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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  Best Truck I have Owned - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By EB - March 25 - 2:33 am

  This truck has great power. Mileage from Austin to Dallas 20.9 running 70+. Does drop to 18.5 from Austin to W.Va. and back running hard. Pulled my pontoon boat up ramp with pontoon full of water. Enough weight to flatten all 4 trailer tires. Calculated weight to be in excess of 13000. Could not tell boat was behind. Wife is 49" and loves this truck. This truck is GREAT!!!!!!!!! Would buy again. Highly recommend!!!

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  Fourbanger Fun - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Chris R - March 25 - 12:50 am

  I love the XRS. I actually had a XR and it was a great car too, but I wanted something in a manual. This is a fast little car at approx. 4500 RPM. What is great you dont have to go that high and drive it economically. For a car that is fun, roomy, comfortable, decent MPG, and sporty. Look no further.

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  corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ken Irvin - March 24 - 7:20 pm

  Easy to drive,surprising power at passing speeds. Got 43 mpg on interstate.All round great car,not as plush as I would like but 1/3 the price of big gas guzzler. Will buy another one some day,,expect to get at least 250,000 miles out of this one. Have had no maintenance isuues,,oil changed every 3000 miles. Very impressed w/the quality of construction,,able to close the doors w/the push of a finger. Braking is excellent with short stopping distances. I can find no flaws in this car.

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  INCREDIBLE VEHICLE - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Leonard E. - March 24 - 6:59 pm

  I had already sold myself on buying a Prius Eco a couple of years before they finally became available. I purchased a 2016 in December of that year. I am the antithesis of an impulse buyer, and I will not make up my mind on any car I have purchased until I have driven it 100,000 miles. That said, my Eco has certainly passed muster so far. Performance, handling and comfort are great. For those who care about fuel economy, my MPG presently is in the upper 60s. Consumer Reports rates the 2016 second to none in reliability and safety. I will write a follow- up as soon as I hit 100k miles. The instrument cluster being slightly to my right is of no concern to me. However, the view out the back window is not the greatest, nor is the view at an obtuse angle out the back right window. Ill just have to live with that.

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  Oops! - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Jeff - March 24 - 11:13 am

  Beautiful car except it came with a front end vibration at 38-42 mph and above 60 mph. 5 trips to the dealer and 4,000 miles later, it has a reduced but constant vibration that is a nuisance at 39 mph and discomfort above 60. The dealership replaced 2 tires and then all 4 with a harder tire. You feel every little imperfection in the road and the vibration puts your backside to sleep. After a 250 mile trip, I was exhausted. This car should be a dream to drive but unfortunately its a bad dream. Filing for a replacement under FL lemon law.

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  xticx - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By james - March 24 - 11:00 am

  No doubt Toyota highlander is wonderful on road and comfortable to drive, the only problem i have is the fuel consumption when the a/c is on.

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  Update after 4 mths/very happy - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By pontoon - March 24 - 9:46 am

  We purchased approx 4 mths ago and still believe this is one of the great value cars in the market today/ We just came back from a 2500 mile trip with our venza This car has performed like a dream, no problems on anything since purchase. Electronics are great, satellite radio -wow this made time much easier with time. Mileage varied from 26-30 MPG (depending on road condition etc., so happy we can burn regular fuel. You will not be dissatisfied with this vehicle. We purchased the limited model. My wife and I love this vechilce!

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  Great car! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jill - March 24 - 6:23 am

  I bought this car new in May 02 after waiting for someone to bring out a new 4-door hatchback for years. Ive had 4- door manual transmission hatchbacks my whole life and after my Tercel died in 96 was making do with a used Honda wagon. The Matrix is the best all- around car Ive owned--roomy inside, small enough outside to park and maneuver easily, lots of user-friendly comfort features, super-dependable, good safety features, and GREAT mileage (average is about 33). A super blend of commuter car and SUV-like carrying capacity. All seats are comfortable and the flat-fold rear and passenger seats make it easy to load all sorts of things that would be hard to get into other vehicles.

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  Good for long distance travel - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Laugh2 - March 23 - 11:16 pm

  We bought the vehicle to replace an older Sienna. We have driven it more than 17,000 miles and have had no issues with the van. Good acceleration, comfortable on long trips and great mileage (as much as 26+ on a 1800 mile trip). We like the bluetooth and navigation system, backup camera and automatic side doors and rear gate. Smooth and comfortable ride with great turning radius.

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  Classy vehicle for a little old lady - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Judith McCoy - March 23 - 11:04 pm

  This is my third Toyota Highlander and Im in love all over again with my new 2017 Highlander! It is a classy, reliable vehicle that does not disappoint. The gas mileage is phenomenal. I love all of the technology. I have nothing negative to say about it, except for a bit of disappointment in the quality of interior (ie floor mats are not nearly as sturdy as the ones in my 2010).