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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  Best of the Bunch - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ladydriver123 - July 24 - 9:03 am

  Just bought the Highlander Limited after a 4 month search of various SUVs. This car is awesome! Lots of space, optional captains chairs in the backseat as well as heat & a/c, backup camera, keyless ignition, and so many more extras. The powerful engine and 270hp helps make the ride very smooth, and fast. The Blizzard Pearl color w/gray interior was hard to find, but so worth it. Car has more features than the Lexus RX 350, and Toyota reliability is a given. I looked at both luxury and mid-range SUVs, and the Highlander was absolutely the best of the bunch.

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  toyota - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By NY2010 - July 24 - 4:56 am

  This is my second RAV4 and I didnt hesitate to buy it. Though I did enjoy my prior Base model V6 this time I went with a Sport model 4cyl. This is my top choice for its reliability, space, look, 4x4 option, moderate price and most of all safety. This 2nd vehicle came about after an accident resulting in a total loss, but I can not speak enough about the structural integrity this vehicle retained under duress.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Ann - July 24 - 3:46 am

  Outstanding performance, especially the "zippy" feel when accelerating. Even though its a four-cylinder, it feels like a six. I love the fact that the rear seats are totally removable.

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  Why are all the web/print media wrong - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Duncan - July 24 - 1:56 am

  I got my Yaris at the end of March 2008 and have calculated mileage on every tank of gas and the MPG on every tank has been between 35 and 40 MPG. I have never gotten below 35, and I dont use the most fuel efficient driving techniques. Why has every media review, including Edmunds.com stated that the fuel economy on this car is 31-32. This is a great car. You cannot find a better car, with better gas mileage at a better price. Thats it.

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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jon K - July 24 - 12:26 am

  I feel pride in driving a fuel sipper. My only complaints about the Prius would be the flat black metal trim (it always shows fingerprints), and the matte finish material on the dash near the window (it always shows dust). Id rather have vinyl or a leather interior (The tan microfiber always looks dirty).

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  Land Cruiser rating - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By SUV Driver - July 23 - 11:26 pm

  I have owned 8 other SUVs. Fords, Chevys, Nissans, and Toyotas. This is the finest SUV, by far that I have ever owned. NIce styling, great ride and comfort, with superb dependability!

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  Love Our 2016 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off-Road - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By McCauley - July 23 - 6:49 pm

  Having previously owned a 2007 Tundra and a 2011 Tundra, wife and I agree this is our favorite truck. While it does have a bit of float and wander at highway speeds, it is very commanding and capable off road and in the snow. Yes, we take it off-road in rough terrain often. We have over 9k miles on it so far and have had no issues. My wife drives this truck frequently and comments on the sense of security and reliability it provides her. Naturally, it may not be the truck for everyone, but it is right for us. We opted for the magnetic gray with gray interior and factory folding tonneau cover.

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  Very Economical - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By ali - July 23 - 2:13 pm

  I have the 2000 VE corolla with the 4sp automatic and I just wanted to day that its been a wonderful tough car. Drove on deep Canadian snow, hot humid summer days and in heavy thunderstorms and it always got me there. Its been 10 years and 200,000 miles and people say the car specially the interior doesnt look ten years old and it doesnt have the stench that other old cars do. Planning to run it down another 60,000 miles before buying a new corolla. The tranny and engine combo on this car is great and I love the fact that u can disable overdrive, helps u accelerate quickly on highway and when your done turn it back on and u can cruise quietly at 60mph. This Cars ride is really soft too.

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  Sporty and My Choice over Equinox - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By jstorbeck - July 23 - 8:15 am

  After test driving a half dozen small SUVs including the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape and Explorer, and Jeep Liberty, I concluded the Rav4 Sport was right for me. Coming from an RX8 I wanted something fun to drive, that looked sporty, and yet had a lot of storage. You get less standard features compared to the Equinox but you have to weigh that compared to Toyota reliability. Also the Equinox back seat does not fold truly flat. Only minor complaints are above average road noise and a stiffer ride. The Sport model looks a ton better as it does not have the ugly tire hanging off the back. It uses run flat tires. Has 269 hp, great visibility, and responsive steering. Good sporty option.

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  Excellent CAR - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Arcanine - July 23 - 7:33 am

  This car is great. It is great on the outside and ok on the inside... I wanted one with moonroof, but they are not available as easily as last year because of the gas prices. The mileage is great, and although it is not a sporty car you can count on its reliability.