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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  LIKE THIS CAR ALOT - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By Leslie - May 1 - 7:02 am

  Of course my preference would have been the Audi but that was 80K. This is my third Prius. Got the V as it is a bit larger than the regular Prius - I see it is referred to as a wagon but I would have never thought to call it that. There is a definite interior redesign - the central console is going which is kind of nice actually and the interior panels are redesigned. Seems much more higher end - whereas the others were not - but also test drove the Lexus Sedan - the i - and I just am a good fit with Prius - I like the way they handle and particularly like the interior of this new one - in fact better than the Lexus I test drove - very space ship looking. The V is much larger inside and I like that but as a family of one, I really didnt need it but it will be a nice plus to have. The pick up is much better in this one and the redesign on the hatchback - for my test - has a much much better rear view mirror. Really love this car but its day one. Lets see how the next six months go.

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  Iconic Vehicle - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By nilopol - April 30 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased my 2000 LC in 2003. Since then with regular maintenance I have had absolutely no problems. I put in a new muffler and exhaust manifold, but otherwise still going strong. I put in a navigation and backup camera, and it acts like a 2006-2007 ride.

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  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve Kellett - April 30 - 8:20 pm

  This truck is great. It has tons of power, seats are very comfortable, 6 speed trans is great, SR5 package is great. This truck is huge, everybody who comes close to look all say it. Number of gauges and what they are for is very comprehensive. Auto trans temp gauge was great idea. Build quality is very good. Comes with Michelin tires. 6 speed trans with sequential shifting is nice feature. Two haul mode is nice feature as well. Stock radio/CD player does the job nicely. Plenty of drink holders. Plenty of storage behind seat. I got rid of an undependable Ford F150 and could not be happier with my choice of trucks.

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  Im thrilled with my RAV4! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Elliebird - April 30 - 12:13 pm

  I was hesitant to buy an SUV because Ive had small cars all my life and had trouble maneuvering and parking the SUVs I had been test driving. My first time in the RAV, I did a tight U-turn and fell in love! The RAV is small enough to easily handle, and when we packed for our first vacation, we had cargo space left over! The fuel economy has been as advertised, if not better. However, I dont drive aggressively, and I followed the "first 1000 miles" recommendations. The first week of ownership, I was aware of slight road vibration under my feet (I was coming out of a luxury sedan) but I no longer notice it. I highly recommend the RAV4.

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  Very Reliable - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Len - April 29 - 9:40 pm

  I have had my 1999 RAV4 5 speed for 5 years and I would buy another in a heartbeat. This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I bought it with 41,000 miles on it and have added about 100,000. I transferred to a new job last year and now commute about 130 miles per day. I never worry about whether my car will start or not (unless I run the battery down by leaving the lights on). I had some major maintenance work done this year (tune-up, timing belt, etc.), but other than regular maintenance work, I have had no other work done on my car. It runs great, has the Toyota reliability, and I fully expect it to keep going for another 200,000 miles. My gas mileage is about 33.

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  Fun Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sharon - April 29 - 8:16 pm

  I have had my Yaris for 10mns and I love it. It is the most fun car to drive and you can make a lot of U turns. The gas mileage is wonderful, I get 33-35 except when running the A/C then it drops to around 25. There is more power than you would expect from this little 4cyl. My 64" friend has plenty of head room. I cant say anything bad because as far as Im concerned its the perfect car!

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  Bought new - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim Z - April 29 - 1:10 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for nine years and 165,000 miles so far. The only habitual problem with this truck are its front disks - they warp much too quickly (on third set). I, also, get around 18 mpg in mixed driving (20 on highway trips), but this vehicle is made for off-roading so its suspension and drive train are beefy. Handles snow great (4WD), but squirrelly in rain (2WD). Very tough truck. My wife was in an accident, ended up going down an embankment, hitting a tree and bending the frame. Not hurt. Through it into 4WD, drove back up the hill and drove home. You can add a lot of gear in back without throwing off its handling. Very comfortable on trips. Well designed dash and console.

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  AWESOME - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brown - April 29 - 9:46 am

  I sold my 2003 Ford Supercrew for my 2005 Tacoma. I have not looked back once. It is a pleasure to own and drive. It is great for Houston, TX traffic.

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  Love My Matrix! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Lynne Richards - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  I just traded in my 04 Mustang for an 06 Matrix. This is my first Toyota and I absolutely love my Matrix! The gas mileage is fantastic. I love everything about it. The only small and I do mean small complaint is the engine bogging down when the air conditioning is on and slows the acceleration rate. Other than that absolutely no complaints whatsoever!

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  Visibility - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mark Shaffer - April 28 - 2:10 pm

  I love that the Prius gets great gas mileage, not as good as advertised, but certainly a step in the right direction. The visibility needs to be improved. The rear view mirror is in the way of foot and car traffic approaching from the right-hand side. The many lights on the dashboard reflect in the windshield making night driving difficult.