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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  High School Car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Monkeywrencher - April 2 - 9:16 pm

  As a college student I find this to be a perfect car. I have had this car for several years and have only had minor issues with it. One complaint is the windows! Back passenger side window will not roll up or down..currently held in place with clear duct tape. Drivers window will not roll up unless you wait 5 min to gain 1 inch of window. Other than that I have never had any engine problems and love my car! So much better than my old Chevy Blazer 1994!

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  Dont waste your money... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dissapointed - April 2 - 2:40 pm

  This was my first and will be my last Toyota. Toyotas 4 Runners are not the high quality advertised. My past 6 Jeeps and 3 Buicks were all better. Worst, for a vehicle that is advertised to perform well in adverse weather, beware. Its rear doors freeze to the wheel wells after running through even the slightest mud and allowing the vehicle to sit overnight in below freezing temporatures. Bad design. Despite numerous contacts with Toyota, they refuse to even acknowledge the problem or do anything about what could be a serious safety defect, one that would prevent emerency egrees. "Oh, what a feeling..."

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  86,000 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shawn G - April 2 - 10:43 am

  I just bought my Toyota 4runner two days ago. I was in an auto accident and my 2004 Jeep grand Cherokee was totaled. I was a little bummed at first but that went away fast after I bought this vehicle. I was a little worried about buying a vehicle with 86,000 miles used but am I glad I did. This 4runner is smoother and tighter then any vehicle I ever drove even with high miles. I love the ride and the comfort of the 4runner. It feels like you found a SUV thats worth the extra money. I can honestly say unless I have a lot of problems with this SUV, Toyota has made me a life member in just two days. They are head and shoulders above the rest. I believe I will have many more miles left.

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  My first (but not last) Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ec - April 2 - 10:30 am

  Im 55 yrs old and this is my first ever convertible! So much fun, I dont know why it took me so long. I may have a park assist (back up alarm) added on to mine. There is somewhat of a blind spot.

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  LOVE my Corolla! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Leslie - April 2 - 10:23 am

  First of all, for those people complaining about the Corolla not accelerating fast enough...it comes with a handy "sports mode" that will turn off the eco feature (if you have it) and that will allow you to accelerate much faster. This car gets AMAZING gas mileage and is a great car in general. Very fancy for a Corolla and quite a bit larger than they used to make them. The seats are very comfy. Huge trunk. Stylish and sporty on the inside and out. Love the touch screen display. Great speakers too. I really have no complaints. Great buy for the money.

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  SUV with a bed - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By bart25 - April 2 - 9:44 am

  The Tacoma has its limitations, but going to a Tacoma from a full size Ford F-250 will take something to get used to. I purchaced it cause I was sick and tired of getting 11 mpg with my Ford. When picking out a new Tacoma the test ride in the automatic was totally unacceptable the way the transmission would constantly shift up and down everytime I touched the gas pedal so I was ready to walk away but the salesman said he had a 6 speed manual shift 4 door, but I said NO! no manual for me, so he insulted me saying I couldnt drive a manual, but when I took the manual for a ride I LOVED it and took it home.

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  Worth the Money-Great Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By R ichard Knudsen - April 2 - 8:16 am

  I know I was reading about others reporting that they dont get the gas mileage on the sticker, but I can not think back to any car I ever had that matched the sticker milage per gallon. I am averaging about 50 mpg and that is mostly highway. I have taken a few long drives on back roads and have averaged about 55 mpg. If anyone wants to split hairs please do. But, I am very happy with that mileage. I also noticed if you are a "lead foot" forget about getting high mileage but from what I hear you can still expect 45 mpg. By the way the space in my prius is great and I had 4 people on a long trip and no problems. All I can say is look at the gas prices and decide if it is time yet?

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  Completey satisfied - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Maine-iacs - April 2 - 6:50 am

  We have tracked mileage for every tank of gas, averaging 53 mpg all around during summer months and 44mpg during winters. We do a 44mile commute each workday at 55-60mph. Two riders with total weight of 290lbs. We see no signficant drop in mileage when on the interstate at 70-75 mph. We plan to purchase another

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  THE BEST BUY FOR AUTOMOBILES IN 2006 - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By A J PIROLLO - April 2 - 2:16 am

  I own and have owned cars that cost 2 and a half times as much as this Avalon and none provided a smooth ride as this one does. The comfort factor is amazing. Getting into this car with a winter overcoat on is no longer a feat nor is it constricting. The dashboard is extremely well lit and easy to read..The controls are easily accessible. This large car seems to go and go without having to stop to continually refuel. I am most pleased with this product. It has to be the Best Buy of 2006 for all of the amenities that were included that others seek extra dollars for.

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  Nice Truck, Bad Paint - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  Great truck, poor exterior design with paint chipping problems. My truck has 1500 miles on it and the rear fender flares have no paint left on them. Toyota is repainting it, but who wants a brand new truck repainted already.