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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  2007 Toyota Camry LE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By vernon - December 31 - 5:06 pm

  I have had the 2007 LE V6 for two years. I have 18500 miles and have experienced no problems. I have read a lot about the 2007 V6 trans problems but have experienced none of them. The interior is okay and I have not had any rattles or squeaks. I am not real fond of the electric seat and I find it is not as comfortable as my F150 pickup on trips. The gas mileage is great. I get 23 city, 25 mixed and 32 on the road, (70 MPH with air).

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  Great after 2+ yrs of road trips - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By john - December 31 - 12:16 pm

  I travel at least once a month, being retired I wanted a comfortable, reliable, safe vehicle to ride in. I have taken my Sienna from San Francisco to Canada, to New York, to Florida, you name it. This van is plenty comfortable, very safe, and reliable! There are plenty of neat features, such as laser cruise control which slows you down when approaching a car, plenty of power when traveling, I passed cars going up steep grades, and the AWD is awesome, never need chains and travels great on snow.

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  2016 Prius Three - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Joe Cortopassi - December 31 - 9:46 am

  The interior design is a bit wild with highly contrasting black and white surfaces (we have the Moonstone fabric). The detail around the display screen that extends to the glove box is a definite dust catcher. Having said that, we had a 2007 Prius and the 2016 is much more comfortable for me. I havent had it long enough to know what the mileage will really be.

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  Strong enough for Papa but Made for Mama - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Mama - December 31 - 6:06 am

  I have owned a few Toyotas 1985 Celica Gts -- 1990 (I think) Previa -- 1997 Rav4 but I the Tacoma is by far my favorite. A neighbour saw my truck in the garage (yep - It even fits in the garage) and asked my daughter how her Dad liked HIS truck. News flash ... This truck is great for us ladies who still like to have fun, love to go to the mountains and yet want a safe, reliable and quiet ride. Move over boys! Im loving the sport package and the awesome sound system! The interior is mod looking and has lots of room. I love how the Tacoma handles on the highway and it has lots of punch in the city but I cant wait to go camping!!

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  This is one smokin ride! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Levi - December 31 - 3:43 am

  For as cheap as you can find these now, these are some of the most fun to drive, and reliable cars around today. Consumer Reports gave it the most reliable sporty car award this model year.

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  Im sold on Camrys - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By dbjbravo - December 31 - 12:48 am

  I bought this car with 30k miles in 2006 and have now put another 100k on it. Aside from routine fluid and tire changes, this car has given me absolutely no mechanical difficulties. It got nearly 40 miles per gallon on the freeway when I first got it, but now (2013) its closer to 32. Here are some cons: the keyless entry stopped working on me a year ago; the back speakers shattered on me into little pieces two years ago (this seems to be a common problem -- the sun pretty much destroys them); the molding on the cd player began to become unsealed from the heat of the sun. Overall, this has been a spectacular car. I plan on driving it until its totally dead.

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  Love This Corolla !! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry - December 30 - 9:30 am

  I bought this car for fuel economy being I drive 160 miles per day. The 5-speed with cruise delivers 42mpg at highway speeds. The comfort is unbelievable for long trips and this car is really fun to drive. Although many consider this to be a small car, I find it extremely comfortable to sit in, and Im 63 and weigh 220. There is plenty of head room too. I just wish I had a sunroof.

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  Love my Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By kcoughlan - December 30 - 6:03 am

  Sick and tired of the poor quality of GM products I finally moved to the Toyota tundra.I was able to get my reg.cab SR5 4x4 for thousands less because I waited until Oct. clear out. For the short time I have driven the tundra, it is an amazing truck to drive. The 5.7 litre power plant will take some getting used to.Loaded it handles with very little sway at 60mph,power to spare! My GM products were always far below the estimated mpg.the Tundra so far is getting around 14 city , 17 highway. So this truck is certainly not economical to run. No worse than my Gm products.

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  prius V level five - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By serejka4992 - December 28 - 10:15 pm

  Really good car have 10600 on it so far had first oil change my mg for far 39 in average.

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  Great All-Purpose SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Frank - December 28 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had my Highlander only a week but can tell already Im going to love it. Interior appointments and ergonomics are superb. Transmission is smooth however the downshifting at around 40MPH is a little noticeable. Braking fine. This car is quiet, by far the quietest SUV I tested. Ride is outstanding. Note this is not a sports car however. Seats are very comfortable. This is going to be fabulous family trip car. Cant wait for our first big trip. I wanted this car be be everything and it is: the comfy ride of a sedan, cargo space of a van, and style. Toyota has done it again. On my first gas up I got 22.5 MPG in mixed driving. Not bad. Great car - what I have always wanted!