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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  You deserve what you expect! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By G.Agustin - December 5 - 1:40 pm

  I traded in a 1st generation Tundra for a 2nd gen. Tundra. I have hauled my family + car up and down the Rocky and Cascade Mountains with both trucks. As much as I liked the 4.7L, it knew the weight was there. But as I expected, the 5.7L didnt flinch or break a sweat going up the steep grades. Some owners find the engine braking annoying. However, I find that when you are hauling and going down a steep grade it allows for the driver to have control of the vehicle + whatever youre hauling. Overall, this truck has exceeded my expectations.

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  Tundra 4x4 double cab. - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By JISingh - December 5 - 12:36 pm

  The truck has been very reliable, very comfortable,has good fit and finish. Extremely capable off road and very fast and powerful. It is silent compared with other trucks I have owned and handles like a car. Attention has been paid to the needs of the owner. There is plenty of storage space and the sound system is actually a little too good for a truck.

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  2001 Toyota Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Don - December 5 - 11:40 am

  After all the bad experiences with a Chevy, an Olds, and 2 Fords, I risked buying this the first year they were offered. One of the best decisions Ive ever made. Drives well, good with my bad back, and reliable. No repairs, only scheduled maintenance. Drawbacks: burns lots of oil (2 qts on a 250 mile hwy trip), and the front seat support broke on one side. (I skipped the $800 to replace it by putting a box of paper underneath to prop it up.)

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  My First Toyota But, Not My Last!!!! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SDS - December 5 - 9:43 am

  Black 2WD 4.0L V-6 SR5, 17" Wheels ,Stone Cloth, M1 Synthetic Oil, K&N Air filter. This is a Great Midsized SUV. The performance of the new V-6 is just Awsome. It has a very good well mannered ride and has a great feel through corners. I always look forward to driving it. We already have 24k miles in just over 10 months, No Problems. We have 2 kids so the pull down cup holders and tray in the middle of the back seat work out great. The mileage is great for a 4000lbs+ SUV. We regularly get 19-20MPG in town and as good as 24.5-25MPG on trips with sustained speeds of around 55-65MPH. 800+ mile trip from NC to MI with speeds of 70-80mph 22.5MPG. Looking to buy another Toyota soon.

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  Look up Fun to drive... - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Josh H - December 4 - 9:56 pm

  and you will see the FJ Cruiser. Ive had mine for a month and a half now and its is by far one of the best rigs Ive ever owned. I like it more and more with every mile that I place on it. I like the styling and the performance of it. I sized down from a Tahoe and I dont regret it one bit. This truck is more of a truck then my Tahoe ever was. Go take one for a test drive, the only bad thing you find is that you neeed to figure out how you want to pay for it. One drive and youll be hooked.

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  2017 Tacoma Access Cab - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sam - December 4 - 7:14 pm

  Due to EPA mandated for fuel efficient vehicles, it seems little sluggish for normal operation.

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  Outstanding. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - December 4 - 4:26 pm

  We purchased the S model in dark gray with a moonroof and spoiler and it is simply gorgeous. On top of it being a beautiful car, it is an amazing ride.

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  I like my Toyota Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wcw - December 4 - 11:06 am

  I purchase this vehicle in July of this year. When I first drove this car it felt really big, I have since gotten use to the feel of the car, I realize that its not as big as I first thought, I also had to get use to the slow take take off from the traffic light, but after driving this vehicle you get use to this and you drive accordingly, also I get very good mileage per gallon, also I like the fact that the car is keyless all in all I like my car it drives excellent it does have speed too.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Sun Lvr - December 4 - 5:43 am

  This is a fun and nice car smooth ride and fast. For the money you cant beat this car and I feel it will go forever and while I drive I feel confident and secure. Compare to BMW and Acura or Benz to this car and the SE wins, it will stand its own against any of these cars. The fuel economy is ok I got 24 mpg with regular not bad for a 3.3 liter engine. I was cruising at 100 mph and it had much more but Im still breaking in. Buy this car.

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  A fun little car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Very Proud - December 4 - 3:50 am

  We traded in our ford mustang for this car. We got the high end one with the McPherson suspension and manual transmission and so far we love it. Have had no problems, handles bad weather good and gets excellent gas mileage. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy for a sedan. Handling is fun to drive!! Will recommend to anyone. But only the manual transmission the automatic seems to stressed out.