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 Way to Be Green - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Keep Oregon Green - November 19 - 12:00 pm

  I drove previous versions of the Prius for work and our new personal car is a real step up in the comfort department. Still gets good mileage and fun to drive, makes commuting easy and painless at the pump. We are getting around 48 mpg town and highway driving with no change in our driving habits. Plenty of power on the freeway when you need it.

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  No better technology out there. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By DDG - November 19 - 10:53 am

  Ive owned a 2005 for only a month. I am still amazed at the technology that Toyota has designed into this car. Its also fun to drive. My second car is a convertible sports car, and I must say that most often, its difficult deciding which one to take out.

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  Good vehicle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Alan - November 19 - 5:06 am

  Ive owned a Chrysler minivan and a Ford minvan and the Sienna is WAY superior. We bought it as a 2 year old vehicle and could have purchased a new Chrysler Town & Country for about the same money, but the Sienna was such a better vehicle we purchased that and have no regrets. Great family vehicle.

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  Sweet car!!! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By L - November 19 - 5:00 am

  I traded in my SUV for this vehicle about a month ago and I love this car! It is a great combination of comfort, reliability, great MPG, and sweet styling inside and out. Ive taken a few highway trips and averaged 37.5 MPG going 70 mph, and about 40 MPG going 60 mph.

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  Love my 4-runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LD - November 19 - 4:46 am

  I test drove the 4-runner and couldnt believe how smooth it was compared to other years I test drove it. I went through this winter with it. Handled really well. Although I would have wanted Michelin tires on this one and it has Goodrich. Not happy with them in the snow.

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  Not a bad car, very reliable - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By marcus - November 19 - 12:36 am

  After almost 4 years this has been a very reliable car, 48,000 miles so far. It is under powered, but I knew that when it was purchased. I have done nothing but change the oil every 3000 miles, engine wise. The brakes needed replaced at 20,000 miles, and are not that good. They have always felt soft. It does o.k in the snow, with just a couple inches. highway mileage 40 mpg, but city is lower than rated, I get around 27 MPG. Also it ate the factory set of tires pretty fast. The replacements are not doing bad though. It is nothing fancy but a good commuter car.

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  Dynamic Cruise is a bust - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jeff - November 18 - 9:37 pm

  I have a 2011 Chrysler 300 and I absolutely LOVE my adaptive (radar based) cruise control. It was a must when getting my wifes new SUV. But the laser version in this Toyota frequently refuses to engage, drops out randomly (driving into the sun) or simply continues to drive almost right into the back of the car ahead regardless of follow distance. Nothing like the "it just works and works GREAT" of my Chrysler. I also dont like the info-tainment logic. It is difficult to navigate and I dislike that the side detection is just a silent light in your mirror. On my Chrysler when I turn on the blinker, it audibly beeps at me if it detects. For the most part, the Sequoia is ok, but Im just constantly annoyed with how much worse it is on some things and it cost nearly double a 5 year older car...

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  Most reliable thing on the road! - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Armani - November 18 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this minivan in May 99 and got the XLE because of the power door feature which surprised me, but was not happy that the power door needs repairing so soon. So far I have 88k miles and have never encountered problems with the engine because of its perfect realiability. A previous minivan didnt make it up hills had so many problems but the Sienna goes up hills with authority.

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  No probs - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob blumenkopf - November 18 - 1:18 pm

  I dont know what these people are talking about. 80k on my 2010s. 30mpg on the streets. Close to 40 on the hiway. Not one problem since purchased.

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  Solid choice - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By hjg1 - November 18 - 12:10 pm

  I really enjoy the 4Runner and it has met all my expectations. I wanted a truck with the SUV body and that is exactly what it is. I was also aware that the vehicle is a bit underpowered and am I fine with that. We also own a 2010 Highlander Limited. The Highlander is more like a car to me now than a crossover SUV. Anyone who complains about not having an assisted tail gate clearly should be buy another vehicle, or needs to go to the gym.