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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  Great but could use some improvements - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Doug Seal - February 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife drove a 4WD 97 4Runner Lmtd up until we sold it and bought this Seq. After alot of shopping, we settled on the Desert SR5 with lthr, wd grain, rear splr and the stl whl pkg. I then traded the stl wheels for some nice rims. Total,I have $35.5k into the vehicle. However, I have two issues that Id like to share. First, fuel economy is 12-13mpg in the city and hwy which I think should be better. Second, just had to replace the front brakes at 21k miles which the dealer is saying will be normal. The 4runner I had 78k on the original set with the same driver/conditions. Therefore, I think Toyota has put too small of brakes on this one.

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  I love my Toyota Rav4!!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By elefante - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Have only had the Rav for a month now but we LOVE it after a Dodge Caravan. Much better handling and reliability. Smooth handling. Sure-footed on slippery roads. Nice mileage. Lots of room. Love the adjustable front drivers seat. Acceleration on highway might seem slow for a few seconds but suddenly youre there and going at top speed.

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  Great SUV BUT Some Very Annoying Design Features - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By srflifecoach - February 28 - 2:32 am

  Bought LTD AWD fully loaded except for tow package. Wonderful ride, fun to drive. Compared Honda Pilot but its ride was more truck-like and driver seat didnt raise up high enough for spouse to see over dash "hump" on Pilot. But wondering what Toyota engineers were thinking?? Rain/water drip down on passenger seats when doors open (no drip edge). Bumper step/protector strip doesnt thus you get scratches on edges. Cant program GPS system while moving (not even passenger). Sirius radio reception terrible and doesnt show as much of the song/title/info as my $30 cheapie add-on in my other car. Love 2-yr free routine maintenance & 8-year/100,000mile/$0 ded extended warranty I bought.

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  Boring reliable economic transportation and little else - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By stardude82 - February 27 - 7:56 am

  Could have been a better car. Driving Controls are ok. I dont even mind the central gauge cluster, but it looks looks horrible. The infotainment system is slow. The nav in my 10 year old BMW was faster at imputing destinations and finding routes. It has a resistive touchscreen which is also horrible. The Prius power train is not very refined carrying around the extra weight. A boat-like feeling at any speed and numb numb numb, but above 60 mph, the car has an unsettling unstable feeling. Brakes are overly grippy at low speeds and mushy at high. Besides my gripes, it is excellently packaged. It carries what I need it to carry and gets north of 40 mpg in mixed driving.

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  4 yr. ownership review - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By hborgaonkar - February 27 - 5:36 am

  After 50000 miles and four years the car has been great. lot of people still ask about this car. great value. its not great in acceleration but smooth at 70mph. Got a new 6 in. touchscreen kenwood stereo with bluetooth audio and telephone, ipod integration, and pandora to bring it to todays AV standard. It does great with snow tires in Minnesota winters. My wife prefers this car in snow over her new Sienna and Acura TSX. Thats says something about this car. Just another great Toyota

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  2005 Tacoma Sport 4X2 "SOLID" - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Happy Harvick - February 27 - 2:10 am

  Great truck with solid reputation. Aggressive body style with engine to match. As my 3rd truck I am surprised by how solid this truck performs.

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  My Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Echo Driver - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I havent had my Echo but 5 months, so I cant speak to long term reliability. In consumer reviews it is rated as excellent. I do know for certain it is one of the lowest priced new cars. Gas mileage on mine is currently 47 mpg. Awesome! I highly recommend the Echo.

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  We like our Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By DON - February 22 - 10:00 pm

  We like our Highlander. Our previous vehicle was a 4-Runner. The Highlander has a much more comfortable ride, and gets much better gas mileage. I cant tell that we lost any space either.... it seems we can haul just as much stuff as we did in the 4- Runner. About the only thing I dont like about the vehicle is the exterior styling.... very boring.

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  Just Got It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jennifer - February 22 - 6:46 pm

  I have had my Yaris for a week now! I got into a car accident so was forced to get rid of my Saturn Ion. I love the Yaris. The mileage is much better, it runs smooth. I have broken 100 in this car and it never felt faster than 50. The turning radius is wonderful. I opted for the leather interior. I drive over 100 miles a day to and from work so this car is wonderful with gas prices soaring. The only thing I dislike is the cup holders but I do like the extra ones in the doors. Way to go Toyota!

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  No trouble - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By KREIN - February 22 - 5:56 pm

  I have had this truck for about 4 years. I changed the oil, brakes, tires, wiper blades and thats it. I never had to bring it in for any service. You will not see me at the dealer. Maybe for my next truck. I would drive the truck around the world today without worries. I hate to say it but, I would never buy anything other than toyota. The last one I had was going strong with over 250,000 miles. it was ugly but ran like a clock. The gas goes a little faster than they claim. You should also give the gas a chance to get to motor before you start cranking. sometimes if you jump right in and start cranking it may be a little ruff to start.