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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  Awesome truck! - 2015 Toyota Tacoma
  By francophone88 - July 30 - 7:46 am

  I shopped around before buying the Toyota Tacoma. But, everything in my research pointed to this being the best choice for me.

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  Love My Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Davis - July 30 - 3:53 am

  Just leased a V6 AWD Venza and it is a very nice looking car inside and out. Just downsized from a GMC Acadia so is still getting use to the smaller SUV.

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  Another GREAT Toyota - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeane - July 30 - 1:36 am

  The Highlander drives as beautifully as the 6 Camrys we have owned over the last 20+ years. Five-passenger seating is as spacious and comfortable as our02 LXS Camry; the 3rd seat is great for 2 carseats. The side and rear windows are large enough to reduce blind spots in all directions, interior road noise is minimal, and the flexibility of an enlarged cargo area with rear seats down make antique- shopping trips a pleasure! We are retired so we drive fewer miles than when we were commuting, but still enjoy the high quality of a Toyota.

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  Great Car/Cruise Control Worthless - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Don - July 30 - 1:23 am

  Layout and design is the best out of all the other SUVs I have looked at. More leg room in rear than any other SUV. Overall it is just what I was looking for. Fuel mileage is acceptable and power is good for a 4 cylinder. Handling and ride are good along with attention to detail when building. If you buy this vehicle just dont plan on using cruise control if you get a 4 cylinder version. You will not be happy with the way it performs. Before you buy do a search for 06 and 07 RAV4 cruise control problems and you will see what I am talking about. Toyota dropped the ball on this one.

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  Ahh its not so bad...depending on view - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Camp H - July 30 - 12:16 am

  Peppy engine but very noisy, I have a 6 speed manual trans and its very easy to shift. Radio rocks. Common complaint I read is road noise, that is true. Seats are comfortable. Views are good (rear window is small so that is limited) Only thing that needed to be fixed was serpentine belt had to be replaced & belt tensioner had to be replaced. Other than that the car is extremely reliable.

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  2009 Venza April 2009 - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stuart - July 29 - 9:20 pm

  Ride is harsh, not enough cushion in 20" tires, four warranty repairs- glove box catch broken, rubber molding on roof blew off, headlights adjustment, replace fog light bezel, all within 3700 miles. Not impressed with quality as promoted. Dealership servicing-poor to fair. Telescope/tilt poor design, difficult to adjust and secure, need strong fingers. Not a 62" drivers car, hard to get in and out. Htg. & AC controls not easy to use. Would not buy this model again.

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  4 month Owner - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By army4 - July 29 - 3:23 pm

  I have owned my Venza now for about four months and really enjoy the vehicle. The only thing I made a constructive critique about is the shifter is in the way of the seat heater, getting to the cups in the cup holder, adjusting the temperature. It just feels like I always have to reach around the sifter all the time.

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  Bought brand new, no buyers remorse - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By srichey - July 29 - 2:26 pm

  Its an absolutely excellent car in its class and deserves at least an 8.5 or higher. Im surprised at how comfortable it is during long trips and the gas mileage is excellent. Third Toyota Ive owned, wouldnt own anything else.

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  I am pleased - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim - July 29 - 12:30 pm

  I am very pleased with this SUV. I wanted an 8 cylinder, but the 6 has plenty of power. I especially like the sunroof and power rear window. All in all a really good midsize SUV.

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  Sienna limited AWD - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By thai - July 29 - 11:00 am

  Very quiet, smooth, Lexus like ride with the utmost in comfort and luxury. This van is quite refined and screams out quality. I cant believe Toyota has come so far with their R&D, only complaint is the price tag!