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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  Even better than my 2004 Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve Miller - February 7 - 7:53 pm

  My 2004 Tundra was totaled in a head-on collision when a driver fell asleep and hit me nearly head-on. I am now convinced of Tundras safety. I replaced the 2004 model with the 2005 model. I loved my 2004 model, and my 2005 is even better. The 2005s 5-speed auto is smoother than the 2004s 4-speed. Maybe it is only imagination, but my wife and I think the 2005 has a louder muffler than the 2004. I like the louder muffler, she doesnt.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Yiwen - February 7 - 6:30 pm

  Its an amazing upgrade from my 98 Madza MPV all-sport. Drives like a sedan. Sometimes I felt its even quieter than my wifes 04 Camry. The engine is powerful and quiet even when driving up the Cottonwood canyon mountain resorts. Well designed interior controls, which are large and easy to reach. Storage is plenty with many cup-holders. I consistently get 21 mpg (city/highway combined) for my commute to work. Trip to California in July on highway and gets consistent 24 mpg. View isnt as good as my MPV (maybe Im still trying to get used to it).

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  Oh What a Feeling! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TNRiverjet - February 7 - 9:00 am

  I bought this truck as a demo with 8K miles. I now have 82K plus in about two years and it is still ticking strong. I do find the seats uncomfortable for long road trips, but every other part of interior design and layout is perfect. Storage is excellent. I had the rear leaf TSB performed to replace the original springs. The new 4 leaf springs handle weight much better than stock. I use Michelin LTX AT tires. This truck rides and drives like a car! It is sporty, powerful, nimble. It is also easy to maneuver in parking lots/garages and around town. Service has been minimum/standard and I have had no warranty issues. The transmission seems to seek gears esp. around 40 mph.

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  Best car ever - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By H. E. - February 7 - 8:07 am

  I had many cars and few minivans and this is absolutely the best vehicle I ever had. Lots of space and greats performance to it size. AWD works greats so this huge minivan feels like a SUV

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  Truth about the Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra 226 - February 7 - 4:46 am

  The Tundra has a clear advantage in looks, engine, towing capability, and certainly rear seat room. We have two kids, one a growing teen and most other vehicles dont have near the room in the rear seat. It makes a tremendous difference. You will not find a better engine in my opinion. 99% of the time it is quiet and well mannered until you need it and then you can unleash the incredible power that makes you truly appreciate what Toyota has done. The transmission is excellent as is the 4X4. Fuel economy is 18mpg or better if you try. I dont tow heavy but it is nice having a vehicle capable of it with the big brakes etc. that go with it. I would highly recommend this truck!

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  save the world - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By L van Roden - February 7 - 2:16 am

  Love this car! Cant understand why everyone doesnt have one. 44 miles to the gallon! Love it!

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  New car, new issues - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Katietuz - February 7 - 12:10 am

  Picked up the car on Tuesday. On Friday, the airbag warning light went on. Needs new computer. Not happy with 6 speed transmission. When driving around 25 - 32 mph, car jolts back and forth between gears. Dealer says this is normal for this transmission.

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  Great SUV for very decent price - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Barbara - February 6 - 11:06 pm

  Love this car. Leased it and will purchase at lease end. Very comfortable and handles well. Feels like a car but much better.

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  Absolute peace of mind - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Lincoln Weber - February 6 - 8:36 pm

  This car was given to me at 60,000 miles by my grandmother. I was young, did not know the value of having a car. This car survived the most rigorous trials a immature teen could put it through. Never failed through the abuse. Only thing that I can say I did correctly was change the oil at every 3-4K miles. I am now a more responsible, loyal owner to my Corolla with 110K miles on it now. It still runs like new. I will preach the value of this car to any and everybody. You simply cannot beat the craftsmanship that was invested in this vehicle. I love this car, and will drive it for a million miles!

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  Tundra Could be Better, Much Better - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Hoyt - February 6 - 7:00 pm

  Need a part? Be ready to dig DEEP. As an example one steel stamped (basic) wheel: $180.00. The plastic insert that fits around the lugs? $98.43. If you do the math, just the wheels and plastic insert is over 10% of the full purchase price of the truck. Toyota charges big time for parts. Gas mileage? V-6: window sticker from Toyota said 19. I get 18, then 17 now 16. My Ford F-150 V-6: always @ 20. The Ford V-6 eng. was larger.