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 Little Car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Len - February 14 - 9:26 am

  Traded a fully loaded Mazda 6 and have no regrets. This little car is awesome! The 2 door Yaris is easy to drive, perfect for around town, commuter or second car. The seats are extremely comfortable. General driving, no freeway, 1500 miles, 36 and 37 mpg. Lots of head room, seems large inside, love the European look – better than all other competitors. 5 speed manual is extremely smooth. My wife and I really love this little car.

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  TERRIFIC TOYOTA AND CUTE COROLLA ! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By MAYHEM MARLENA - February 14 - 7:05 am

  I enjoy my 2016 Corolla very much. It is a cute car and Corollas have been around for decades. My first car as a teen was my moms old Corolla so this is sentimental. They keep their value and do well. My dog Spike likes the car, too. I saved money by not getting back up camera and cruise control so that is good. I don’t really need those. The car is great.

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  Satisfaction with Avalon - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Harold Cofer - February 14 - 3:43 am

  I looked at a Lexus GS 300, then looked at an Avalon Ltd. and decides to buy the Avalon. Almost the same car except, I think there is actually more leg room in the rear of the Avalon. The only thing that I dislike is the console shift. I think there would be more leg room with a column shift. The memory seats really need 2 positions plus exit, similiar to GM vehicles. I drove GM vehicles for the previous 35 years.

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  4 runner limited v8 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Leith Erickson - February 14 - 2:43 am

  powerful acceleration. the controls for the heat, etc are a little hard to get used to, but we like the dual capability. we have the nav system which has the camera so we can see what we are backing up on and this feature is the best. the ride is smooth, we just love everything about the truck, it is wonderful!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By RichB - February 14 - 12:23 am

  Great to drive, Fun off road, comfort A++. Trying to figure out why the bed walls are not the same hight all the way around the wall in back of the cab is about 2" shorter?? Love the body on the step side, the sleek lines and sporty look gets a lot of attention and comments.

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  Practical SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Veldboom - February 13 - 7:16 pm

  The height and size of the doors enables easy entry and exit. Forward visibility from the drivers seat is excellent. A short turning radius is helpful when parking. The power seat and tilt & telescoping wheel help to gain a comfortable seating position. The ride is stiffer than a car’s ride. It seems like a 5-speed transmission would be helpful also for the 4-cylinder engine. The RAV4 is quick and does not have the usual 4-cyl engine noise at highway speeds. There is a transmission clunk on the first engagement of ‘Drive’ each morning.

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  Happy with my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kekaikane - February 13 - 6:06 pm

  Great fun to drive, looks are great. People stop and ask me about it all the time. It drives really comfortable, and handles very well. I accidently hit a small pole one day and the aligment got totally out of wack. I was parked in front of it and didnt see it. Couldnt hace been going more than 5 miles an hour. I am a little concerned about off roading if that small bump knocked it out of aligment!

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  Camry Solara Sport - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Torres - February 13 - 5:40 pm

  The Solara V-6 is a very efficient vehicle providing approximate 36 miles per gallon. At this time, after replacing the air filter for a high flow filter I am getting about 400 miles per tank of fuel on the highway. Yes it is a 3.3 V-6! The vehicle has enough power for a mid size and is very comfortable for a two door, two adults fit on the rear seats without compromising comfort.

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  The problem child in my driveway - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By keewee - February 13 - 4:21 am

  My 2008 Highlander started making a severe sparkknock noise upon cold start. A trip to the dealer and they could not find anything. At 61000 miles the noise is still there and the check engine light comes on code P0017. Trip to dealer and they replace the spool valves for the VVT. problem still there. Dealer pulls engine replaces 4 cams, timing gears, and cam holders. Get car back still making noise. 2 weeks later ck eng lamp on P0017, along with p0301,303,305, and 300. Dealer said it was old codes. I knew better. dealer clears codes. Lamp on again this time p0017 & p0018. I called Toyota customer service. Dealer tells ,e that they cleaned the top eng internal problem has not ret now 85k

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  Great for Duck Hunting - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By pjatty - February 13 - 3:51 am

  After owning a 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 (which is a truely excellent mid-size SUV), I decided to splurge and buy the 2007 Toyota LandCruiser. Yes, it was alot of money, but it is great. I duck hunt with a group of friends and whenever it rains we leave their Suburbans at home because we know only my LC will make it through the mud and muck. Also, the clam shell trunk is great; sit on the fold down half to put on waders, while the fold up half provides shelter from the rain. I took off the running boards and ditched the 3rd row seats (which are worthless) to improve off-road ability and create more storage. Got stuck only once because I forgot how to lock the differential. Duh... Great SUV