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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  Average - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By E.Crawley - December 8 - 10:43 am

  My experience driving my new SE Toyota has been good and bad. However until a couple of months ago every thing was o.k. While driving my car I found it to be smooth and controllable. However I did not like that shaking in the car when I stopped the vehicle.

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  Solid vehicle, minor flaws - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Greg - December 8 - 9:23 am

  After driving a full-size pickup for 8 years, this was a big change for me. Overall, the Highlander is comfortable and roomy; Toyota has a great reputation for durability, and I havent had any complaints about performance or reliability. My complaints (so far) are these: in reverse, only the electric motors run the vehicle, no matter how far you push the accelerator. Not necessarily Toyotas brightest idea. There are no always-on 12v power outlets. Not surprising, but still occaisonally inconvenient. The oil filter is darn near impossible to take off by hand, unless youre left-handed. I have to use a filter wrench. There is no driver override on the AWD system - the car decides for you.

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  2001 RAV4 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Jack T. Sauerland - December 7 - 2:16 pm

  Great little car. I enjoy driving it and it is easy to enter and exit. Good power and acceleration while getting good gas mileage (about 21.5 mpg).

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  my 2016 toyota tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe turpin - December 7 - 1:13 pm

  at 14 200 km the top end of the engine was not getting enough oil I took the truck in and its been a on going battle to try and get it back they are telling me that they have to make the parts to fix my truck plus the back up screen had to be replaced this is the thrid tacoma I own in 2 years very upset with the way im being treat from toyota dont no if i will ever buy another again

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  Yet another Corolla - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By H.Nieves - December 7 - 12:06 pm

  This is our third Corolla. Wife had a 2003, daughter has a 2005. When my wifes HHR was totaled she wanted to return to a Corolla as long as it had side air bags. Driving my Jeep was a bit scary for her. We got the LE model with power windows, wooden like interior trim and cruise control. It sets the standard for all compact economy vehicles. Excellent mileage, smooth ride, roomy interior and a huge trunk. Perfect for city driving and for long trips for two adults and a maximum of two preteens. Well put together and indicative of Toyotas pursuit of quality even in an economy vehicle. A great bargain.

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  It must have been engineered by a woman! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By teensthree - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car...no brainer gas milage. We use it for everything from long road trips, to moving, to getting groceries. Even room enough to bring a 6 foot table home from auction. And the best part ever....no digging in the purse to find the keys!!!! Had to have been desinged by a woman!!!

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  The Beast - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By wermys - December 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I began our search for our new SUV by driving everything in sight. We Looked at Cadillacs, Lexus, Acura, and Toyota. After driving the Sequoia my wife was sold and so was I. The ride is smooth as as air and it handels very well for its size. make no mistake this SUV is huge. This is truly a great vehicle, the 4WD handles nice, and so does the rwd. The interior comfort is great I am a large man and often find vehicles lacking in head room or leg room. this has plenty of both. if you are lookg for a great SUV then this is for you. I think it gets ok gasmilage for its size. It guzzels gas like all SUVs of this size.

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  Wonderful japenese materal! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Willam Steven - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This lovely Toyota handles wonderfully, has tons of power, and takes the bumbs well, and is the most comfortable car I was ever in. I love this car. This car has tons and tons of rear leg room. Buy Toyota! This dcar gets an avrage of 24 miles to the gallon.

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  Cool covertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 4 jeff - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great mid size covertible smooth and confortable ride. Large and confy back seat. Great gas mileage. Quality built in with quiet enhanced by double ply top

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  My Little Mule - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By John W. Angel, Jr. - December 7 - 10:00 am

  TRD Package could do without, downshifts hard when cruise is on and going up a grade, however ive had this truck less than a year and have over 33000 miles on it and its ran trouble free. It is a good riding truck. Get rid of the BF Goodrich tires. I have slid out of control with these tires. Put the Walmart Conten. tires on it and so far I havent had this problem continue.