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:

• 

  What I think of my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Blee - May 25 - 11:36 am

  I am a little disappointed that the mileage is not quite as expected, 46 mpg, but its not so bad, and the car is beautiful inside and out (I got the leather seats). The navigation system is easy to use, although the car prevents me from using it while driving. Also, the air bag alarm goes off if I place my briefcase on the passenger seat, it thinks I put a small child there without a seatbelt, I guess. Another anoyance is the open door light, it doesnt tell you which door. Even my old 1977 Honda accord did that! But, the backup video is useful, keeps me from running over my cats, and, overall, in spite of the annoyances, I am very happy with the car.

• 

  Classy ride - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Buffalo Bill - May 25 - 3:20 am

  My Camry V6 SE is quiet and sporty while being classy and fun to drive. Excellent acceleration, handling and engine performance. The only complaint so far was a rattle noise in the center console. My mechanic says it will be a quick fix.

• 

  Great Snowmobile! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By New England - May 24 - 7:16 pm

  After relocating to New England, I decided to buy a 4-wheel drive and purchased the Rav4 Sport model. After the first major snowfall, I was convinced that I had made the right decision. This terrific car cut through the snow like it was not even there! Its beautiful, responsive, and fun to drive. Also, I like the Toyota reliability. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a car that is reliable and will take on any type of weather!

• 

  Quality, Looks and Performance are the reasons - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Croy - May 24 - 1:13 pm

  I love this truck. So much that I drove 225 miles to buy it for $1,800 less than any deal I could find locally. And the dealer was willing to go out of his way to trade for the exact truck available in the color combination and options that I wanted. This truck drives and performs even better than I expected. The aggressive styling of Tacomas 4 door Access Cab are absolutely the top of the class

• 

  Tacoma - built for the long road. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ozgard - May 24 - 7:56 am

  I shopped around for a few months. I looked at the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford F15 and Nissan Frontier. What pulled me to the Tacoma was the number of older Tacomas still looking great. I talked to a few Tacoma owners and asked them how they liked their truck and they all responded that they loved their truck. I am very happy that I went with the Tacoma. The truck feels solid and drives extremely well. The gas mileage could be a little better but Ill take 18 MPG versus some of the other trucks. If you want a truck thats built Tacomas the one.

• 

  Flappy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Loftonfan - May 24 - 5:50 am

  I have had my "Flappy" for close to 9 months now, and it is by far my favorite vehicle. It has been off road quit a few times. The Little Grand Canyon with a foot of snow was the hardest trail that it was on, and it made it out after some coaxing. Wish I had a locker in the front, a winch, or more aggresive tires. Just got done with a weekend of wheeling in Silverton and it proved to be a stellar machine. Pulled the popup camper there, and never would have known that you were pulling a load. Really a fun vehicle to drive, had enough get up and go for me, yet is so smooth over the highway that you can enjoy the drive to the next off road trail. Gas gets a little pricey with the premium.

• 

  Love my Bully - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Joe - May 23 - 2:36 am

  Love this truck extremely. Had an 04 tacoma with trd package, kinda rough. Traded that in for an 06 tundra 4dr. with the TSS package. When I read about the new tundras with the 5.7, went to test drive one. Loved the power. So in feb. 08, went in and came out with an 08 Limited with the TSS package. Had to get used to the auto tilt, and telescopic steering wheel.

• 

  Fun to drive! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JCC - May 22 - 4:10 pm

  I love this car! Ive only had it a couple of months, but its SO much fun to drive! I have a bit of a lead foot and this beats everything around off a traffic light. Its great for highway entry and passing. My only complaints are that there isnt a coin holder and there isnt a door protector strip. Otherwise, its a beautiful car. I waited an extra month to get the Indigo Pearl - gorgeous! Everyone comments on the quiet, smooth ride. Id buy it again in a heartbeat.

• 

  A good family vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By A good family vehicl - May 22 - 11:00 am

  We mainly purchased the Highlander Hybrid to try the new technology and better gas mileage than convential SUV. Acceleration is the most part Id like about this car. It is feeling good to know that when braking the battery pack is being charged instead of wasting kinetic energy. So far we are happy with our decision to buy this vehilce. We anticipate Toyota good reliability many years to come. Thanks Toyota to help keep air clean to breathe.

• 

  A lesser evil - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By silvergodiva - May 21 - 10:06 pm

  Hybrid + room for 7 = Highlander (HH). If you need an SUV, the HH is the lesser evil. Move lots of people and lots of stuff for less gas/fewer emissions. I feel the V6 + hybrid engine is a bit excessive. Toyota was trying to break hybrids out of the "green" market and into the gas guzzling SUV power market: "Not just for enviros anymore". But the I4 (2.4L) + hybrid engine would have been just fine and probably gotten another 5-7mpg. No issues with any part of the car in the 15 months Ive owned it. Very easy to drive and you cant tell its a hybrid. The 3rd seat is neat and easy, but there is almost no storage when it is up.