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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  New and great experience - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By svofan1 - January 18 - 4:06 am

  2nd Toyota I own, first one is a Corolla LE 1990,102k miles. Toyota is an almost perfect builder. Never experienced such comfort and workmanship in a van (had a 200 Windstar Limited). All the controls make sense. I have the van for a short time but very pleased. So far this van exceeds my expectations in fit finish and quality overall.

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  RAV4 Limited - Wonderful! Wonderful! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Suzyq - January 17 - 11:30 pm

  I just purchased a new RAV4 Limited and absolutely love it. The drive is very quiet, the ride smooth and handling is great. I traded a Jeep Liberty and besides getting me out of my 300 ft driveway in 8" of snow, I loved the turning radius. It would turn on a dime getting into parking spots. The RAV does too. One of the reasons I bought the RAV was for the gas mileage. Of course anything is better on gas than the Liberty. I also wanted a RAV because of the safety features. Weve had 2 Toyotas in our family and would have literally driven them into the ground; they were built so well. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great SUV!

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  Super Commuter - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By David - January 17 - 9:50 pm

  On my second Corolla. Great, dependable, no frills cars. 03 redesign brought a nice update to the look and the charcoal color I have is very impressive.

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  An Honest Appraisal - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Aviator - January 17 - 6:46 pm

  I had been driving a 2008 Mercedes C350 fully loaded until today. Average MPG was 20. Then came along the Prius.The Prius caught my eye, especially in light of todays fuel prices, which are always going to go up. Took delivery of my 2009 Prius today. It lives up to the hype and then some. Averaged 55 mpg on the drive home. Incredible!! Interior comfort exceeds the Mercedes. Interior appointments functional, beautiful and fun. Driving experience major fun. Handles great, sound system a wow. Tons of room, Im 6,1". Superb interstate handling doing 70 mph. An incredibly versatile, functional and fun ride. And that 55 mpg burning regular, just keeps a smile on your face.

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  Echo 4 door 5 speed - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By SRMark - January 17 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased this car for its gas mileage only. I thought it was funny looking but it would serve my needs. Then I drove it. What a blast. It shifts well, handles well (in spite of other reviews that said it had severe body roll), the room is amazing for such a small car. Im, 61" with a long torso and I have head room to spare. The seats could use some leg and back bolstering though. Now, Ive come to appreciate how it looks, especially as it sits in a gas station.

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  My Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Kristin - January 17 - 2:20 pm

  This is the first new car Ive ever driven and I love it! The seats are so comfortable I dont mind sitting all day in them. The stereo is awesome. I just love it. I couldnt ask for a better car.

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  I LOVE MY TACOMA. LIFE GETS HARD IF YOUR DUMB. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Andrew - January 17 - 1:11 pm

  I dont understand why everyone is complaining about the interior and engines in the new 2016. If you buy an SR get ready for it to be exactly what it is an SR bone stock basic edition. The V6 is an all new engine, why buy it wait till the reviews are out and then decide after the fact, personally they should have stuck with the old V6. The engine is basically in an SR, a complete swap from 2015. Do some research before you purchase and life will be a lot easier for you. The dumber you are the harder life will be. My SR is perfect for what I use it for. A daily driver with some light 4x4 action. If you have kids and an old lady your better off getting a different model as mine was the utility package with rear seat delete. Which for me is awesome. I have so much room for stuff I dont want in the bed. So far I love the truck, I did my homework and it fits me perfectly. Some minor things could be tweaked. Forget the rear view camera, its a little truck there really is no point, make cruise standard and the camera an option. Either way if your smart and do your homework which I have, cruise can be installed for $67, buy the switch and install yourself.

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  So Far, So Good - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By mwfromva - January 17 - 12:26 pm

  I havent found anything not to like at this point. Weve only had the vehicle a couple days, but the wife, who is typically a small car driver (53") absolutely loves it and has not had a hard time adjusting to its size. Very comfortable, very spacious. Very happy! We were thinking Rav4, Pilot, Outlook, and Highlander and it was a no brainer after a test drive. Limited rode nice, but the Sport is much more controlled, less floaty. Make sure you test drive both before you buy!

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  One step forward, two steps back - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By jb - January 17 - 10:36 am

  We just traded our 06 Sienna ltd. for a new 08. Features are identical. Great design, drives like a dream and fuel economy is very reasonable for the size. BUT, Toyota put a new engine in the Sienna in 2007. I guess it does get 1 mpg better and has better horsepower. But, the noise and vibration from the new engine is a major disappointment. The last one had such a smooth power plant; this one is not of the quality of the 2006. If you are in the market, you might be more satisfied withe the previous generation Sienna. We have had the Chryslers and the Honda. Toyota nailed the design and utility of the minivan in the Sienna.

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  Great daily driver!!!! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Joel - January 17 - 10:15 am

  First off this is a Corolla, not a luxury car. For the segment this car was meant for, its a great car. As a daily driver, 28mpg in the city is really nice compared to 10mpg from my previous suv. The entertainment system is great, especially when paired to your mobile phone. Seat comfort is actually very nice, even the back seats. The only really complaint i have is engine\transmission noise, it might be because its a 1.8L and its trying but its a little noise and you can tell its a 4 cyl. Maybe a little more sound dampening material may help, not sure. There is some road noise on rough roads, could be the tires that come on the car but on the smooth roads its quiet. Dealer support for this vehicle is excellent.