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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  Venza 4 cyl. 4x4 - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Lou - March 17 - 5:23 pm

  Traded an 08 Trailblazer in on a new Venza and im not sorry I did, the Venza has a car like ride and handling, although the ride is a little stiffer it makes up for it with the handling, quality and workmanship.Im very happy with my purchase but there some improvements I would like to see, first the car seems to wander a bit on the road requiring correction, but to me seems more of a tire problem than the vehicle itself,and I also feel Toyota should soften the front seats a bit they seem to be a little to stiff other than that, great crossover/sport wagon.

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  The Tale of the Toyota - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By RobertF.Basler - March 17 - 1:25 pm

  Great l/t, It really is a fine vehicle,We take it to Wetumpka ,Al. twice a year from the time We got it. Truly, when I buy another,It will be a 4-door.The truck is a GOOD truck. Very good on gas,low to no maintenance,I would feel a little more comfortable with more cabin room. ps killer tunes and blue tooth

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  towing my boat - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By zig - March 17 - 12:56 am

  towed my 17ft Boston whaler 350 miles and got an impressive 20mpg considering i used to get about 12mpg with my truck-the highlander towed the boat with no problems at all plus a lot more comfortable

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  corolla S - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Aravind Ravi - March 16 - 1:23 pm

  it is a fun and affordable family car, it even has a sporty feel and look with the S model and great gas mileage.

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ive Ever Owned! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By edmundsreviewer - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I picked this truck up early 2006, and it has been a pleasure to drive. I just had to perform my first non- routine maintenance on the truck (front brake job)@ 80K. These brakes lasted 20K longer than any other vehicle Ive owned. I use this car for everything including , commuting, hauling, towing, and driving the beaches of the OBX. The truck still drives like the day I got her, without any squeaks or rattles. Im getting the itch to buy a new car (lexus ES350 or Corvette), but my Tacoma is not going anywhere. The car is too reliable and versatile to ever think of letting it go. I have no doubt this car will go over 200K with little more than oil changes.

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  Great truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By George - March 16 - 10:00 am

  The 4 cyl does all I need it to do and more. Its been up and down the mountains, through tough places, hauls loads, pulls moderate trailers and just keeps going without problems. The first truck Ive owned that gets better MPG than the window sticker. Rarely less than 20 and rarely more than 23 MPG.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By axtran - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love the 2011 Tacoma. I went for the biggest 2WD I could get! The 4.0L V6 actually gets better mileage than my old car did (a 4 cyl at that!). The car is very nice for a truck, rides smoothly and the features and creature comforts are wonderful. This Tacoma is pretty large though, almost feels like youre driving a Tundra. Ride isnt bad through California traffic and on California highways.

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  Most Reliable Car ever Made!! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By dblock1283 - March 16 - 6:16 am

  This 1999 corolla is absolutely amazing. More reliable than any Honda Ive owned. 200,000 miles, Ive put on 40k of them in 2 years and only have done oil changes. The car is way more comfortable than civic or integra of same year, ride is smooth and power is sufficient.

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  A Work Truck AND an Luxury Car - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve H - March 15 - 10:46 pm

  For the person who needs a Luxury Car but WANTS A TRUCK- I would suggest looking into the Tundra X-SP Package. The leather seats and carbon fiber accents throughout the dashboard and arm rests make this truck luxurious and sporty. The BBS wheels and 305/50R 20 Michellins give this truck the perfect look, stance, and a ride that rivals any luxury car I have ever ridden in. The backseat of the double cab is roomy enough for someone who is 62" to sit comfortably behind someone 62" in the drivers seat. And the truck handles like a DREAM! I have driven F150s, RAMs, and Titans and this truck out accelerates and handles all of them. I LOVE MY TRUCK!

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  A brilliant vehicle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By yoda1 - March 15 - 4:20 pm

  I bought it new and done 180000K. Only maintenance so far is replacing power steering pump and routine maintenance of brakes and timing belt twice as per schedule. We were so impressed with Sienna,we bought a second Sienna for my wife!