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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  Highlander 2wd - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gracie - March 5 - 3:00 am

  Purchased at dealer in MD. Drove 315 miles home. 1/3 interstate @ 70 mph 27 mpg and 2/3 country roads @ 55 mph 30 mpg. Since city/ highway 29 mpg and interstate 70 mph 28 mpg. Good ride and acceleration. Looking to tow 2500lb boat.

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  After 10,000 miles - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By hunkele3 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Still a great truck! Performance, reliability, and looks are awesome. Only complaints are annoying dashboard rattles and cheap plastic interior. My small dogs (and I) scratch the vinyl/plastic in the interior. My wifes Blazers interior is more resilient! Also ,as others have stated, clock is in stupid place. Its great in the snow, and handles like a small car. Still the best compact truck out there! Definitely worth the extra price.

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  Great handling vehicle/Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mark - March 4 - 10:56 pm

  I brought my present car into the dealer to have some work done on it and set my eyes upon this great looking 4x4. I was immediately intrigued by the look and had to test drive. What a great SUV, handles great, good acceleration, good braking. When I got back to the dealer I had to have it. The active suspension is fantastic. I get about 14-17 MPG city. The stereo is awesome.

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  First impressions - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By stephenupton - March 4 - 7:10 pm

  Second time around Camry Hybrid owner, did over 60k miles in my 2010 all trouble free but was suffering a boredom attack so wanted to try the 2012 model, pretty much the same except for the little EVO button, press it in and be ready for some fun, even will give the V6 a run for its money and still do 40 MPG

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  Excellent car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By xepathfinder95 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  our 2000 model now has 85,000 miles on it and it still runs as good as new and has only needed a set of tires and that is it. Over 40 mpg on the highway even in 95 degree heat , going 85 with the AC on high and 3 people and luggage. In the low to mid 30s in stop and go driving, never have we averaged less than 30 mpg. Decent stereo and pretty confortable, makes a great commuter car. Oddly it cost more to insure than our 2002 4x4 Nissan Xterra.

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  Sienna LE should have power back door - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By chokdee - March 3 - 10:00 am

  With 2 kids and a growing family, 2004 Sienna fits perfectly. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The engine is so powerful. It would be great if the LE comes with both power sliding doors and power back door. There should be an alarm when the headlights are on when the ignition key is removed.

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  Amazed - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By hybridamir1990 - March 3 - 4:09 am

  I have owned many different cars, Jeep, Ford, Nissan, Pontiac and so on. I HATED all of them. from reliability to comfort to fuel economy. I have alwasy be skeptical about buying a hybrid but one day I was so fed up with the vehicle I owned, I went straight to Toyota and traded it in for a 2008 Toyota Prius. Two years later, it is still the best automotive decision I have ever made. Although it does have some road noise, the ride is amazing and smooth. I see alot of complaints about the comfort of the seats but I find them more then suitable, there smooth, soft and comfortable enough to seat five people. I live in North Eastern Pennsylvania and I am a Prius driver for life.

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  best hybrid on the market - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By nic-in-WI - March 1 - 2:26 pm

  Overall, we love this car. Weve had it for almost a year and a half. Handles reasonably well in WI winters and also performed very well in the mountains. Averaged 60mpg through Yellowstone National Park while being fully loaded with gear. Plenty of leg room for my 61 husband. Would definitely purchase another.

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  Great car but have the right expectations - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By wvanepps - February 28 - 8:39 pm

  I needed a commuter car to drive almost 100 miles a day back and forth to work. I also own a 2014 Corvette Stingray and a 2013 BMW M3 Coupe and wanted to keep the miles off them. I have driven the Corolla about 1,500 miles and really like it. The rear leg room is great and I have been averaging 34 MPG. I really like the exterior styling of the car and the interior looks like it belongs in a much more expensive car. I opted for the S Plus as it adds a lot of features for very little money. This is a great commuter car but do not expect great performance or an exciting ride. If you want something that is comfortable, looks nice, drives nice and gets great MPG then this is the car for you.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco - February 28 - 6:16 pm

  The transmission has a shift problem. The dealer was able to somewhat correct the problem but it by far the worst shifting automatic transmission I have ever driven. It is very hard to park this truck. I am trading the truck in on a 2005 Toyota Tundra next week. I hope I have better luck.