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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  Best truck for the Money - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By claymo1 - October 19 - 10:23 pm

  The ride is good for a truck, The seats could have a little more cushion. The engine downshifts all the time in the mountains, but that I can live with. I averaged 21 to 25 mpg on a recent trip this weekend, fully loaded with kids and dog. So far so good! Toyota does make the best in my opinon, and does really have the best resale, that is if you resell it. Toyota has plenty of room inside, and is a blast to drive. GO FOR IT!

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  Great gas, nice car for young single - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By KT - October 19 - 8:16 pm

  It has great mileage. Its very simple, and cute looks. Its not much fun to drive, but its very easy to drive. I recommend it to a young single driver. Its also very reasonable price. It looks like a small car, but it has nice space.

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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By J.A. - October 19 - 4:56 pm

  I love the way my new ride looks (the color I chose is Driftwood Pearl w/cloth tannish interior), the way it handles and the features. I wish it had more get up and go but I did get the V6 so... I really enjoy it and would highly recommend at least a test drive - that is all it will take. I love the controls for back window and the double decker system and cargo net for organizing groceries, luggage, etc. I also love the ease of the hatch opening, closing gently then the automatic "lock" so I dont have to slam close.

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  58,000 Miles Since I Bought New - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Greg - October 19 - 2:43 pm

  This is my second review on this rig. First one was at about 27,000 miles. This is my 5th Toyota (4th new Toyota and second 4Runner). I have had no problems at all (knocking on wood). These are bulletproof vehicles if you service them regularly. The maintenance cost is very reasonable. I have found the longer I own a Toyota the more I like it. This one is still very solid. I did not like the OEM tires (Grand Trek) so I replaced them at 27k with the top of the line Toyos (HWY tread)... what a difference! Like putting a new suspension on. I have been very pleased with the MPG (21.8). Actually get better city than hwy because I keep it under 20000 rpm in the city but have a lead foot on the hwy.

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  Great Family Vehicle that can go anywhere!! - 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By finnfeather - October 19 - 11:13 am

  I did a lot of research and test drove every full size SUV, before purchasing a 2014 Land Cruiser. I began the search leaning towards a full size range rover, I also looked at the Mercedes GL which is a great SUV. In fact I traded in my 2011 GL 450 for the land cruiser. If I didnt have young children who like to climb all over the seats in wet bathing suits and muddy shoes I might have been more inclined to drop $110k on the range rover, but I am a traditionalist I really like the old school look, durability and reliability of the land cruiser. While the range rover has some impressive features I just didnt like the new look and found myself looking at used 2012 rovers.

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  A small bit of disappointment - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mardamay - October 19 - 7:13 am

  I bought my Camry LE 3 months ago and love the comfort and smooth handling of it. I traded in a 95 Altima and find this much more comfortable and roomy. It definitely has the look and feel of a more expensive car, for a reasonable price, and ultimately the practicality and price won out for me. My sole disappointment is the MPG, I dont get the advertised 24/34, but more like 20/28, and I am no speed demon! Overall, a great car!

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  The Satisficer - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - October 19 - 4:46 am

  First, lets be clear. Im a satisficer, not a maximizer. All cars are compromises, and this is expecially true at the lower end of the price spectrum. Im 62" and, ahem, lets just say over 300 pounds at the present time. I can get in and out of this car with no problem. It runs like a charm, turns on a dime, the steering and braking are silky smooth and Ive still got a quarter of a tank left with the odometer at 325+ miles, so Im heading for 40+ mpg on the first tank. Yes, the seats could be better, maybe Toyota will fix them, maybe not. The cup holders are neat - you can send the air around them - or use the AC to cool your drink. Nothings perfect, but the Yaris is awfully good.

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  WOW - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By arie - October 18 - 11:16 am

  The 07 Yaris was initially puchased as a fuel conserving alternative to my BMW. Now, I only drive the yaris. It is a pocket-rocket. Acceleration is a tad slow in the first three gears, but not enough to be noticable. This car goes 85-95 mph daily on a 180 mile a day commute. The gas mileage is amazing. the car is perfect and fun to drive. goodbye gas guzzlers! I am hooked on the yaris!

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  Toyotas are the best! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By TP - October 18 - 5:30 am

  My 1997 Camry has over 200,000 miles on it and I love it. The only minor repair I had to do besides changing tires and brake pads, was replacing the timing belt and water pump back in 2001. But that repair was done at no cost because it was still under warranty. If you want a quality car, then look at Toyotas.

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  Sell the House_Live in the Prius! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Michael Kaplan - October 18 - 1:46 am

  This is the first auto Ive owned that I feel joy every time I get in it. It is also very driver oriented with a complete LCD readout available at all times for : audio, climate, GPA, BLuetooth cell phone, volume of CD;s and aux music player (iPod, iPhone, etc). Things I have come to love: #1 keyless entry and use; steering wheel control (front/back), wiper, cruise, lights stalks. It is the driver designed (instead of engineer designed), e.g., all things to make driving & safety first and foremost--and gas mileage is superb and the constant LCD readout gasoline consumption is not only informative but allows the driver to see, real time, how driving behaviors affect MPG.