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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  Cant trade this one - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Amy - April 12 - 3:33 pm

  I have had this wonderful car for 5 worry-free years. I only change the oil, and just got a new battery and new tires. This car gets excellent gas mileage (4-cyl model - 38+ on my most recent hiway trip), and all comment on its great looks. I would like to have something to carry my kayaks in, and have been looking, but just cannot part with this great car. Im going to the outdoor outfitter to get a Thule rack for the top (I already have a bike rack), so Ill still have my low maintenance, excellent mileage, comfy car. Drove from Virginia to Texas in one day (4am to 11pm), and felt great when I got there - the car already had 60k miles when I made the trip and was totally reliable.

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  RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By PJABES - April 12 - 6:10 am

  Exelent vehicle for an excelent price. No complaints so far about the vehicle.

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  Needs more power but good on gas - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By stevesoxx - April 12 - 5:36 am

  Needs more power. Engine jiggles car. Good on gas and nice styling

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  TUG - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By RandyT - April 12 - 2:10 am

  Great vehicle for pulling small travel trailer or tent trailer.

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  TRD Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Luc - April 12 - 12:40 am

  I have owned this truck for a year now and have had no issues at all.Gas mileage could be better (18 mpg) combined. The standard Dunlop tires have no lateral grip in the snow. Next year I will purchase a set of steel rims and install snow tires. Engine is loud when you step on it hard. I have had no problems with the transmition that others are talking about.This truck is very comfortable on long trips.

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  Honest revue - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By lennie falcon - April 11 - 10:54 pm

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  Great Reliable Car! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By decator - April 11 - 8:15 pm

  We bought this car new in May 2001, we now have 135K miles on it and still love it! The only issues we have had to deal with was replacing the clutch at 95K (driver fault) and simple maintenance. The front brake pads lasted until 120K (I check them regularly). I still average about 31mpg when its all city driving and 36 when I commute on the highway. We could afford a new car, but I will drive this one until its last mile, and would not hesitate to buy another. With that said it is not perfect and there are drawbacks like interior size, road noise, etc.. But I am a believer that those are little things while reliability and affordability are the things that are harder to come by.

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  Defective 2005 Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tony - April 10 - 8:26 pm

  Very upset with the purchase of this Sequoia. I drove it off the lot and start to have problems with the power steering fluids. I first I thought it was the dealer not doing their job but apparently I had a defective power steering pump. The car didnt even have 200 miles and it was giving me problems. I would definitely hold off on purchasing the 2005 maybe Toyota will make some recalls.

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  Good truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By ExcuseI! - April 10 - 12:56 pm

  Bought used in 2008, have literally driven it across the country. (Truck has about 110k miles on it now) Avgs 16-25 mpg. Took it tailgating in the southeast with 4 adults and gear and got 25 mpg on highway in "mountainous" terrain of western NC and SC. The truck has been worry free over about 15k miles. The power from the V6 has been more than adequate with hauling rocks, dirt and plants/trees for homeowner "fun" and around town. I havent towed with it. 60# dog fits in back of cab nicely as the seats fold flat and have a robust back. The cubbyholes behind and under the rear seats were borderline genius (they have become more common now, I think). The power outlet in truck bed is handy.

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  Nice Wagon - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By JeffB - April 10 - 11:53 am

  Bought as certified used, so far a wonderful trouble free vehicle. Lots of space in the 2nd row and rear cargo area that works smoothly and efficiently in our part-time service biz. Nice misc storage including water bottles in the door, and love the flexible multi-compartment console. Four cylinder has more that adequate power. I get 26-28 MPG in mixed driving and 30+ MPG on the Hwy, but I have a light foot. Radio and environmental controls are easy once you get used to them. The backup camera doesnt work too well in bright sunlight, but works great in lower light conditions when its needed the most. The leather is very nice, and the overall interior design is well thought out.