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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  It will outlast you - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By AlabamaGuy - November 27 - 5:26 am

  Ive had my V6 4WD towing package Tacoma for 160,000 miles since 1997. It has hauled heavy loads, pulled heavy loads, been seriously offroad (fire roads, creeks, 4wd tracks, mountain trails). Truck still cruises at 85-90 mph for hours, still climbs rocky trails like a champ. In 8 years, has only needed gas, oil, and tires, and one set of shocks. Gets 22 mpg hiway, 17 around town. Locking gas cap. Paint still great, nothing rattles, everything works as well as day 1.

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  Fun and Sensible Auto - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By billclemen - November 27 - 4:33 am

  This is the most fun and the most sensible automobile I have ever owned. I enjoy squeezing the last mile out of a gallon of gas, and listening to the 6 CDs, the XM/AM/FM radio. The automatic climate control works perfectly.

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  Love my new Trail Premium - 2016 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joseph - November 26 - 9:10 pm

  l had a 2005 Outback XT wagon (which I loved) for about 10 years and it was time to look for something new. The question I faced was, do I get another outback, or do I go with something new. I wanted a truck, but I do a lot of commuting in the city, so it wasnt really an option. I decided to drive a 4runner and that is what sealed the deal. I liked all the features of the trail premium, especially the 4 wheel drive options, so I settled on it with the addition of KDSS. I read a lot of reviews about KDSS that said it was worth it, and I have to agree. I love being up higher than previously in my outback, and I love the truck-like ride. The seats in the premium are very soft and comfortable. The interior is pretty much perfect, with real knobs for the radio and heat controls. I love the reclining rear seats, which are a really nice feature for the passengers in the back. There is definitely enough room with the rear seats folded down to be able to sleep in the back. I had a great experience working with the Mark Miller Toyota dealership in SLC and they were able to get me exactly the setup I wanted. While I loved my Subie, I really love my new Toyota. I look forward to easliy driving this thing for 10 years or more.

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  First Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TexasT - November 26 - 6:26 pm

  Former full size truck owner that likes the quick steering, easy parking exceptional ride, performance of the V6, 4.0L and outstanding styling. A high clearance truck to take to the dirt roads, hauling gear or a fancy resturant with family and friends. I reviewed a number of mid-and full-size trucks and like the sporty styling, large space in the back seat of the Double Cab as well as extra storate under and behind the seat. I like the composite bed and tie-downs with optional bed divider and net to keep objects from sliding around. I have nerf bar steps for my 53" wife. And, installed a trailer hitch.

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  Satisfied Grandmother - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Diane - November 26 - 6:00 pm

  I wanted the Highlander because of its safety evaluation. I frequently have my grandchildren with me and feel they are much safer than they were in my little sedan. It is easily accessable for the baby in the carseat as well as the older ones. Also it is so much easier to load and unload.

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  92 Toyota Camry LE V6 Rocks! I love it! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Sterling - November 26 - 3:43 pm

  Im a high school student and this is my first car and I love it! My dads a Toyota freak so i figured I would get one instead of a truck I would get a sedan and I love it! Drives smooth, is reliable, very roomy, just change the oil every 3,000 miles and youll get the best out of it. Im convinced that Toyotas are the best! Would have liked to have had the 5 spd but, hey, automatic is kinda nice when you just wanna go. Bought it for $3,000 so got a good deal and its still in good shape, will need things eventually probably but, hey its not a brand new car so what can you expect! It just goes and goes, but remember if you dont maintain it, you wont get 350,000 mile.

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  Near perfect SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By hds - November 26 - 10:00 am

  A suberbly build vehicle in all respects from fit and finish, paint finish, body integrity. Toyota set a new standard for trucks! Ride comfort is very good for a truck frame, a bit stiff on some roads but overall, very smooth and quiet. Mileage has been quite good for this size vehicle, 16.5 city, near 21 on the highway. Had a few surprising issues. 1 - replaced/ upgraded front rotors/brake. Toyota apparently undersized the rotors. 2 - Rear main seal replaced at 30k, all covered under warranty + new rear pads.

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  Excelent - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By JoSh67 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, and a great buy. I couldnt have chosen anything better. The styling and Quality is 10.

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  love my mr - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By poseyal - November 26 - 10:00 am

  car can be faster than you relise

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  Buy The XRs - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By nikadmus - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I recomend this car to all that are looking for serious performance, with the added comfort of storage space. 6 speed manual tranny, The engine is a 1.8L with VVTL-I. Stands for variable valve timing and Lift with intelligence. Basically this beast does not redline until 8200 rpms. When you hit 6000 rpms in any gear the engines internals shift producing a 50 horespower difference from the base, and xr models. You get sucked back into your seat and everybody within earshot will allmost break their necks trying to figure out how that "station Wagon" just made that sound. Allot of bang for your buck with this vehicle. XRS is the way to go.