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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  My 2006 Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sam Bonasoro - August 15 - 6:53 pm

  I am very happy with the car overall. There are two areas that I would like to see improved. First of all, I would have liked the car to have more power. I think a car with more horsepower as an option with dual exhaust would reach more of your client base. The other issue is lack of sight out of the real window. In addition to the small window size the permanent headrests block too much of the vision through the rear window. I had even gone to the dealership to see if they could be removed and they said they were permanent. I am totally unhappy with the poor vision and if I had thought about it, I wouldnt have purchased the car. Fit, finish, handling and design is great.

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  2008 Toyota Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota 4everVB - August 15 - 2:06 pm

  We have been driving Toyotas since 1990. They are the most dependable vehicles in this planet! We still drive our 1998 4 runner and have never had any problems! We traded in our 2006 Tacoma for the 2008 Sequoia because it rides like a luxury car. We feel safe in it will all the airbags! This is the way to go! I love what Toyota does for me and my family!

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  Leased it, loved it, bought it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By icehorses - August 15 - 1:16 pm

  I leased my Prius and at the end of the three years opted to buy it. No problems whatsoever, just change the oil, rotate the tires, and youre good to go. I average between 52-55 MPG (combined city/highway), it sips gas. When I first leased it I read up on how to drive a Prius to get the most effective gas mileage, coasting and avoiding rapid acceleration definitely helps to optimize your fuel economy. Im tall and I find it to be a very comfortable vehicle with plenty of headroom and pleasant interior. If you need to have a lot of power and acceleration at your fingertips, this isnt the vehicle for you. If you appreciate a quiet ride and phenomenal gas mileage, then it just might be!

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  Prius is #1! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sandy - August 15 - 11:46 am

  I had a 2004 Prius for the last two years and it was great. Now I bought a 2006 and its even better! Aside from the great mileage, the backseat passengers are very comfortable and it holds LOTS of stuff! Its so relaxing when the motor goes off for periods of time. Its a great car!

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  This ones a sleeper - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By chicago88 - August 15 - 10:56 am

  This car keeps me laughing at all who spend a lot more on the luxury models as well as those whom have to use premium fuel. The Avalon has a limo like back seat which makes taking guest out with you a very flattering event as well as the pleasure and comfort of the ride. I use this car for both long business trips (300 mi+) and local. The mileage has been good for a bigger six (24 mpg avg). The ability for this car to get up and go is amazing. The manual shift mode is exciting with almost 300 ponies under the hood but yet refined enough for the wifes finest dress and black tie night out.

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  Good overall package - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By rdt_ag - August 15 - 2:43 am

  The structural integrity is good, as the car was rear ended hard, which I then learned about the whiplash protection system in the car. Interior still has too much hard plastic, especially the steering wheel, which has a raised crease hitting on the fingers as a constant reminder. Comfort is great, mileage is good overall, better on the road than expected (35 avg mpg at 70 mph) but less than expected around town (23 mpg avg), compared to my 1999 Camry. Spend the extra for upgraded stereo system as the base unit and speakers are very poor and tinny sounding. Downshifting on grades is annoying, but overall car is good with decent mileage, and good value for the money.

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  08 Yaris, the future of cars - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - August 14 - 5:43 pm

  Ive had my 08 Yaris, 5 speed for a little over a year. I drive conservatively and average between 37-40 mpg. There is nothing fancy or luxurious about this car, and if you rely on your car to impress your fellow man, this is not for you. But, if your desire is to have affordable, economical, and reliable transportation, image be damned, then you want a Toyota Yaris. This car just keeps running, requiring only gasoline and the 5K mile routine maintenance (oil change, tire pressure check, etc. This is an excellent car and I heartily recommend it to anyone who asks. Buy this car, and you too will have a hard time keeping a straight face when passing the Escalade, Hummer saps.

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  Column stick - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Sandra Wilson - August 14 - 10:06 am

  I like my Sienna except for an occasional problem. When I go to put the van into Park, it sticks in Reverse. Since this is an occasional issue, I now leave my foot on the break until the van is turned off!!

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  Great vehicle except - - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Ken Rayborn - August 14 - 6:14 am

  We bought a 2016 Highlander Limited. 1. Gas mileage is overstated 10-15%. 2.Front Passenger seat is too low, if not electric (ours) cannot raise, so uncomfortable armrest and window height for a lady. Our drivers seat is adjustable up & down, so great. 3. Electronics are not well designed. 4. GPS poor.

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  Im Happy! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By R.J. Arkell - August 14 - 5:00 am

  Although Ive had this truck for three months, Im completely pleased with what I bought. It has exceeded my expectations in comfort and funtionality. I love this truck! My Prerunner with its 4WD suspension and being 2WD is very comfortable on long trips.