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 suv - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By snowyman28 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a truly fun, surprisingly easy to handle and fun to drive. Incredible flexability in the interior in regards to passenger seating and storage options more than offset the somewhat bland and cookie-cutter exterior.

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  Not a Honda. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By d20142 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The quality does not compare to the Hondas I have previously owned. The car is nice to look at but the 5A trans. refuses to down shift except for flooring it and even then you have to wonder if its going too. The interior rattles more than it should. The steering is very "numb" and should be more like a Honda.

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  Awesome!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By wingotop - December 19 - 10:00 am

  V8 has tremendous power and good fuel economy considering the higher horsepower. Seats are very comfortable. It has lots of room and more features than I even know how to use.

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  Love that TRUCK ! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By William Dollison - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been very Happy with my new Toyota Tacoma. I would purchase another in a New York Minute !

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  Popular Mechanics Meets Popular Science - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jonathan Quick - December 19 - 6:03 am

  For the most part, I have been very impressed with this vehicle. Gas mileage is 3x better than my previous vehicle, with no noticeable loss of power. For the price, the number of features and new technologies packed into this vehicle is simply astounding. The list of cool features goes on an on. Where else can you get hybrid synergy drive, CVT, regenerative braking, stability control, ABS, electric AC, steering wheel AC / radio controls, automatic climate control, SmartKey keyless entry, rear camera, tire pressure monitoring system, 9 speaker MP3 stereo, etc. for less than $25k? Everything about this car suggests efficiency, reliability, and value. Wish Toyota had a hybrid minivan!

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  Beats the competition - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By txkreddog - December 19 - 3:05 am

  Style and performance, as well as reliability made the Tundra dbl cab 5.7 my choice over Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge. For value vs price, the Tundra wins hands down.

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  I Love my Blazing Blue Yaris Liftback!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Michael - December 19 - 3:00 am

  I fell in love with the Liftback when I test-drove it in May 2006. I ordered the 2007 Yaris Liftback automatic transmission in Blazing Blue with the All Weather and Convenience Packages. It ended up coming with an armrest and rear bumper protector too. I took almost 2 months to get here but was well worth the wait. With my first tank of gas I averaged 42 mpg (about 75% highway/25% local driving.) I find that it is zippy to drive,accelerates well to get onto highways with ease. The controls are easy to operate.The center instrument panel is no trouble.The seating is very comfortable. You sit uphigh and feel like you are in an SUV. I love my Yaris!!

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  Pure fun with a practical side - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyderflash - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for over a year and still love it. It is so light and responsive. Many would-be sports cars feel like trucks in comparison. The brakes are world class and I average 30 mpg on regular. It is my daily driver, and I have taken it on road trips with minimal driver fatigue. This is a car that knows what it is and doesnt compromise its basic purpose. The top raises or lowers easily from inside the car in about 7 seconds.

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  Truck Mother - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Windwood - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Most solid and comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. Came w/third row seats that I removed. Minimal service needs. Fuel mileage typical for 5100 pound vehicle, 14 local, 18 on moderate speed trip. overall about 16. Slow frequency is too fast- Best one I ever had was in my old Mercedes- you could set it for a sweep once every 2 minutes if you liked. Ladies can have a bit of a struggle getting in but thats the price you pay for a 10" clearance. Road noise more noticeable w/winter tires.

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  red egg - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By echonala - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Echo. Very reliable, easy to drive, really good sound system. The mileage per gallon is about the best I have seen out of any car. I have never had any problems with this car.