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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  3rd Tacoma for me; Best yet! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Wilson Matthews - November 19 - 12:48 am

  Replaced a 2010 Tacoma with this 2016 TRD Sport 2WD short bed. The 2010 held great value, it was rear-ended and the towing package/hitch bent up under the truck and broke/bent the frame in 3 places and buckled the composite bed. At 6 years old and 87K miles it held 89% of its original value. The 2016 rides smoother and is significantly quieter. The interior seems to be "tighter" and of better quality. The technology package is amazing, and the sound system has quality output. The navigation is disappointing when compared to recent Garmin Nuvis. Ive only had the truck for 2 weeks, so thats all the experience I have. June 2017 1 Year Update: My review remains unchanged at 1 year of ownership. Im at 15K miles and have had no issues. Im disappointed to see Consumer Reports ratings of this truck below average: but Ive experienced no issues, maintenance still covered by ToyotaCares, likely for another year based on mileage.

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  Old Rolls. - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By jayqohardd - November 18 - 11:11 pm

  When receiving this car as a gift at 16 years old from my mother I had never been so excited! Ever since then I have drove the car & I am now 21, & the car will be with me until it wont run anymore. From my first accident to the second one, to forgetting to change the oil, to a deer or three, to the three original hubcaps that are left, my corolla has never ever let me down. I have ran on empty far too many times than imaginable, and have never once ran out of gas. Dependable when I definitely need her to be. She is so reliable that we have named her "Old Rolls." because no matter the situation she rolls through anything. (corny I realize.)

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  Great for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jonesmiddle - November 18 - 5:40 pm

  I drive mostly in the city, and I usually get around 36 mpg with the automatic transmission. The handling is adequate for the car, but it could be a bit better. The interior is nicley finished, but it would be better if the speedometer, etc., were in front of the driver by the steering wheel instead of to the side. The seats are pretty comfortable and there is plenty of room in the rear seats and in the trunk. It took me a while to find the ABS that I wanted though. Adding a turbocharged engine could help up performance while pushing fuel consumption even lower and improving performance.

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  Nice, Nice Van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Greg Greenlee - November 17 - 1:03 pm

  We have Three kids and are very busy. The van feels safe and has been reliable.We have been on two one thousand mile trips and were very pleased with the van and its performance.

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  07 4Runner V8 - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeff in Seattle - November 17 - 10:40 am

  After toying with several different kinds of cars/trucks, I chose the 4Runner and couldnt be happier. Love all the space, the comfort, the quietness, and the strong engine. Above all, I love how solid it feels. There is such a strong feeling of quality with this vehicle.

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  I feel like I stole this one - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Terry B - November 17 - 5:30 am

  I cant complain about any of the features or components. After 30 years of buying cars (from a 12 year old 66 Bel-air to the 07 Camry), I finally feel like I got a great deal. Added Leather, heated seats and floor mats and I got it for $24500. $2200 off msrp (with no add-ons)! If Id had a bit more patience Im sure I could have wrangled $200 more off the price. But, when I came across the black one with tan leather, I could resist no more. Great work Toyota.

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  Sweet & Easy - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By STRETCH - November 17 - 2:00 am

  For the four years that I have had this car. The only major work that I had done was to have the timing belt changed. The only reason for that was it was just time for it on the schedule. If I had to do it all over again I would have gotten the CD player option and the power moonroof.

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  This thing is a workhorse - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By tony22r - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This Echo is a little workhorse. It just goes and goes and goes! Smooth as the day I bought it. A lot roomier inside than it looks. Control placement is well thought out. Everything is just built right on the Echo!

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  Too great to under-rate! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By DWilly - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought new. Unbelievable ride for 4WD..... smoooooooth and powerful. Usess a little too much gas, but does run on regular 87 octane (cheapest). Dependable, great looking, eye- catching, fun to drive (especially on the beach). Great on or off road. Plenty room for two and comfortable. Luxury of a Lexus.

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  Nice Car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By silvion - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used corolla. No problems but the ride quality is not that good. It rides rough even after me changing the shocks