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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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Ron O - June 28 - 2:56 am

  Enjoy driving it, and it is comfortable. AZ freeway speeds are 75 MPH. Car has no problems keeping up with the traffic (I seldom go over 80, but have reached 90 and above, with no problems). I average between 40 and 45 MPG.

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  4th & Favorite Toyota! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By taszmama - June 28 - 1:57 am

  Toyota has been a part of my life for 20 yrs. I love the reliability and in recent years, the stereo system are far better than other makes. The suspension and light weight power are impressive over my previous 4runners. Enjoy the room and captain seats in the rear. I saw reviews on the navigation, etc. Mine work just fine but there is a lot of stuff that requires 2 manuals for multiple options. This is a fun vehicle to drive I can feel the engine power over heavier older SUVs I have owned. The sound system is better than ever and Toyota has higher quality systems in general. The only thing I dont like is how Toyota does not have paint durability like older models.

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  Built Cheaply. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Hoyt - June 28 - 12:46 am

  Toyota built this truck for eye appeal. Look closely at the mechanicals and you will find a light duty, cheaply built truck. How this thing ever made Motor Trends "Truck of the Year" award, Ill never know. I traded in a 99 F-150 for it. The 150 was a much better mechanically engineered truck-hands down. Have owned trucks/heavy eq. 34 yrs. do all my own work on everything I own, have an extensive background in mechs. This truck is a piece of junk!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! BAR NONE! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Laura Loves her Rav4 - June 27 - 2:50 pm

  Never bought anything but American before, but after owning my Rav4, Im hooked! Ive loved my Rav4 for 3.5 yrs, and Im shopping for another one! It went thru snow, held its traction in heavy rain. Its never failed to get good gas mileage. Never failed to start. In the Toyota maintenence dept ONLY for oil changes and scheduled maint.. And talk about holding its value... this is the 1st time I have had a vehicle that is worth MORE than what I owe on it!

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  The best Car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeannie Sweeney - June 27 - 6:20 am

  Formerly on LI I moved to upstate NY just west of Syracuse, snow country. last winter we had 182 in. The Highlander was a dream. I do lots of highway driving. I drove last week from LI to Boston then onto Syracuse almost 11 hrs in the car, No problem

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  What a great CAR! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 64alpha - June 27 - 3:43 am

  Oh man this car rocks. The only thing I dont like is the acceleration of the electric engine. You can only accelerate so much then boom gas. But still it could use like a 60hp electric engine instead of 40hp to give it more acceleration without using gas. It gets great mileage and we fill $41 at $4.22 a gal. Only about 9.75 gallons. This car rocks. Buy it NOW! The waiting lists are rising! Best hybrid yet!

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  Leased Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - June 26 - 8:46 pm

  I have driven this truck for 2.5 years and have clocked 40000 miles. The gas mileage has been very good and has averaged 17 mpg in city driving. This truck has hauled 2400 pounds of concrete bags with great ease, and towed my tractor nicely. It does wear front tires on the outside edge, but I have gotten 40K miles out of the tires. The 5 speed transmission is very well matched to the 4.7 V-8, and quickly moves this truck in all situations. Highway stability isnt quite as stable as I would like, but isnt a major concern. I have had no gas pedal issues. I would buy another Tundra, its great gas mileage makes it an obvious choice over smaller trucks with same gas mileage. Great Buy!

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  TRD Rocks - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By johnny_sarcasm - June 26 - 7:30 pm

  Ive done every type of wheeling that you can do, and this thing stock performs better offroad than anything (other than a jeep rubicon). Slight dash rattle but a TSB is available.

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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Dougs Toy - June 26 - 4:20 pm

  Wow, what can I say, playful, fun, responsive, AWD just totally great, expensive sound system without the cost. Want to feel free American spirit, Drive a Rav 4,

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  Speakers/Rear view mirror - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Doris Gamble - June 26 - 2:43 pm

  My Camry has been good to me, and it is and excellent vehicle, I have had it over 4years and 4months, but I became disappointed in the material that the speaker covers were made of as it has dry rotted in the shape of the speaker, and I would like to know if any other have been reported as this is not good to look at this through your back glass, and also the rear view mirror has started to fade out and thats not good as you need that to see. I was happy at one point but not so happy now. So in order for me to be continue to be happy with Toyota this needs to be corrected. Good car yes just some defects that needs to be address.