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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  First Land Cruiser - pleasantly surprised - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By CRJ11 - September 23 - 1:35 pm

  If you lead an active lifestyle in a cold weather climate (see the Rocky Mountains) this vehicle is about as bulletproof as it gets. Ive owned 3 Range Rovers and 3 BMW 5 Series over the past 20+ years. Lease was up on current vehicle, and I did a lot of research, as I want this one to last for a good bit, and haul the kids and gear, through crap weather, short and long distance, for multiple years. After a few trips skiing, and with reference to past vehicles owned/current vehicles on the market, Im confident it was the right choice for my lifestyle. Now...if you just looking to get around the city, no big need for the off road features, my opinion may be different. This thing is a truck and, and really capable one at that. It makes no bones about it, and I love it for that. From a negative perspective, the MPG truly is bad by todays standards

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  Just lost my 01 Tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By William Stuart - September 23 - 5:43 am

  My 2001 Tacoma just got totalled with 118,000 miles. Bought it used in 2002 with only 7,000 miles. Added 37,000 miles per year. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. Was hoping to drive it for another 3 years or aprox 250,000 miles. I feel she would have got there. Started using synthetic oil @ 100,000 miles.

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  Happy Camry Owner - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By CamryLover - September 23 - 3:36 am

  Best car I have ever owned. A quiet drive, very economical, very reliable and trouble free. I only had to replace the struts on 74,000 miles. This is a very happy Camry owner !!

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  I like my new truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dominic - September 22 - 11:50 pm

  I havent had it that long yet however I just took a 2000 mi round trip towing a trailer and a bed load. The truck performed great. Plus its nice around town.

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  Perfect Truck For Me - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By toyotatacofan - September 22 - 10:58 pm

  I got TRD Sport package...perfect. I dont do crazy "off roading." But I do go off pavement in the mountains and/or hunting lease. I dont "haul loads" but I do occasionally carry stuff like firewood (1/2 cord fits perfectly) or bulky things like furniture. I LOVE this truck...its perfect. 4WD is perfect in bad (good) weather like mud/snow/ice. Never been stuck or even thought about it. A little tight with two adults in front and two car seats in back, but very manageable. Engine has more than enough power. 17 MPG (mostly city) which I dont complain about. The build is solid...shifter, knobs feel good. Doesnt feel "plasticy" like Chevy Colorado. Reliability is great.

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  A very well designed vehicle. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By A Great Car - September 22 - 2:50 pm

  The Prius is a very well engineered vehicle. I particularly like the field of view accompanied with the captains seats make it almost like driving a bus or van. We like the performance, gas mileage, road handling, and all around comfort. This is one of the best car buying decisions my wife and I have made. We took the Prius on a round trip 969 miles and performed well, has plenty of power, and averaged 45.8 mpg. The dealer asked us if we wanted to trade it back in, the answer is a resounding no.

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  Toyotas are the best - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jim Gilbert - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Great little convertible...very fun to drive.

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  Its the Fresh Maker - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By KOPOBA - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Fresh looks and very low maintenance. Fine for cruising around and pickin up chicks! 75k miles and goin strong!

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Owner - September 22 - 10:00 am

  While the fuel economy is slightly less than advertised (i am getting about 50 mpg in mixed driving) it literally "sips" the cheapest fuel. acceration is adequate but even better "off the line". It has many really great features like "bluetooth technology". With a "bluetooth enabled" cell phone (I have a motorola V600 and AT&T) when you get into the car it "reads" my cell phone and magically (without even taking the phone out of my pocket!) becomes a fully integrated car phone - using the cars computer screen, speakers and microphone. What a deal.

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  Great, but beware of sulfur smell - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pilli - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Enough power (quick response) to feel confortable passing cars in a bussy road; but you pay in gas. Good turning ratio for the size of the vehicle. Nice look inside and out.