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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  THE BEST EVER - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JUAN - November 3 - 10:00 am

  NEVER BETTER, ALL NEW FEATURES ARE GREAT.MORE POWER, MORE ROOM, NICER STYLE, MORE SEATS IF NEED

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  You cant go wrong - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By drew - November 3 - 9:10 am

  This vehicle so far has been great! The seats are very comfortable with plenty of room for all, well, except for those in the third row. Dashboard is well laid out and illuminated. The drive is quiet and smooth. The engine has plenty of power at all speeds due to a very refined engine and transmission. Plenty of room for the family, their gadgets and their drinks! This van also has a great many safety features which anyone would appreciate!

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By rebecca - November 3 - 7:43 am

  I have had this car for about 2 months and it is a very reliable and comfortable vehical. Its terrific on gas and has run so far excellent. With the gas prices as elevated as they are and for the cost of purchasing this vehicle hands down a great money saving purchase. I absolutely love it. The Toyota Yaris is the next best thing next to the hybrid, for all of us earth savvy people who care about the environment!

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  GREAT SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lisa - November 2 - 9:10 pm

  We bought this car the month it came out! Except for some early brake problems (which the dealership changed for free a few times), the car has been totally reliable, has a nice perky pickup for the monster it is (6,000lbs), and is much roomier than the Lexus 470 or the other same-size options. I would have liked fold-flat third-row seats and a DVD system in the rear for the kids, but as I only really use the second row of seats every day, its not a big deal.

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  Needed comfort and cargo space - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeff R. - November 2 - 5:51 pm

  I needed enough cargo space for a wheelchair on occasion, and golf bags. The cargo space works perfectly. The air cooled seats are just right for Florida as is the zoned air. I cant say enough good things about this car. Great!

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  Awesome !!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By P.R. - November 2 - 2:40 pm

  I traded in my Honda CRV for my Prius. I wasnt sure about going from an SUV to a car, but I love the Prius! I was getting 25 mpg with my SUV, but I get 46+ mpg with the Prius. I drive 48 miles one way to work everyday, and owning my honda was killing me in gas. Now, I smile when I go to work and spend under $30.00 for the whole week in gas. Buy a Prius!!

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  BEST CAR I EVER OWNED - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Russ - November 2 - 9:33 am

  What can I say? This is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. After 78000+ miles we will be trading for a new 2010 next week. The trade in value makes it possible to get a new model for almost half price. We have enjoyed many trips in our Prius and had fun playing with beating our mileage. Our best was 610 miles on one tank full. (about 11 gal as we still had some left). I never new how much cargo a hatch back could hold until we loaded up our Prius, because of the ability to lay the seats flat, I can haul almost as much as my other car an SUV.

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  Best Ive owned - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chuck - November 2 - 6:46 am

  Ive had this truck for two years without a problem. I have the TRD off road version, drive the California freeways regularly and cant complain about the ride. Its stiff, but its a truck. The 4.7 engine will run with anything although I would like the 5.7 just because I like like power. On trips to Colorado and Arizona Ive averaged 19 mpg. This is with a 4:10 rear gear and mountains. Id buy another. Most reliable Ive had.

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  Smooth, powerful, and fun - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tickled Texan - November 2 - 4:30 am

  We chose the 2008 Sequoia because of the fold-flat 3rd row seating and the reliability of Toyota. The 4WD and sport-shift were invaluable on our recent trip to CO, especially during the snow storm at Wolf Creek Pass and on the many unimproved back roads. The 5.7L V8 is remarkably powerful and smooth. The headrest DVD system is great. Very roomy and very comfortable and very quiet, small turning radius, feels safe and solid. We average 16.6 mpg daily driving. I now look forward to driving each day. Im surprised there isnt more buzz about this car - it is fabulous!

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  Winter Mountain Car Replaces Jeep - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian White - November 1 - 2:36 pm

  I bought this car for the fuel savings over my old Grand Cherokee. You could say I got a free car out of the deal once you factor in the savings, and not a bad one at that. Tons of space for a small car and fun to drive. I drive this in a mountainous area of Canada which has the highest snow fall in Canada, most years anyway. So it is December and the studded tires are on and the car seems to be fairing quite well. A little noise from the studs but not as much as I thought there would be from a small car. The first gear is a little spongy but actually works well in limiting wheel spin in slippery situations. Other than that, not much wrong with this econ-o-box.