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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  Wheres the old cars? - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Dan - September 13 - 7:03 am

  Where to begin.. Im just a joe who likes to save money so forgive me for my rant. and stop reading if you are part of the buy a car for 20,000 and pay everyone to fix it then sell it when your tired of it and buy a whole new car... If thats you... Then STOP reading this. You will be offended. Toyota makes great engines and has a history of great engines, but they(and most other car companies) have made their vehicles non user friendly. And simple parts and accessories have lost their quality.What do I mean? I mean I believe toyota is going backwards from the original beauty of their older predecessors.its sad. Take my 2000 Camry with a 4cyl. All the hoses are thick and heavy duty. Made to last!every clamp and air hose is easily accessible. The 2007 Avalon however has leaks in the brake lines,coolant lines,power steering line, and windshield washer line, and it only has 140k miles!so replace all those lines. Then remove all the engine paraphernalia and look at your engine, then take your bumper off and replace your light bulbs.... See what Im getting at.. Heck supposedly the newest cars are going to require the entire cab to be removed for an oil change!They want your money at the factory.. They dont want you doing your engine work.. Or the mechanic.. They want to narrow it down to your money and the Toyota factory. Forget aftermarket and quick fixes and good engines that last a million miles in the 70s they have you buying a new car every 300,000 miles and all the in between fixens. Thanks for your time and be grateful for your old beater!btw great car other than being a possible money pit... Handles well and is comfy and pretty.

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  Best SUV on the Road - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By FormerMercedesOwner - September 13 - 1:23 am

  The Land Cruiser is THE best SUV on the road. Period. Reliability is superb, handling excellent, comfort top-rate, and the ride smooth and quiet. I test drove them all. I read the reviews. And three years of ownership later I still havent wished for anything else, not even my sporty little Mercedes.

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  Very Poor Fuel Economy -- Average 18 MPG only! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Sam L - September 12 - 9:42 pm

  The 2017 Highlander is advertising as 20/26 MPG, so far I only get 18 MPG! And I drive mostly on Highway! This is totally fraud advertisement. My 2014 Acura MDX has 22 MPG at least. And the Acceleration of the 2017 Highlander is just painful. Overall its just an average car, and its not worth if you pay over 40K! Im so regret that I didnt add 5K-7K more to upgrade to an Acura MDX, Lexus RX, or Infinite QX60.

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  2001 Toyota Corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By hampton careen - September 12 - 5:03 pm

  Car has been a good experience, good mileage, good service, will recommend the car to all my friends.

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  Taco # 4 - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco Steve - September 12 - 1:53 pm

  After buying 4 new Tacos we know them pretty well. We had issues with the transmission on our 16 that have finally been resolved with an update to the computer. Now we love it. It tows an Edge Water 205CX powerboat really well. Its close to the limit of 6,800 lbs but really pulls strong. We use the ECT button and keep it out of 6th by using the manual option on the shifter. This one is the best yet. Our last being a 15 limited. Very quiet and smooth. We easily get 24 mpg with a fairly heavy foot on the hwy. Like many others we wish the seats were power and with more adjustments including the steering wheel. All in all its another winner Taco.

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  This is a great vehicle - 1998 Toyota T100
  By steve - September 12 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my T100 from an indivdual who obviously took really good care of this truck. My truck now has 256,000+ mile and it still runs like new. The 6 cylinder engine is very strong, transmission is smooth and a really quiet ride. Its the perfect size truck for me. I have towed boats, trailers, and even other vehicles with my truck. It has never let me down. I am very pleased with my T100.

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  Wheres the build quality? - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - September 12 - 1:10 pm

  Ive had my 4Runner for 3 weeks and it drives great, but Im disappointed with squeaks and rattles coming from the back seat and moonroof. The engine also has a disturbing ticking sound when idling. Its going back to the dealership tomorrow so they can try to fix it again.

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  Me & the Camry: Till Death Do Us Part - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By CamryDan - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Been driving this Camry for 4 years now, have put on about 60k miles on it. Very reliable but has had trouble (a handful of times) starting in cold weather. Everything works great. Average gas mileage is 21 or 22mpg. I get a bad smell from the A/C (but Lysol has helped with that). Has better turning radius than Accord. All of this said, this car has not endeared itself to me like the 1987 Acura Legend that it replaced (or 1978 Volvo 245 before that).

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  I love this truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By love my truck - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck thinking it was a 4wd at first sight, when I found out it was 2wd I was slightly disappointed until I drove it. I have had no problems whatsoever out of it. I have replaced the tires @70000, windshield wipers,front brake pads and headlights, thats it. A careless woman struck me and did 6500. in damage to it and now that I am driving a rental I cant stand it, I miss it even more. Only thing I would trade it for would be a 4door model of the same thing.

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  Fib or Fraud? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Don in Reno - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Toyota claims 61 mpg town, 51 hwy. Actual in my 04 Prius after 5K miles is 43 town 49 hwy. A 30% difference on town driving is fraud. The overall mileage is good, but toyo doesnt deliver on their claims. The car is very unstable in a cross wind. Just like a 64 VW. And I have stability control. It can really be scary with big trucks tossing you around. Seats are very uncomfortable after about an hour. Toyo, you can do better. Rear view thru back window is crummy. Engine noise is LOUD when passing or on very steep hill. Sounds like its going to blow up. My wife really likes the car. Just dont expect Toyo to tell the truth.