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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  Best Ive owned - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chuck - November 2 - 6:46 am

  Ive had this truck for two years without a problem. I have the TRD off road version, drive the California freeways regularly and cant complain about the ride. Its stiff, but its a truck. The 4.7 engine will run with anything although I would like the 5.7 just because I like like power. On trips to Colorado and Arizona Ive averaged 19 mpg. This is with a 4:10 rear gear and mountains. Id buy another. Most reliable Ive had.

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  Smooth, powerful, and fun - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tickled Texan - November 2 - 4:30 am

  We chose the 2008 Sequoia because of the fold-flat 3rd row seating and the reliability of Toyota. The 4WD and sport-shift were invaluable on our recent trip to CO, especially during the snow storm at Wolf Creek Pass and on the many unimproved back roads. The 5.7L V8 is remarkably powerful and smooth. The headrest DVD system is great. Very roomy and very comfortable and very quiet, small turning radius, feels safe and solid. We average 16.6 mpg daily driving. I now look forward to driving each day. Im surprised there isnt more buzz about this car - it is fabulous!

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  Winter Mountain Car Replaces Jeep - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian White - November 1 - 2:36 pm

  I bought this car for the fuel savings over my old Grand Cherokee. You could say I got a free car out of the deal once you factor in the savings, and not a bad one at that. Tons of space for a small car and fun to drive. I drive this in a mountainous area of Canada which has the highest snow fall in Canada, most years anyway. So it is December and the studded tires are on and the car seems to be fairing quite well. A little noise from the studs but not as much as I thought there would be from a small car. The first gear is a little spongy but actually works well in limiting wheel spin in slippery situations. Other than that, not much wrong with this econ-o-box.

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  Love the Sienna, Sold the Bimmer! - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Teresa - November 1 - 12:46 pm

  Never thought Id own a minivan but I needed the space. Test drove tons of them, bought the Sienna and love it! Thought I would keep my 03 BMW 325i wagon but ended up selling it. I enjoy driving this van and its so plush, not cramped at all like my wagon. Handles surprisingly well for such a big vehicle. If youre having trouble letting go of your car and feel like youre too cool to drive a van, get over it! The Sienna is awesome and fun! Great sound system. JBL speakers rival the Harmon-Kardon in the BMW. Mileage is awfully good, too. Love it, love it!

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  Disappointed in Toyota engine issues - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By KM - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 2001 Toyota celica --- with only 70k mileage - has had regular servicing. Oil changes etc. Now I have an engine noise in the transmission, new transmission is needed $3500.00 with a clutch as a bonus. I am so disappointed in Toyota. I used to love my Toyota until today

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  Good, cheap fun - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Yaris strictly as a commuter car, for a 100 mile a day round trip commute, on the basis of the fuel economy and the expectation that I wouldnt feel bad about putting so many miles on a cheap car. As it turns out, its actually fun to drive. With the five speed manual, this light car gives all of the acceleration I need in town and on the freeway. Im also impressed with the "feel" of the materials. The doors close with that "thud" that you expect from a luxury sedan, rather than flimsy feel of a traditional subcompact. With its smooth ride, I have difficulty keeping my speed down on the freeway. After getting my first ticket in 20 years, I installed aftermarket cruise control

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  Best SUV for the money - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toy4ever - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my V8 4WD 4runner new in Aug 2004. I now have 89,000 hard on and off-road miles on it and it still runs like new. No problems, no repairs, just scheduled maintenance. I had Toyota install a Readylift 2.5" front lift kit, Bilstein HD shocks, 32" BF Goodrich T/A tires and a TRD air filter. I highly recommend these upgrades for off-road use. The increase in performance is amazing. Average gas mileage is 18.1 mpg. My previous 4runners had approx 400,000 miles when I sold them. The 2004 is much better than previous models. I plan to keep this car forever.

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  Best pick-em-up-truck made - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dan - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Quite simply the best intermediate pickup made. From style to quality of build, it is outstanding. The ride is very good and the bucket seats are fine for me and my wife. I dont understand why all the criticism of the seating. Well done Toyota.

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  My experience at heartland - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By CAROL COWAN - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my last camry so very much for the last 5 years that I knew when I Buy a new car I would want another one. I love the ease in driving it, the room inside for all I do with the grandchildren and dogs. IT gets super gas mileage and even though my trade in only has 28,000 miles on it our trips to the ocean and mts have been comfortable and economical.

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  4th generation 4runner awesome! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By KMT4R - November 1 - 8:16 am

  First SUV and man did I make the right decision. Paid $32K for the Sport V8 with black leather, moonroof, JBL system, spoiler, alarm, etc. Doesnt drive like a truck. I drove ML, Xterra, other SUVs before and the 4runner shows that it can corner like a sedan but yet behaves the a truck over hard terrain or rough rodes. Glides over potholes. Never have to worry about flats. The VVTi V8 is very impressive and well worth the lower gas mileage. Smooth powerband though slight delay at 1500 rpm. You cant be shy to step on gas up to 5300 RPM. Fit and finish is typical Toyota. Very quiet ride. XREAS suspension is awesome, noticeable diff w/ SR5.