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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  Love It! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Phil - November 4 - 11:43 am

  I went from a Ford Explorer to the 2005 Avalon Touring Edition. I love it! Im 66" and even I would be comfortable in the back seat! I love how the Touring Edition hugs the road. By rotating my tires every 5,000 miles, I was able to get 60,000 miles off the original set. 2 years and 1 month of ownership the battery died. I am disappointed somewhat in the quality of the interior. The finish is wearing off on inside the drivers door handle and a few other small issues but overall the car is great and gets great gas mileage.

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  Nice SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Antonio - November 4 - 8:10 am

  This is my first SUV ever. I bought a Toyota because I knew of toyota cars quality. The only problem that I can mention is that the driver seat wiggles a little bit if you take a sharp turn. I took it to the dealer and they told me that that was normal and that Toyota knew about it.

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  My Trusty Companion - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rkymtnhgh - November 4 - 5:56 am

  Nearly 6 years and 60,000 trouble free miles later, this truck is still very solid and drives like new. I take meticulous care of my vehicles and the 4Runner has certainly returned the favor. The interior has held up well and the drivetrain has been bulletproof. Unstoppable in inclement weather and supremely capable on 4WD trails. I purchased this vehicle for its off road prowess and it has never let me down. Very comfortable highway ride with decent handling and fuel economy for a truck based midsize SUV. The 4 speed automatic transmission, though smooth, could use an extra gear. (This changed with the 2005 V6 models however, as a 5 speed auto came standard).

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  I love my FJC. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJme - November 3 - 11:26 pm

  This is my very first brand new vehicle purchase ever - and I am 37 years old. We bought the FJC to take to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and we are very pleased overall with the truck. The gas mileage has taken some getting used to - its not great but its not horrible, either. We are currently averaging 20MPG. We have a toddler, and we have zero complaints about the backseat, leg room, head room . . . its all good for us. First new car, first ever Toyota - very satisfied customers.

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  Tundra Crew Max SR5 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Frank Aparo - November 3 - 10:13 pm

  Good truck I have had Chevrolet / Dodge this my first Toyota. Great engine I have got 21 MPG with the big engine key is to use the cruise and leave it at 70 MPH. I also use either Mobil 1 or Valvoline Synthetic which helps a little. I wish Toyota had the compass in the SR5 package. Visibility is the worst of any truck I have had big blind spots could be fixed with split mirrors, but I did not want the towing mirrors. I bought the CrewMax for the rear leg room it is by far the biggest rear seat room cab. I am amazed that to change the oil the skid plate must be removed. I work for an automotive supplier and we supply all of the big 3 and transplants Toyota has the toughest specs.

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  Toyota Prius The Car of This Century - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Widdletink - November 3 - 9:36 pm

  You have all heard about the great fuel economy, but that is not the reason to buy this car. The innovative, intelligent, user friendly design. The unique look, the ease of driveabilty. The turns-on-a-dime handling. The trailblazing technology displyaed inside and out. And, the just plain fun this car returns to driving are the reasons to buy a Prius.I now look forward to being in my car. I feel the thrill I had the first time I ever got behind the wheel of a vehicle everytime I drive this car. The message it sends to the world that I am smart, environmentally responsible and cool are good too. And 50MPG in the real world doesnt hurt either! I LOVE my Prius!

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  Great new Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By John Mokricky - November 3 - 4:23 pm

  No comment

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  Another Winner! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By MidWestMike - November 3 - 2:00 pm

  Just purchased, traded in a 2004 Limited. Once nice vehicle. Love the automatic windshield wipers; although the first time they came on they surprised us. LOL! Dash design a huge improvement over the 2004, clean, functional and easy to use. Really like the hidden rear windshield wiper.

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  Spyder Review - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By RidgeRunner - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Corners, as they say, as if on rails. Pleasantly surprised with the 39 MPG on the highway,(keeping under 65 MPH). Never had the opportunity to open it up, would love to see what it will do. Top easy to put up and down. Limitation is cargo space. Can fit enough for a weekend trip behind seat, but not much more. Disappointed that cannot get cruise control on my manual model nor get a trailer hitch to carry my bicycle rack. Other than that, love the car! Bud

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  Its a Toyota! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fisherman1 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  No question about it, the 4Runner is the nicest all around balanced SUV available. It is a truck, it is tough. Isnt that what an SUV is supposed to be? Average gas mileage. Nothing more dependable out there. Great resale values.