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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  Disappointing - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By R88 - March 20 - 7:13 pm

  The climate control display and radio displays are awful. You can barely see them in regular light but in sunlight they are impossible. It would have been so simple for Toyota to use the same type of display for these items as the odometer. The rear window is fixed and the rear door is heavy and opens to the side. Mileage is terrible.

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  Instrument panel display problems - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By irish - March 20 - 3:20 pm

  Seats are very uncomfortable. For a short person the headrests do not fit properly and cannot be adjusted. They obstruct rear view. Main problem is the instrument display fades out in sunlight and very difficult to see. Cannot wear polarized sunglasses. The display is LCD and polarized making it incompatible. Non polarized sun glasses did not offer any significant improvement. I am returning this car. It is not safe for me to drive.

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  What a great car! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By M of Ohio - March 20 - 9:26 am

  Prior to this car, I had a Rav4 which I liked. Then My wife bought an Avalon and after one drive, I had trouble enjoying the Rav anymore! I decided it was time for a new ride, but another Avalon didnt make sense because I have a bad back and it is hard for me to get in and out. I wanted something with a ride height similar to a Rav, and the luxury of the Avalon. As soon as I sat in the Venza, I knew it was what I was looking for. The test drive sealed the deal. It has the same 6 cyl as the Avalon, which I really like, and AWD which I insist on with all my cars. The interior is huge, and the ride is as good as the Camry even with the 20" wheels. The 6 speed trans is silky smooth.

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  Yaris Lover - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Christine - March 20 - 1:36 am

  I have always had larger cars with all the bells & whistles (i.e. Pontiac Bonneville SSEI, Lincoln Town Car Signature Series). Due to my long commute to work and the cost of gas, I checked out the Yaris after seeing it on the governments fuel economy website. I bought the manual transmission Yaris S Sedan the same day. My last tank of gas averaged 42.3 mpg compared to my previous vehicles 18 mpg. No bell or whistle can outweigh those numbers! I love driving it and everyone is amazed at the room inside.

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  Amazing little cars. - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By 97st6gc5spdhbk - March 20 - 12:36 am

  Im amazed at the quality & overall craftsmanship Toyota put into this car. It ALWAYS starts. 5 speed combined w/ the 1.8 4cyl makes gas mileage INSANELY good! Full tank gets 400+ miles. Car is also super light & brakes easily/quickly. Ive seen alot of people complaining about a lack of power ...really? If you wanted power why would you buy a 4cyl "Sports" car? Ive never had a problem passing someone when needed. All-in-all I feel this car makes for aa good investment. 193k without a problem here!

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  Pleasure - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Devine - March 19 - 5:20 pm

  Very enjoyable to drive. Rides better than my wifes van even for a 4wheel drive truck. Very quiet. Had to replace a carrier bearing in the rear end after 70000 miles then had to replace a water pump at 84000 miles. The dealership has done all the work and they have treated me with kid gloves. Other than that the truck lives up to what its suppose to be.

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  Quality better then professional reviewer - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Alan - March 19 - 3:25 pm

  Did not find this car in the budget category, the over-all quality seems superior. The dashboard, seating , workmanship are great. The ride, handling is pretty much what I expected from a gas electric powered car. I would recommend this car.

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  Quality better then professional reviewer - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Alan - March 19 - 3:25 pm

  Did not find this car in the budget category, the over-all quality seems superior. The dashboard, seating , workmanship are great. The ride, handling is pretty much what I expected from a gas electric powered car. I would recommend this car.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Brandi - March 19 - 10:46 am

  Love, love, love my Prius, wouldnt change anything about it. I highly recommend one to anybody considering a hybrid.

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  Wow! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nate - March 19 - 8:20 am

  Ive had my 4runner for a little over a month with about 2500 miles and I couldnt be happier. The ride, engine power, styling, is all excellent. I did alot of research and as far as quality, reliability and resale value there isnt a better mid size SUV on the market today. As far as gas mileage i have been pleasently surprised ive been avg almost 21mpg since i left the dealers lot. Which is very good for that size of vehicle with that engine. I would highly rec. this suv to anyone.