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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  Enjoyable - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Battapohpz - May 2 - 3:26 am

  My wife and I got a very good deal on our base 2009 Venza, and we are very pleased. Very comfortable seats and interior room. Cargo room is excellent and large adults can sit comfortably in the back. Really like the aggressive styling of the Venza.

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  Awesome switch from SUV! Why did I wait? - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Dawn - May 1 - 8:50 pm

  I was a Tahoe holdout, until the kids started school. I drove everything and nothing compared to the luxury of the Sienna. Comfortable seats- plus Stow and Go! I love the clever features inside-compartments everywhere. They thought of everything to make driving a family around a breeze. Tons of compartments- I love not hearing the video while the kids watch. The power doors/hatch are great- no more kids hitting their heads on the doors. 2nd row windows that roll down are awesome. I could not be happier and now I dont know why I waited so long because the convenience of driving this van far outweighs any "Im never driving a van- SUV holdout" feelings! It is a fantastic vehicle.

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  Most fun ever, even wife agrees - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dick - May 1 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this car because of style and price. The Miata is severly under powered and too bland. The MR-2 looks like its bad-assed brother, and runs circles around it. I bought the green model because it was different and the compliments are amazing. Talk about fun, 0 to 60 in a heart beat without wheel chirp, handles like a dream, like its on a rail. Even my wife admits that its way too much fun NOT to take anywhere. The only problem is storage space, there isnt any, so you make do.

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  Tight in the turns - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Mikey likes it - May 1 - 5:13 pm

  After 8 years of a Ford Widstar Minivan, and an increasing repair bill, I needed a change. My 2005 Sienna continues to impress me. The tight turn radius is great. The comfort level is impresive. Cant wait to take my family on a long drive so my 4 children can enjoy the DVD player. Im sure it will be a big hit. Great job Toyota! Goodbye FORD!

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  I will never buy another Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By neveragaintoyo - May 1 - 12:54 pm

  Bought this car new after 2004 Toyota Corolla S had manual transmission failure. This car then had manual transmission failure under warranty. Then the ECM was recalled, failed and was replaced. Then the transmission failed again and out $3500.Then the ECM failed after one year so no warranty and out $700. Will never buy another Toyota again.

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  I give this 10 stars on a 5-star scale - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ebara - May 1 - 1:09 am

  Purchased our awesome 4Runner in Dec 2012 w/ 100K. Now it has 125K & hasnt failed us...nor will it. Traded a Cadillac with 70K for it because Caddy was having major mechanical problems. Just took a 4000-mile trip to the mountains with the 4Runner, and it held strong, even with over 100K miles! Toyota has quality that no automaker can surpass. Dont be afraid to buy a Toyota w/ over 100K, as it can easily get to 200K or 300K w/ no problems, as long as you keep up on scheduled maintenance. We fight over who gets to take the 4Runner, & our other car has 100K less miles on it. A 4Runner will outlast any USA-engineered car you would ever buy. A Toyota w/ 100K is like a USA car with 0 miles.

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  Best car I ever had - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Ink blue - April 30 - 7:56 pm

  I have used the car for two years and its a pleasure to ride especially after observing the fuel consumption. The car was selected because of its excellent trim level.

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  Disappointment - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By jamjchir - April 30 - 2:15 pm

  I am on my fifth and possibly last Toyota. The changes they have made have all been a huge disappointment. Toyota changed the navigation and it is a huge step backwards. We have only had the car for three weeks and are looking to sell it already. It is a beautiful car but not worth the price. Car has too much technology and makes it complicated to use.

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  Great SUV for your Dollar - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bernard Hartigan - April 30 - 1:03 pm

  I get much better MPG than the window sticker states. I average 25 mpg highway which I think is great considering my Lexus ES gets 29 MPG highway.

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  Dont Buy - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - April 30 - 11:56 am

  My prius has 10000 miles on it and I average no higher than 36mpg and only 25mpg in the winter. The fuel gauge reads no gas left but when I fill up it only takes 7 gallons to fill its 11.9 gallon tank. The engine is slow, loud, and noisy. For a $30,000 car I expected more. For an extra $5,000 my Subaru Tribeca gets 25mpg highway, power and heated seats, sunroof, AWD, 6 cylinder engine and better safety rating.