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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  Silky smooth V8 and 5spd auto - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By longhair - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a BMW X5 4.4 but also wanted proven reliability and piece of mind. The 4runner with XREAS, v8 and mated to the silky smoothe 5spd were good enough. Also do not have to worry about an extened warrenty given Toyota reliability. Getting 18mpg with suburban and 20+ highway driving. Very happy with purchase.

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  impressed every day - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Brian from Baltimore - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I highly recommend the Sienna, weve had it a year and absolutely love it. We purchased the limited with Nav and the high tech features are still wowing me every time I drive the car. The price was a bit more than we wanted to spend, but its worth every penny. The sonar on the limited is a must, we use it all the time, and toyota navigation is more impressive than the Hondas and Nissans Ive seen.

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  What a Ride... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By snowright - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car in 11 years and I am glad I chose this car. I really like the way it looks and drives. It is a very comfortable car

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  The most satisfying car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - January 17 - 7:03 am

  I got mine two years ago and I am proud of having driven it around, particularly nowadays when gas price is above $4 per gallon. It always gives me more than 38 mpg even when I drive it in town. I can say that of many cars I have driven in the past including Honda Accord and Civic, the Yaris is the only car I have been totally satisfied with in every aspect. Since it is so cute, my wife who drives a Honda Accord begs me to drive hers and her to drive mine. Last year I purchase another Yaris for my son.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Austin Profeta - January 16 - 11:26 am

  First Toyota, exceeds my expectations. Impressed with fit and finish. Almost bought the Chrysler 300 LTD but this car rides and looks better. Toyota is going to have a hard time holding price on Lexus ES330 once the word gets around on this baby. I only wish I was willing to wait for a LTD model, but the XLS doesnt disappoint

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  Loved it - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wild_man - January 16 - 10:06 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned.

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  Best on the Road - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Danny - January 16 - 4:56 am

  The best small truck with a big truck feel. Plenty of power for off road work towing welders etc. Not cheap, but great buy.

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  Cruisin in the Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Nowell - January 15 - 11:13 pm

  I bought this truck to replace my pile of 2002 GMC Denali. Seem very durable and powerful with the v6. I have an automatic and am getting no less than 22 mpg on the freeway at 75 mph with the a/c on. 26 mpg with the a/c off at 60 mph. I had to add a cruise control which was a small engineering marvel since the vehicle is drive by wire. Being a mechanic it was just a sunday in the shop. It looks factory and works great. It could be the reason the gas mileage is so great. I love this truck and will never purchase a Ford or GM product again. I hope it runs 300k. You know how those slant 6 six run for ever.

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  8 passenger mini van - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By I am a real person .Not a robot - January 15 - 9:15 pm

  Best 8 passengers mini van ever which I owned, with ease, roominess and comfort. Reliability is excellent. Larger than my previous mini vans. Cargo space behind the 3 rd; row seat is generous. No complains.!!

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By JDR - January 15 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had no problems with this car at all. I replaced two sensors over 101,100 miles other than that the car is nearly flawless, comfortable even for tall people like myself. The dash board design is simple and easy to view. The stereo system is outstanding with six speakers. The gas mileage is phenomenal. Ive owned many cars and this is by far one of the cheapest, fun to drive, and above all else reliable. Low maintenance costs. I cant say enough about this car except that Id buy another one if they still made them.