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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  The Way To Go!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Ponch - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota, my last one was thirteen years old and had well over a hundred thousand miles with no probelms... Toyota makes their vehicles dependable, fuel efficent and strong.

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  Camry 2004 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By docbarok - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth drive, I feel confident driving on the interstate. Safety ratings are a plus.

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  2015 Sienna XLE Premium - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Peter Zhu - December 6 - 7:48 am

  The ride and cabin quality is good. Compare to Honda Odyssey, it will be nice to include the rear view side mirror camera. However, I still like Toyota better due to my prior experience on my 2007 Civic.

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  Fun car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Dorin Viorel - December 5 - 7:40 pm

  Fun to drive car with an excellent performance in and around the city.

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  Toyo Camry: V benchmark of family sedans - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Quoizimodo - December 5 - 3:46 pm

  After looking at the Accord and out of reach Maxima, the Camry was the logical choice. I opted for the LE V-6. The Accord has more ponies but is a sohc engine compared to the Toyos dohc. In addition, the Honda cost $3000 more. And their interior is less insulated from road noise. The Camrys 3.0 V6 is strong and feels effortless. Youll go up to freeway speed in no time. The 5 speed auto is very smooth, barely perceptible. Ergonomics are very driver friendly. 15 inch wheels with Continental tires. Youll save gas and money with the 4 cylinders base model, however, I would strongly recommend you to go for the base V6 LE. You get an extra 40+ ponies to pass those 18 wheelers.

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  best half ton made - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Frank - December 4 - 11:06 pm

  I am very pleased wth the Toyota Tundra. It rides like a large sedan and has the smoothest transmission I have ever driven. It is usually not possible to tell when it shifts other than watching the tachometer. The acceleration is excellent. The seats are extremely comfortable and the rear seats are as comfortable, roomy, and solidly supporting as the front seats.

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  Awesome Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Kay - December 4 - 9:33 pm

  Handles well, tight on corners, power from the standstill, it plows through snow w/o skidding or bogging down.

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  Honeymoon is over - and I still LOVE THIS 4RUNNER! - 2016 Toyota 4Runner
  By D Johnson - December 4 - 5:36 pm

  Simple review: Buy one if you want to off-road more than the average bear! Reason for purchase: 4x4 alone quite often and needed a reliable vehicle to get me into the middle of nowhere. As an amateur astronomer, I also needed room for dry/clean storage. Also needed an interior long enough for sleep (I dont tent). To me its a truck with extra seating and storage. The 4x4, including crawl, locker, and terrain select have been used quite extensively by this driver. Ive been in back country fresh snow (a few times now), mud, and desert. The factory Dunlop GrandTrek tires remain as the Achilles heel when playing in fresh deep snow or mud. So far (knock-on-wood) the 4Runner has taken everything Ive thrown at it. Of course keep in mind being alone miles from nowhere Ive had to keep a conservative approach to things! Engine: (in my opinion) - this is a truck with a large but factory choked V6. Toyota probably keeps it detuned for long lasting and reliable reasons! Im certain this rig is easily capable of 325+ HP if tuned. Transmission: The 5 speed is dated (albeit reliable as it approaches the end of the development cycle). Even with these minor noted issues, there are no driving complaints. There are no issues merging with traffic or anything like that. I have not towed with it (probably never will), so I cant comment on the 5000 lb rating. Interior - seats are great, heated too. No issues with steering or controls in general. Surprisingly no rattles yet; however I anticipate them as the vehicle ages and is used for intended purposes. Touch screen could be a little bigger. Love the dual map mode - use if often. Audio system is a non-issue - works great. Be nice to have more USB ports. REAR WINDOW DROPS. Yeah, capital letters there - big deal, that rear window....a BIG factor in my purchase of this vehicle. Hauling lumber in an SUV - no prob here. See if you can name all the current SUVs that can drop the rear window? I could type forever and bore you with details for which you will not really get. Lets just say if you want a capable vehicle that will mostly keep up with a stock Wranglers the 4Runner may be your ticket.

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  great little car - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By h rahman - December 4 - 5:06 pm

  better gas mileage than predicted. depends on the traffic and day 30-35 mpg

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  PERFECT CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ERIC - December 4 - 10:00 am

  WORTH YOUR MONEY, SMOOTH AND SLEEK, GORGEOUS OUTLOOKING,PERFECT INTERIO. CANT WAIT TO DRIVE IT EVERYDAY TO WORK AND FUN