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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  Not as good as I expected - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill Kober - September 5 - 10:03 pm

  I have only had my truck a month and I am generally pleased; the 5.7 V-8 has plenty of power. The gas mileage is about what I expected however, the interior quality leaves a lot to be desired.

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  Real 4x4 with car manners, quality built - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sam in Maine - September 5 - 9:36 pm

  Just purchased after researching and comparing several makes, ranging from VW Toureg, Volvo, even Mercedes. Tried the FJ Cruiser, love the retro look, but no room in back for kids, let alone adults. Already own an 03 Tundra, and since then am a converted fan of Toyota;never have to do more than routine maintenance on these cars, very tightly built. I also considered Highlander Hybrid, but need towing capacity the 4-Runner affords, and I am an old school fan of fully framed vehicles if you are going to tow. I will let my wife purchase a hybrid for her next car. Enviro and fuel econ. important to me, but not the only factor, since I drive only 8K/year. 4-Runner is classy & good value.

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  I Love My Little Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Adam - September 5 - 7:26 pm

  Great truck. I havent had one problem with the engine. In 4 years i have gotten in a few fender benders and broken windshield, but have not had to touch the engine. I get 23 MPG religiously. I have moved dirt bikes, furniture, and a piano!

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  Why wont Toyota listen? - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By James Lawson - September 5 - 4:06 pm

  I have a 2010 Prius with over 100,000 miles on it. In general, I love the car - no serious complaints. However, I had two minor complaints which I relayed to Toyota in 2010. Neither has been rectified1. The Sirius-XM radio displays 16 characters of the title and artist. There is room for 40 characters. Why wont they expand this? 2. When a truck goes backwards, it beeps outside to warn anybody in the drivers blind spit to be careful. When you put a Toyita in reverse, it beeps on the inside trolling the driver Thant Toyita thinks hes too stupid to realize hes in reverse. This is both annoying and insulting.

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  better than before - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David - September 5 - 3:41 pm

  Had my 2016 TRD Sport (Inferno) for about a month now. Returning from the dealer with cruise set at 55 the onboard computer registered 27mpg. At first I thought this was too good to be true so I went to the gas station to refill and the numbers were right on. Since that time with mostly around town driving I am averaging 21.3. I traded a 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport in on this and it is quieter, faster and much more comfortable. They do tend to be priced higher but I am hoping the resale value remains high as before. I love this truck.

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  worth the wait - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By garmar73 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I researched the Prius for two years before I bought one. The machine is, I feel, very sound from an engineering point of view and assembled in such a manner that I have not had to return to the dealership for necessary warrenty work, as I have had to with other new cars that I have purchased. I would not drive anything else.

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  95 Toyota Camry Xle - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Limey - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Only problem was a burned out tail light bulb twice,hardley the cars fault.Excellent dependable family car.

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  Reliable One - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By itolittle - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Very Toyota like vehicle. Strong and dependable. Stylish exterior. Interior although adequate and functional does not live up to Toyota quality....a little cheap feel to it. Full-time 4WD would be nice feature. Overall, one happy customer

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  RAV4 a Great Little SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Cybermeez - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This Rav4 is my third Toyota, previously had 2 pick-ups. The RAV lives up to the Toyota reputation good mileage, reliability and a sturdy 4cyl engine. I do a lot of driving often in bad weather and the RAV gets me through, though with a little less bravado than my old Tacoma. The RAVs interior cargo space makes it a fair trade off.

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  I want 2 b spoiled - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bro8x - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Picked this baby up a week and a day ago. Ive put about 650 miles on it so far. The car practically drives itself. Very smooth cruise at 80 mph.