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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  All wheel drive taxi - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By john richards - August 2 - 6:03 am

  This was purchased for my wife and she positively loves it. Shes owned two Chevy blazers and this one wins hands down. Handling, fun good looking vehicle. The only thing I can think of that she does mention is she wishes the back window would open for better convenience. A little louder but you give up a little quiteness for an suv. (road noise)

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  05 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By USTAZZAF - August 2 - 3:40 am

  I have had the truck for a month and have put about 2400 miles on it. I chose the 4.0 and 6 speed manual. I picked the TRD Off Road 4X4 so I could get the following options I wanted. The 110 volt plug in the back is sweet, but should run off of a seperate battery, allowing the truck to be turned off while using it. The BF Goodrich tires were a requirement. Wanted the rear locker, although I am a bit disappointed (in the sand anyway). Still needed 4x4 to get around. Driving lights were also a desired extra. They add considerably in deer country. The truck overall is everything I wanted. Love the ride, manuverability and everything else aside from the lack of a 6th seat. Recommend.

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  2007 Avalon Touring - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Jeff dezerga - August 2 - 3:05 am

  I purchased my Avalon with 105k paint okay very quick but the transmission is not the best... Fuel mileage around 19 around town and highway.. Very comfy ride just replaced my dash on the recall... (all dash boards are refurbished not new) But love my car!!

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  Toyota 4 me - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By AHDIAMOND - August 1 - 10:56 pm

  I had a Nissan Pathfinder that had a 3.5 litre and never got over 16 mpg. This Toyota gets 20 mpg with a 4.0 litre. I have a TRD package so the bilstein shocks help the ride when I pull my 24 foot boat. The limited slip diff works well on slippery ramps.

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  Not worth it - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By duke98 - August 1 - 9:40 pm

  This is my first Toyota but will be my last. It has problems from the first month and the dealer is not willing do do any acceptable resolution. The car runs OK but not better than competitors and there are numerous quality issues. The navigation is not working properly and lost on the road at least once ever 5~6 uses. I now use my iphone more due to its reliability. Seat-belt locks when I put on, so I have to try many times to unlock it. I often locks when I need to reach the glove box while parked in a parking lot, so I had to take it off. The rear brakes make strange noise. [HTML removed]

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  satisfied owner - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob B - August 1 - 8:33 am

  Drive this truck coast-to-coast twice a year. Able to haul lots of stuff and still able to get 18-19 mpg at 68-69 miles an hour. The ride is smooth and comfortable.

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  08 Limited 5.7L - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By TruckGuy - August 1 - 3:36 am

  I love this truck. I had a 2003 Tundra before this which was admittedly a little small and not powerful enough. Well the new design rocks. It definitely drives more like a full size truck, similar to F-150 or Silverado. The power is awesome, fantastic for towing, and has a great big bed with optional tie downs. Build quality is excellent, as you would expect, and I have had zero issues, not even a rattle in 10k miles. If you are considering a Detroit truck, you owe it to yourself to test drive the Tundra.

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  RIP my dearly departed Tacoma - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By janakins42 - August 1 - 3:34 am

  This truck was the best vehicle I have ever had. She made me fall in love with trucks and Toyotas. I fell in love with her after I learned how to drive a stick. I bought her with 60k miles and put 100k on her before her unfortunate end. She saved my life after colliding with a Grand Am. I have never had to do any major repairs or anything else besides routine maintainence. She took all the abuse I gave her. She got me through a very bad winter back in 08. She was even my home for a couple of months. I miss her dearly. I cry everytime I think about her. I havent had a decent car since...not even my 4Runner. Hold onto this car forever. This car will never let you down.

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  Balanced, quality package - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Nipsy - August 1 - 1:56 am

  This car is a pleasure. Handling & performance are good and comfort is outstanding. Stable on the road, adequate mileage. For my money, it is the best balance of quality, price, performance, and comfort.

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  Very Happy Customer! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wade - July 31 - 4:43 pm

  I have always enjoyed the look of the 4Runners since they came out and they constantly keep impressing me. The inside is a little 90s, but the look of the outside and the ride quality more than makes up for it. It is a very sharp and very reliable car that will suite our needs for years to come!