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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  Needs new design - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jj - January 15 - 2:06 am

  The temp and compass above dashboard needs designed so you can read it in the daylight! Stock radio and cd player are junk, dealer quoted $700.00 to replace! Truck has great exterior design and looks great though!

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  Why is Toyota Going Backwards?? - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By dpast276 - January 14 - 10:55 pm

  Had to purchase a replacement 2011 4Runner for my 2005 4Runner Sport Ed. due to damages from a body shop. I have to ask " What is Toyota thinking??" 1) This vehicle is severely under powered! Take off feels like being in 4 cylinder car w/ full power a/c 2) No gas latch / security 3) No cargo cover included w/ vehicle, Expensive purchase at $153.00 + tax or shipping/handling. 4) Lightning in the cargo are is crap, all lighting was installed on the back door. Non are actually in the cargo area/ Where you will actually be using. 5) Removed automatic back latch, have to slam down. 6) Why is a newer vehicle getting lower gas mileage than an older version?? 05 4Runner 19 new 17?? Really!!

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By PAUL COFFMAN - January 14 - 10:36 pm

  IHave found nothing not to like. Car handles well, has excellent pickup and great turning radius. Has better leg room than our volvo s80 front and back. Mileage is excellent but falls 15% below the EPA statements. I have gotten 41.3 mpg in the first 1800 miles.

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  A Keeper - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ralph Shaffer - January 14 - 11:40 am

  The Toyota Taco is the best engineered automobile Ive ever owned. Its like driving a car. A big car. Like a Cadillac. Its quiet on the highway and the big 16 inch tires and long wheelbase make it a dream to drive on a long trip. Seats are just right for my arthritic back, all controls are easy to reach. Maintenance is a dream - they even give you a drip catcher for the easy to reach (topside) oil filter. Only time will tell how this holds up under the freeze-thaw-snow-salt Pennsylvania winters. The 4X4 transfer case is a dream - just turn the switch. Mileage is kind of stinky if youre used to a car, but not bad for a 4X4, about 17mpg. It runs on regular gas just fine.

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  Never Thought Id Own One - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By joe belvedere - January 14 - 10:33 am

  What can I say? This is one solid automobile. The words refined, substantial and solid come to mind. It rides better than any car Ive owned (over 20), and so far, overall mileage has been around 20 mpg (mostly NYC driving). Got it with 19,700 miles on it and its like new. The engine is extremely quiet and responsive. Interior is well thought out, with many storage areas. Even the stereo (JBL upgrade) is a killer. May it last forever!

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  GREAT CAR ! Minor Concerns - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By johnnj3 - January 14 - 5:07 am

  Purchased my 2013 Limited Hybrid in December. Now have a little over 9k miles. The mpg is definitely as advertised. It gets better after the break in period. Just did a round trip from New Jersey to Boston and averaged 40.5 mpg. The controls on the dashboard are extremely sensitive. It takes some getting used to. Over a period of time I learned to adapt.As others have stated, the ride can be a little harsh. However, this does not diminish my overall satisfaction with the vehicle. I would highly recommend it.

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  Selling it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark777 - January 14 - 5:00 am

  Owned many Toyota models and this is my biggest disappointment. Interior parts scratch easily. Wildly revving cold engine starts. Touchy clutch. Transmission very hard to down-shift into first when cold unless you are at a stop. When you finally get it in gear you will most likely smash your knuckles into the sharp edge the designer felt was practical to leave on the dash at the end of the shift levers travel. A horror story for short driver/tall passenger combos. Knees will be smashed into the space hogging dashboard. Would it have killed Toyotas bottom line to put a split bench in this vehicle? If you are looking at this truck, do yourself a favor and get the Access cab.

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  Best car by far!!!! - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By neecey - January 14 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car 10 years ago, and she runs like the day I got her...Just hit 150,000 miles and have never had any mechanical problems at all. That amazes me! Shocks are starting to show signs of needing replacing, power antennae motor went and thats all Ive have to deal with in the last 10 years..I get an avg of 35 MPG. I cant say anything bad about the reliability or drivability of this car.. I LOVE IT!!!!!!

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By abejen - January 13 - 8:23 pm

  This truck is the greatest truck I have ever owned. I drive a minimum of 120 miles a day. As a Contractor I have owned a truck from 1967 to date. This is my first Tundra; I have worn out seven fords. My truck has 180,000 miles, So far I have replaced the tires, the brakes, the battery. The most drivable and best built truck I have owned. And it looks great.

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  Need More for the Money! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Unsatisfied - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The Toyota Avalon XLS is overpriced for an auto that offers the same features as other cars not in the "Toyota" line. The Avalon has no eye-catching appeal.