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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  Grammas Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By gramB - February 21 - 3:33 pm

  We live in mountain country and I used to have a little diesel car that whimped out going up hills so I appreciate any car that climbs hills . . . but Toyotas do it best! This vehicle is fun to drive without being too big, in fact, I didnt realize it was considered an SUV until after we had bought it . . . not that I have anything against SUVs per se --- but were all trying to be a little more economically minded these days.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Leonard - February 21 - 1:06 pm

  This truck is fun to drive and is a real work horse. Gets better gas mileage in town than my previous GM truck that had a smaller V8. Recently towed a 32 travel trailer 500 miles and it was an effortless tow for the 5.7 V8. So far, truck has been trouble free. I love the extra space behind the front seats. Added a rubber mat in that area to keep things from sliding around. The truck is easy to get around in the woods while hunting. In my experience short wheelbase trucks are much more fun to drive and have fewer vibrations and wheel balancing problems than extended cab models. I love driving this truck.

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  Fun in the sun little car - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By 2fast4u - February 21 - 11:00 am

  Once a week I have someone coming up to me asking if its a Porsche, or what car is that? I have people taking pictures of my car with their camera when I stop at a light. My point? I get a lot of attention driving my little car. Granted, I have a few after market parts: TRD body kit and TTE dual muffler (which makes a nice growling sound like a V-8). This car is awesome around turns and curves. It is almost impossible to slide the car; it simply sticks to the round. It does so-so on a straight away--I estimate about 7.1 seconds from 0-60 mph on a 6 speed SMT, but who actually drives that fast anyway? When I do step on it though, the cars behind me disappears pretty fast.

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  Highlander Limited Platinum, Very Luxurious - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Tim Hornik - February 21 - 9:22 am

  Everything you could imagine you would want or need in a vehicle is here. You dont have to get a Lexus for luxury.

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  Venza 2009 - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Dave - February 21 - 3:43 am

  I bought a fully loaded Venza 2009. I love this car. It is luxurious, well build, solid and safe feeling. I look forward to driving it. Do not get this car without the navigation system. It is so worth it

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  Id buy it again! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ed beasley - February 21 - 3:06 am

  I bought this to pull a pretty heavy bass boat through Ozark mountains comfortably and have room for 2 good size dogs. It has had no trouble pulling the boat up and down those mountains, even passing up steep hills with the boat. Im on 150,000 miles and maintenance has been basically a couple sets of tires, and a set of breaks. It still rides good.

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  An Absolute Blast to Drive - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By WHWilson - February 20 - 6:43 pm

  This is my daily commute car and is pure fun to drive. Top is easily raised and lowered in a single motion from the drivers seat. Handling is so precise and agile, I sometimes think this car reads my mind. I really wish Houston had more twisty roads. Gets approximately 28 mpg even though my normal freeway speeds are 85 mph+. Car is absolutely rock solid all the way up to top speed of 130 mph.

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  200,000 hard miles - 1997 Toyota T100
  By truckintahoe - February 20 - 5:23 am

  My 97 T100 is used as it should be, a no nonsense truck in the Sierra, NV mtns. I cant say enough about the quality (nothing squeaks when I hit bumps), comfort and overall driveability of the truck. Toyota had a winner with this one. Everything works excellent and my A/C still blows coldddd.

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  Tims FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tims FJ - February 20 - 3:30 am

  With less than 1000 miles I had this vehicle off the road on the beach and in the dunes. Ride and handling were excellent. Cornering on hard surfaced roadway was flat with good feel. The suspension can seem a bit stiff but, the vehicle is intended for off-road use. The fit and finish is excellent and the use of non-metallic paints is a nice touch - easy care. My overall experience has been well worth the investment. I compared the FJ to several vehicles. In the end, the famous toyota quality won me over. No regrets. Its excellent build quality, fit and finish, and available accessories are more than enought for any individual desire.

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  Perfect Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By WLC - February 19 - 8:56 pm

  This truck is just about perfect. Great power, handling, comfort. The gas mileage could be better (averaging 16 mpg in mixed highway). Has a high fun factor, throw it into corners and punch it merging on the freeway. I bought the sports package with stereo upgrade, and had the Snugtop shell installed by the factory. All well worth the money in my opinion.