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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  200k and more - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By flyfsca - October 25 - 9:51 am

  Im coming up on 200k on my very first and only factory set of brakes. I love this 4x4 as this is my 8th 4 Runner in a row Ive owned. Im now looking in to towing a travel trailer so Im following some other blogs recommendation not to exceed 5600 lbs total vehicle and trailer weight. So we will see what size trailer will max. Im figuring dry wt no more than 3000 lbs. Im shooting at 400k for this 2005 4 Runner. My plate is my id on this blog. Feel free to stop and chat.

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  Best SUV for the Money - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ron - October 25 - 8:31 am

  I shopped around and finally decided on the 2016 Platinum. I looked at the GMC but although it was a nice SUV they make it hard to buy. You literally have to choose every little feature. Some are confusing and not clear as to what they are or mean. Where with the Platinum, there were only a few options available, the rest were included. It has so many wonderful creature comforts. Side window Shades, Big Seats front and second. Blu Ray player, Sensors for backing up and forward, Blind Spot on the Highway, The Third row is big and roomy. Front and rear Heat/AC controls that really work. I could go on and on. I miss one feature I had on my 2012 4Runner. Keyless push button Start. Also the ability to open the doors from the outside with the Transponder in my Pocket. After I got used to not having that, it was ok, but wish it did have that feature. Also its a little thirstier on Gas but its OK. I love the Toyota Brand and this SUV is made right here in the good old USA. Indianna to be exact. After all is said and done, I love this Car/Truck.

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  Crew Max exceeds expectations - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By greg - October 25 - 7:23 am

  Recently purchased a new Toyota Crewmax with 5.7L engine. This truck outperforms all my expectations. The only item that I would like to see is a better interior on the limited edition. Cant complain about the gas mileage as it is a large V8 engine. Driving in the rocky mountains up steep passes doesnt even phase the engine or the 6 speed transmission. Features such as the back up camera and sonar are an ease to use for parking. The rear seats easily sit my friends who are over 63" tall.

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  Saras Ride - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By pissenberg - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Mechanically, 0 problems , excellent gas mileage, definitely reliable. Maintenance inexpensive to repair. Multiple parts available.. A great kids first car.

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  Zero Problems - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Ft Worth Texas - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife has driven this car since new with zero problems. Just standard maintenance. The only problem I have with the car is that the wood trim fades and in a couple of places pealing. I guess not bad after nearly seven years.There are people that replace this aftermarket.

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  2000 Avalon XLS - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By billb - October 25 - 2:00 am

  three years, no problems, no maintenance other than oil changes.

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  I Waited 20 years for this truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kelshm - October 25 - 1:46 am

  I have wanted a Tacoma forever. I never seemed to be able to find one when it was time to trade however. This time I just went all out and bought a new one. I should have done this before! This truck is phenomenal! I have never felt so secure in a vehicle in my life!

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By pat85 - October 24 - 10:46 pm

  I traded in a 4Runner on the Camry Hybrid. I went from 15 MPG to 38.6 MPG I drove from the DC area to Johnstown, PA over the weekend. The trip is about 220 miles one way going up and down mountains and cruising up there at the speed limit +5 on cruise control I got 38.6 MPG. I got a red Camry with every bell and whistle. The nav system is OK. Most of what it tells you is on road signs: "exit 38 is 1/2 mile on the left" sort of thing.

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  Driving a Great Concept - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DOC - October 24 - 4:46 pm

  What a great SUV. My 2 wheel drive gets a decent (average) 20+MPG. The ride is quiet and the FJ has a lot of PEP. You can cruise at 65 MPH and pass too. The V6 is a real high level engine. Fit and finish is top notch. Everyday someone wants to check out my FJ. This is the most excitement Toyota has come up with to date. Its like youre driving a concept car.

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  Amazed! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By guitarjem - October 24 - 12:23 am

  I have been researching the Prius for 12 months before buying and during my research I read negative things about the Prius that I find not to be true. This car is not slow and has no problem keeping up with the pack. You dont have to drive like "grandma" to get good mpgs just go easy on the gas pedal and try to stay in eco mode. The car is very quiet and comfortable for long drives and is by no means a compact sedan but a mid-size vehicle. With that said the Prius might not be for everyone but if you have a long commute and like saving on gas with a nice car to boot..... go for it!