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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  I wouldnt race anyone! But we get 50 MPG! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By William Parandes - November 9 - 2:30 am

  Rides well for a small car, pretty comfortable seats. Plenty of cargo space. No repairs, just maintainence, at 115,000 miles still gets 50 MPG highway. A keeper.

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  Dont Buy 4 Cyl 4WD - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Rob1975 - November 8 - 9:36 pm

  When I read the reviews last fall, this sounded like a great vehicle. The dealer didnt have any RAVs in stock when I ordered, but I figured the pre-delivery test drive would indicate if I would be happy with it. What a huge mistake and disappointment. I should have test driven where I drive daily. I live in the mountains of Northern AZ (Flag, Prescott area), but I thought 166 horsepower should be adequate in a smaller vehicle. The transmission constantly downshifts on practically every uphill section, which of course is ruining my mileage. Even trying to maximize economy after 1500 miles I have yet to average 20 mpg for even one tank. Not worth $25K for a 4 cyl. Spend the extra $ for V6.

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  My First Toyota - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - November 8 - 8:46 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have owned and it is an amazing car. My last 3 cars have been Pontiacs and this is by far the best. After reading reviews I was a little hesitant to purchase a Corolla, Im 64" and 230 lbs. I fit in the car just fine. The drivers seat is comfortable and I have no problems reaching the steering wheel, although I do understand a need for a telescopic steering wheel. The car rides and drives great. I hope to get 250,000 miles out of it, or until the wheels fall off. Whatever comes first. I just sold a Firebird and the Corolla puts the bird to shame as far as handling and drive-ability. Go get one today, dont wait. The gas mileage is great too, highway/city.

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  Solid reliable choice - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By avoncarguy - November 7 - 11:34 am

  The 4Runner is simply one of the most reliable long-term ownership SUVs out there - the statistics on how many are still on the road are off the charts (over 90% I believe). This feels as if it was carved out of a solid piece of steel. That reliability is the main reason why I purchased mine. We have two Toyotas - in additon to the 4Runner we also have a Highlander as well. The Highlander has more space to be honest / better for my wife & daughter, but it lacks the truck-like qualities I wanted (hence the 4Runner).

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  Reliable - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jrw6736 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I absolutley love this vehilce. It is leaps and bounds above the Ford and Chevy versions. It does have bland styling, but it more that makes up for that with its refinement and ability to please the driver.

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  A diamond in the rough! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Darrig - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ok, overall the truck is great. I traded in my 92 Silverado for this truck and have been pretty happy with it. I average 18mpg on the freeway with luggage/2 adults and a dog in the backseat. I take the Grapevine (I-5 to L.A.) in the fast lane with no problems. I have only a few issues with the truck.

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  Not as good as my ole t-100 - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Ruba1968 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I wish I would have been able to keep my old T-100, this 2003 Tundra doesnt seem as comfortable. Love the dark gray color.

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  2008 tacoma - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pat - November 7 - 7:26 am

  Great Truck, smooth ride (non trd) great fuel econ for a truck. Very poor quality stereo in non trd version. Composite bed is great.

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  Worst Sound system - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By syedali1 - November 7 - 12:11 am

  what wrong with toyota , My old 2000 Camry factory fitted sound system is still 10 time better then toyota new premium entune sound system. Other then that it is a beautiful and Quite car

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  Not impressed! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Milesy - November 5 - 10:20 am

  Nice h.p. and lrg. brakes,and love the look, but terrible mpg (11). Useless in four wheel drive in deep snow and mud with the limited slip rear end.You need, and should be able to have, all four tires digging at the same time. And why would you go from a sturdy 6 bolt hub, down to a 5 bolt. The VSC system, and transmission command system doesnt work correctly in cold climates, such as where I live in Maine.