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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  buyers remorse - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By James in AZ - October 21 - 2:01 am

  Due to an accident that totaled my 02 Tacoma extra cab prerunner, I purchased a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport access cab, believing it would be the latest greatest version of the Tacoma I lost. Boy was I mistaken. My 02 was fantastic, everything a truck should be! From the experience of the 02, and moving from it to the 2016..., I gotta tell ya, the 2016 is everything a truck should NOT be. The 2016 Tacoma is symptomatic of the history of the automotive industry in general. There comes a point where evolution and innovation produces near perfection... then what follows is sort of critical mass point where further innovation does more to ruin a good thing, than it does to make it better. All the latest technology... more like, way too much technology. I dont want or need a truck to interact with my phone. I dont need or want a screen full of apps in my dash. I have an iPhone... I dont want or need my truck to connect to it. I certainly dont like a truck that beeps when I leave it running and step out of it. I certainly dont like a truck that beeps because my dog is sitting on the passenger seat. I certainly dont like a truck that beeps and flashes it lights EVERY TIME I get in it. I dont like dont like a truck that beeps just because the cab door is open. The technology is so annoying, and insulting, to anyone who could care less about technology like I do. The worst part is that although a few customizations can be made to curb the distractions produced by the technology, theres a lot that cant be shut off. The moral of the story is: Id rather be driving and enjoying and writing about that, but Im not... Im too occupied touch screen scrolling through menus of junk that has nothing to do with driving, never did, never will. So whys all this junk in there anyway, thats what I want to know? Im looking to sell this truck in the next year. The more I drive it, the more I hate it.

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  MY CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By REDHEAD38 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR ESPECIALLY FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT

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  Hybrid technology is now mainstream - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Douglas Wade - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is phenominal. My wife refers to it as a "spaceship", but I love it. It is a full sized car on the interior and it is loaded with neat features. Toyota has raised the bar with this vehicle. The smart key system is great, but make sure you put the key in the ignition if youre going to have someone valet park the car or drive it through a car wash. The car will stay running if you leave the vehicle with the smart key in your pocket, but if someone tries to move it the engine will shut off.

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  Cute Sport Ute - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Lexuspeed - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Probably the best mini-ute I have ever driven, for the price range. Especially after 500 miles, it started performing very well, mileage and drivability -- just an overall fun to drive mini-ute.

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  Tundra 2004 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By teton0 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck for two months. It has a great ride and the quality is pure Toyota. It is very comfortable and quiet on the highway. The V6 is more than enough power for everyday driving and the truck gets up to speed for merging onto the freeway with no trouble. I like the throaty exhaust sound, too. The only thing Im still trying to adjust to is finding, without concentrating, the clutch friction point for that smooth, minimum rev startup. I still stall the truck occassionally or need to give it more gas (compared to the 89 Jeep Cherokee and 2003 Honda Civic we have in the family). Becoming one with the truck is only a matter of time.

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  Beautiful car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lamarb - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car, outstanding quality, beautiful interior, and quiet as a kitten. The JBL sound system is superb. It handles beautifully and is a blast to drive. Many have asked if it were a Lexus. All things considered, its the best car I have ever owned.

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  They keep getting better - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By desmo - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th (one of each generation). Cudos to the 4Runner engineers who find ways to improve upon this great vehicle. Not yet tested the offroad capabilities but if its anything like my 1999 Sport (at 10k+ feet ;), I will be happy.

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  Great car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By smilingdaisies - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the 03 Corolla Sport for about 1.5 years. We have put about 20,000 miles on the car. Overall, I really like this car. I love the style and the ride. I marked a 9 for fuel economy because I dont think we ever get the listed mileage - but when does that every happen? I gave it lower marks on interior design and comfort because of the position of the steering wheel. I feel like I am sitting too close to the wheel, but if I move further back, I cant reach the pedals. The other thing that I dont like is the ground effects make it impossible to change your own oil.

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  An overall great vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rlerman - October 20 - 7:33 pm

  I have this car for two months now and after 1000 miles have few complaints. Smooth ride, solid construction, very quiet, good acceleration and tons of room. Turning ratio is good, but the vehicle can be a little tough to manuever in parking lots. Rear visibility is partially obscured by rear seat headrests. Gas mileage about 15, but thats expected for a V- 8. My biggest gripe is that auto-off headlamps were not on this vehicle, despite it being listed as standard equipment on Edmunds website. Seems Toyota builds some with it and some without.

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  Great car for college students - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Husky - October 20 - 10:30 am

  Got mine 2010 Prius II just before Xmas. Love the redesigned exterior. The interior plastics, not so much. EV/ECO/PWR modes are nice distractions. I now spend half as I used to at the pump.