurting, just wish it had a 12v power port in bed and the fact that it has to be switched on for interior power ports to work is a bad idea. Had plenty of room for camping and fishing equipment. Engine is a monster, this truck is quick! Hit the gas and get down. Things I dont like: plastic intake plenum and oil filter cover, really, this is a truck dudes! No auto up on driver side window or neither on passenger on Limited pkg. But I wouldnt trade my truck for anything else, great truck!

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  BEST SUBCOMPACT PERIOD. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By scottytoohotty - June 15 - 12:06 am

  I purchased 2 Yarises. I knew better from previously owning Toyotas that the Yaris would at least be reliable and fuel efficient, and to my surprise, refined (for a $15k car!) Ive owned them for 6 months and so far no problems. Overall Im extremely satisfied with my purchases.

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  Great ride, lots of fun! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dave - June 14 - 11:10 am

  Did two test drives. Took delivery only 3 days ago. Didnt think I would trade my 2001 Mustang convertible for anything other than a mustang GT, but I did. Solara convertible is great compared to mustang GT if you dont mind 90 hp less and better than the Pontiac G6 which gives 0 trunk space with top down. Solara has just about everything including a gps option and automatic/clutchless manual shifting (very fun). Watch the backing with the boot on - you lose almost all rear view visibility with the high boot unless you are very tall and put the seat in a high position. Have already reported this safety problem to Toyota. Would not have been a deal breaker, but maybe better discount.

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  Great car - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Sotero Casiano - June 14 - 10:45 am

  Test drive

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  Tundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Lawrence LeBlanc - June 14 - 5:16 am

  I have had my Tundra for three weeks. It is easy to handle. I like the color the interior and also the way it handle the highway. Even though there have been a lot of problems with some of the Toyota vehicles, I still feel very comfortable driving my tundra. I have no complaints. I would definitely recommend this truck to someone that is interested in driving a big nice spacious truck.

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  4 Runner is a BEAST! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marios Runner - June 13 - 6:20 pm

  I purchased my Runner used with 132,000 miles. I changed the water pump and the timing belt since records werent available. Other than oil changes, this has been a very exceptional vehicle, and speaks volumes for the quality of this Japanese machine. The fit and finish is still excellent, along with the interior. Its bold, muscular, ready for the outdoors appearance (enhanced by my brush guards), is much preferred over some of the grocery mom SUV styles I see today. In inclement weather its awesome and I never have to give dependability a second thought! Its roomy enough for me and my packages for my online business, it turns heads also. An A++ buy.

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  Just Got It - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By cybler - June 13 - 1:20 pm

  Just picked up the Matrix, so far, great car. Very smooth and quite on the highway and around town. Also picked up a 4Runner, so this one will be the gas saver. Save money and go for the lease, this is my first lease, but I think it will be good.

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  One of best vehicles ever made. Really. - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Truck Guy - June 13 - 1:13 pm

  After 170,000 miles of 4WD mountain trails (hard core kayaker and climber), highway trips, towing, hauling, being lent to friends, pulling stuff heavier than rated capability, etc., this truck runs like it did when I bought it new 12 years ago. Its been a second vehicle for years now, and I often meet guys who have 400,000+ miles on these trucks. Ive never had an iota of trouble with this truck (except for ripping the antenna off in a car wash). This is a truck that will go 500,000 miles, easy. Plus, its still quick and fast (110 mph). Still looks relatively good. Wouldnt ever sell it. If you were lucky enough to buy one of these, dont ever sell it.

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  Driving the future - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By juz8up - June 13 - 1:10 pm

  Hybrid works for me. Love the silence on stop lights and parking. Drives smooth like I am in an airplane... no need to put keys in, just push the button and drive. The satellite radio also is good in long driving to vegas for uninterupted songs unlike fm radio where it gets cut at certain areas when signal fades. I also noticed the car charges when my foot is off the gas, not necessarily when i am braking. Cool. One of the best part is the camera on the back. It comes in handy when I am backing up knowing exactly what is behind me.

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  Best Buy - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Chickenman - June 13 - 7:26 am

  Long term storage not goodforPrius. Needs to be driven all year.