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 car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By hbedmunds - December 14 - 8:21 pm

  I was surprised at some of the reviews indicating care was uncomfortable etc. I have never written a car review before, but the 2010 Pirus is such an excellent car, that it deserves a review. I now have 29,000 miles. I track the mileage on most fill-ups, and my average is 48.7mpg over more than 27,000 miles check. Mileage is best in rush hour traffic, worst for short trips of 3 miles or less and when driveing higher than 65 mph. I find the car fun to drive around town and VERY comfortable on long trips, much more so for my back than previous 1990 Maxima and 2001 Avalon. We originally assumed that we would only use it in town, but now use it as exclusive choice for long trips. No issues

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  First time Tacoma Owner - Love it - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Maypearl - December 14 - 9:58 am

  I love this truck. Gas mileage is OK, but its a truck so I didnt expect to get super mileage. My only complaint it there is not trim package that has a power seat or a manual way to raise and lower it. After 4000 miles, Im used to it. I considered a Ford and Chevrolet that are bigger, but went with the Tacoma because of the styling, resale value, and I dont need a full size. If you are very tall, this might not be the truck for you. Or any mid-sized truck.

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  SUV Heaven - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Cindy - December 14 - 5:16 am

  Ive wanted an SUV for a few years, but I didnt know if I could handle an SUV, being only a little over five feet tall and driving only small cars. The Toyota Rav4 is the one I settled on once it was time for the big purchase. Driving a Rav4 is like driving on a cloud. It handles smoothly, maneuvers effortlessly and is a joy to drive. I would recommend the RAV4 to anyone contemplating that first time SUV purchase.

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  Satisfied (for 3rd time) - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By wvgasguy - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Sequoia (mixed in between with 2 Expeditions) Would not have bought without new folding third row on this generation. The headroom is tight with a sunroof for taller drivers. The gas mileage is on the low end of the segment. But the "value" is tops and it has awesome power. Typical "junk" Toyota NAV system. Sounds a lot like Im disappointed? Not really, just pointing out flaws. Still heads and shoulders over the Tahoe/Suburban and Expedition. Wish they really would tighten up the suspension, its a 4wd, I can handle some roughness for handling. Would have liked a hybrid option

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  It Grew On Me - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Drivin Momma - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new and have had it for 2 years now. I have some issues with room, my husband is 511" and barely has enough headroom and realistically, only plan on 4 occupants to ride comfortably. The double decker cargo system is awful and you cant even think about touching the outside of the truck without scratching it. (I put 130K on an 02 Explorer and other than where my wedding ring scratched the door handle, the paint still looked new.) With that said, I absolutely love this vehicle. Its a smooth, quiet ride, I can count on it regardless of weather conditions, and have never had one mechanical issue with it to date. Gas mileage isnt too terrible and interior cleans easily.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By WTP - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Almost 50000 miles and no complaints here. Nothing but regular maintenance so far. We previously had a Kia Optima and it saw several trips to the shop at this point in its life cycle. Just a good reliable economical no frills car. Highly recommended.

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  great suv - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By family person - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Havent had this car to long but Ive been with Toyota for many many years. The highlander is just about everything you could need in a SUV. Lot of room good gas mileage at least the V4 is. Great car with out paying $40,000.00. Cant get much better then this one, for SUV. We put in a blue tooth it did not come with that.

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  Best Car On The Road - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By ToyotaMan - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2011 exterior and interior design is very appealing. The engine is spunky. Car is fun to drive and oozes with luxury, quality, safety, and class. Were proud to drive the car and it has the new Toyota five point safety system on it. Engine is not as efficient as the same engine was in our 2006 Avalon.

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  Great Fuel Ecenomy - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Limmw - December 12 - 3:30 pm

  We ordered a 2017 Highlander Hybrid XLE in November 2016 and received it in early December 2016. We immediately took off on a 1000 mi trip to Oregon. Overall we are very happy with the purchase. Dealership service was good, the SUV drives well and we got 26.5 MPG for the 2000 miles round trip through interstate 5 during winter blizzards going and coming back. Our previous SUV was an Acura MDX which on the same trip averaged only about 19 MPG so we are please with the gas mileage. Since then in overall Southern Cal driving in mixed city and freeway trips, we averaged over 30 MPG. During our trip through the California/Oregon mountains during winter blizzards we found out that the Safety Features stopped working when the sensors were covered by snows and mud. So at the time we needed them, they stopped working unless we cleaned the snows/mud off the sensors. Otherwise all the safety features worked as advertised. Only other problem is the Toyota lane assist worked but the design was stupid: It behaved like a "drunken sailer" bouncing from one side to the other if we did not correct the drifting off the center of the lane and relied on the lane assist. Overall we give it a 5 star SUV.

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  A great buy - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Roger - December 11 - 4:50 pm

  After researching Chrysler 300, Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes I kept coming back to the 2005 Avalon and I have not been disappointed. On long drives I get 32-34 mpg (regular fuel). 24-27 round town. A/C and heated seats are real nice. Guests have vry favorable comments on the all the room and comfort in the back seat. The one negative is a "dirty socks" smell that sometimes comes out of the air conditioner (mold?). Have taken to dealer and they sprayed it but to no avail.