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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  Excellent, efficient, big inside - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By dnarich - August 11 - 7:36 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. With careful driving, I routinely get 43-44 miles per gallon (average city+highway, manual transmission). No repairs in 61000 miles, runs "like a top". Preferred vehicle by my 89 year-old mother because of the high seat height and the easy access front doors, and the excellent headroom.

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  The Rav4 that goes and goes - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Sean - August 11 - 2:36 am

  Im an onsite computer tech. I average 225 miles per day in this Rav4, I bought it with 51k on it now has 150k on it only prob Ive ever had was the cat converter. It has been a great car, most reliable car Ive ever owned and in my line of work that means money. Great on gas, great on getting me to the client and home again, and fun to drive.

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  Number 1 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By obucko - August 10 - 7:56 pm

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever had... No contest. Too bad they didnt continue making these. Zero mechanical problems and exterior finish still like new. Rides and drives like a car.

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  Cross Country Travel - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - August 10 - 3:26 pm

  Skip the GM-Ford-Mopar, this truck will always have a place in my driveway. Drove from NC to Cal. in 47.5 hrs, the interior comfort was phenomenal, was not tired, sore, or uncomfortable during the trip. Like the tailgate that is shock assisted, so will not slam down, but can also use one finger to push back up. Will keep this for years and replace with another!!

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  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Handier - August 10 - 11:13 am

  Tundra replaced a 1999 Suburban that was my work truck but just had too many reliability issues. The Tundra offered a configuration plus Toyotas reputation for reliability and durability. The Suburban was a great design and even as a work vehicle it was tough but just too many of the components died an early death. The Tundra is roomy, quite, powerful and came with a kicking stereo even though it is not a priority for me as this is a work truck. Ive put about 1100 miles so far and the ride, though choppy on concrete segmented roads, has smoothed out and of course, is much better with a load in the bed.

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ehw - August 10 - 4:50 am

  I own the 03 Camry SE. It has been an excellent car in all regards. Over the past 25 years, I have owned at least 8 new toyotas, so I am inclined to favor these autos. I find plenty of power in the 4cyl. If you want to improve your handling on the SE put a set of 17" rims matched with medium to low profile high performance tires and buckle up. I felt a substantial improvement over the stock tire/rim combo. The car felt like it could turn square corners and remain flat in curves even at speeds in excess of recommended limits.

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  My 05 just rolled 10k, I love it! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By JML - August 9 - 6:03 pm

  I love this car! I am a mother of two, I camp, have pets a home and work. I can do so much with this car. Tons of space, fun to drive, great on gas, smart features, and the stick gives a bit more power than the automatic. Always wanted a Toyota, and have always owned Fords or GM, never again. Very veristile, nimble and comfortable. Also can hold its speed well. Narrow tires great in the snow, even without the AWD. Well worth it car.

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  Perfect FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Keith Humphrey - August 8 - 11:26 pm

  I just love my FJ. I get people on the street that ask me if they can look at it all the time. I have already taken it to pismo beach, Ca. (on the sand) with stock tires and no problem at all.

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  DuckTapeEngineer - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By ducttapeeng - August 8 - 11:34 am

  Great SUV. Our purpose was to have towing capability of 7000lbs easily and have an interior (eliminating trucks). All SUVs in this category have great front seats and comprable 2nd rows but the 3rd row was the best by far. Around town, gas mileage can be all over the map. Driving without trying to be efficient - expect 13 mpg / but if you try hard and learn - 16 - 17 is possible. Remember there is substantial push after getting off the gas. Speed is the key to mpg with something of this size. For 2011, getting in and out of 4WD occurs below 45mph - resolved in later models.

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  Fails to start after sitting - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By kathyd4 - August 8 - 11:13 am

  I only have 8000 miles and I got the car in Feb 2013. Every time I go away and leave the car for a week, it wont start when I return. Every time the temperature drops below 25F and it sits even 4 days, it wont start. Toyota has replaced the battery twice although the second time they said there was nothing wrong with it. They have run diagnostics and say there is nothing wrong. Every car in my neighborhood starts. Our Honda starts, our old Blazer starts, but not the Highlander. I am soooo disappointed with this vehicle. Toyota is supposed to be reliable, but mine isnt.