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:

• 

  Still new - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By George - May 12 - 12:43 am

  So far so good. Although I have only 500 miles have tested it in deep wet snow and it performed excellent. It is a complete dog in two wheel drive but the tires may to blame for that. Must have the reverse alarm..great feature especially with the limited visibility to the rear. I will probably go back to get running boards to help when my parents want to get in. The vehicle sits high for older passengers or drivers. My kids slept comfortably in in the rear and like the rear despite the rear door and rear windows that dont open. I have to adjust the temperature a lot. Not sure if it will be difficult to maintain a consistent interior temperature or if I just have to get used to it. Love it.

• 

  Its half mountain goat - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By jill - May 11 - 11:56 pm

  I love my little truck, its civilized enough for every day driving, but when we go into the sticks - we go off road for hundreds of miles. It can rock crawl, stump jump, plow through 1ft of snow, is surefooted in freezing rain. One year it was so icy I couldnt walk without falling - but I could drive! Totally reliable tough little truck. Ive gone through brakes though. Move the clock so I can see it, gets poor mileage - but its fast - so its a trade off. I can haul plenty too - LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!!

• 

  Narrow Depth of Driver and Passenger Seats - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By dborlando1 - May 11 - 6:53 pm

  I love everything about the 2011 4Runner, except the narrow depth of the driver and passenger seats. The new Jeep Cherokee, Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango all have generous seat depths. To me, this is important because I tend to take long road trips for outdoor excursions (camping, fishing and windsurfing).

• 

  People mover - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By saljack - May 11 - 2:38 pm

  My biggest concern in purchasing a minivan was gas mileage. I calibrated the odometer against my GPS (it was perfect!), and then waited until the vehicle had reached 1000 miles. Then I carefully measured fuel consumption for our "around town" (we live in a suburb, so our "around town" doesnt have lots of stop and go), and cross country on open roads. I noted that the mileage computer is exceptionally accurate...within .1 mpg of my calculated mpg. The results: Our town driving...22-23 mpg Highway (under the best circumstances possible)...26-27 mpg. Basically, for a vehicle of this size and power, and with an EPA rating of 18/25, I think this is pretty good, and I am satisfied.

• 

  Great Versatile SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BFORR - May 11 - 6:50 am

  I have 1350 miles on my FJ. I sold a 05 Z71 Tahoe and 04 Rubicon to just have one multi purpose vehicle. This FJ is truly multi purpose. Not as roomy or comfortable on the road as the Z71, but just as smooth,less noise inside, and better mpg. I never took the Z71 off-road and rearly more than one person rides with me. The Rubicon was better off-road in the tight spots and the visibility was much better. The FJ is better on hill climbs and declines. The FJ hold much more cargo,is more comfortable, and you can drive at interstate speeds with no worries. This FJ is great - versatile - on-road and off-road.

• 

  Gas guzzler - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By casha - May 11 - 5:00 am

  Received 8 miles per gal when tested on hwy. Very poor gas mileage in comparison to what it should be. Style sold us but not very kid friendly. No access to 3rd row seat and no cup holders for 2nd row seat reachable by children. Mostly disappointed with efficiency.

• 

  A Little Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ward - May 11 - 4:53 am

  This is my third Toyota. Although I have been sold on the overall quality of Toyota, I am somewhat disappointed with my present truck. I get vibration in the steering wheel between 55 and 70 MPH. After three trips to the dealership and replacement of two tires,I still have the vibration. Now the metal framework in the seatback on the drivers side is coming out through the fabric. The A/C fan motor would only work on high speed (resistor replacement required). The transmission shifts rough, the door speakers buzz when the bass is turned on step 5 (volume is only at medium). My best gas mileage so far is 20.2 MPG (hwy). Did I mention I only have 5200 miles since purchased new.

• 

  Avalon is a Lexus in Toyota clothing!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard DiMario - May 10 - 6:20 pm

  The Toyota Avalon XLS is a Lexus with a Toyota name. It is a smooth riding, comfortable, quiet, incredibly roomy car with an extremely luxurious interior design and a manageable price tag. It features the same engine as the new Lexus ES 350, a more interesting exterior design and a more spacious interior design. If you want a great luxury car and dont want to show off too much -- this is the one.

• 

  Great Choice - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nevster - May 10 - 9:16 am

  I was on my way to buy an Acura RDX, when I drove by the Toyota dealership and remembered the 4Runner. I was love at first glance! Fabulous vehicle, couldnt be happier.

• 

  Pretty Sweet - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By PRF - May 10 - 6:13 am

  Dring the 4Runner is night and day from my last SUV, a Mitsubishi Montero Sport Limited. It handles well and is a pretty quite drive. It does not have much body roll, like many SUVs and trucks out there. I highly recommend the V8.