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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  My Boy - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cc - August 23 - 8:33 pm

  This little car has all the benefits of a small, sporty fuel sipper and the hauling capabilities of a minivan. He drives noisy and eats parking bumps (too low). I will keep him until the hybrid is born.

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  Great car for the price - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Randy ODell - August 23 - 6:40 pm

  I bought the car from Carmax. It had 19911 miles on it. I took it on a trip after purchase. Its a great car. Smooth ride, comfortable seats. My only complaint is road noise. It does have some road noise. Not as quiet as I first thought. The mpg is not 38 mpg as stated. More like 33 or lower. Still a good car for the money.

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  Decent truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By fresnotruckman - August 22 - 2:03 pm

  I was one of the first to buy my gray double cab tundra with the supposed 381 hp engine. I bought it Feburary 1st and took it on my first test of towing. My 5500 toy hauler loaded with water, fuel, and 4 quads maybe 8700ib. My brother has a 2005 ford with the 5.4 triton and he has a larger trailer and outran me up questa grade. Doesnt tow as well as the ford or dodge. Seats feel very stiff, but overall I feel I made a good decision. Averaged 6 mpg towing and in town 11.8mpg.

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  Best buy for gas milage - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By longhaulbill - August 22 - 5:54 am

  If you can find a used one, buy it! After driving my PT Cruiser back and forth to work (100 miles r/t), I was getting exhausted for money. I was averaging 22 MPG on the highway. My friend has a 2001 ECHO and told me with 236K miles on it, he was averaging 44 miles per gallon. So I wen shopping, found one with 92K for 4200.00. I am averaging 47.4 miles per gallon. It is a 5 speed and has air and power steering. It is not a hybrid, gut a little gas sipper. I love this car and with gas at $ 4.30 per gallon, this is a dream. Fun to drive as well.

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  PERFECT CAR FOR A CHICK - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By dman81 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this is my mothers car, but i tend to drive this a lot in the winter when it snows. it handles very well in the snow much to my suprise. i feel very safe with the control and traction i get from the 4 wheel drive. trunk space is excellent...i fit a lot of stuff in the back that i thought would never fit. Needs more interior leg room.I tend to be cramped up especially when theres people in the back seat (im 61"). There is also a lot of wind noise, cheap dash. I kinda feel funny driving it because its not really my style...This car is definitely a "chick car" but it get does the job done

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  Loved My Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By LoveToyotas - August 22 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Highlander right before a big snowstorm last year and it immediately proved its worth. Though our street went unplowed for almost a week, we were out driving every day. It handled great! We recently sold the Highlander because with another baby on the way, we decided to move into the realm of minivans and got an 04 Sienna. But we were very pleased with the resale value on the Highlander, and would have been happy to keep it if we could afford payments on two new cars.

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  toyota camry 2002 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By donna1 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Good ride. Handles very well. Would like roomier interior. Getting 31mpg on highway and 23-26 in the city.

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  only toyota - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pumba - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my 2000 SR5 4WD V6 on the eve of 2000. I love this truck. I havnt put many miles on it until recently. I had a company car to drive. This is my second toyota (first a 1991 tercel) and my wife just bought a 2002 RAV4 which is awesome. This truck has plenty of power. The only drawbacks I see are the cruise control which is jerky, the seats are a little uncomfortable after a while, the bed of the truck jumps around like cray on bumpy city roads, and finally the gas miliage is terrible. I only an average 17mpg. I thought I would at least get 21 to 23. All that aside, I love this truck

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  Small gripes - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Whaleya - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I was thinking all all the things I dont like about this truck, and they were all minor. When Im worried about things like cupholder size and take for granted the engine, transmission, etc I have to admit Im nitpicking! My truck has 45,000 miles on it and has been in for repair.... well once something does break Ill tell you about it! (My 94 Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is a money pit)

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By CHIEFROCKER - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the 2wd V6 double cab with TRD. I must say this truck is awesome. I have done extensive research on this truck before buying. I looked at all the other competitors and the Toyato is the best hands down. Unfortunately I have heard a few horror stoies about Leaks around the dash and passenger door. Hopefully I wont have those problems