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:

• 

  05 Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By kawacym - August 21 - 8:00 am

  Toyota finally built a car I can love. Have only had the car for a week and am extremely happy with it. Lots of get up and go without sacrificing creature comforts. Styling is somewhat bland but that is fine with me as it could mean that it wont catch the attention of the highway gestapo quite so easily. This car is a quantum leap better than the 96 Avalon it replaced.

• 

  Best 3 row SUV in its class! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By CB - August 21 - 6:54 am

  I cant stop raving about my new Highlander! I saw the Pilot and MDX at the dealers and read a lot about the other competitors, Explorer, Traverse, Acadia, etc. It has more standard features than the base level MDX or even a comparable Pilot - for example, to get the 2nd row Captains Chairs in the Pilot you have to go to the highest trim level or to get the Honda Sensing safety features you have to pay 1,000, also Navigation is extra (at least on the EX-L). I love all the standard safety features that are included in the Toyota (collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, etc.) and it comes with optional Captains Chairs (which are very comfortable) on the XLE. Yes, the 3rd row seating is smaller than the Pilot but we dont intend to use it that often and when we do it will be mainly for children so that was not a big issue for us. The rear seat cargo room when the 3rd row is up is smaller than the Pilot but again, we dont anticipate that being a big issue and I believe it is bigger than the other cars in this class. The fuel economy is what you would expect for a car of this size and weight. I did not get the AWD on purpose because we dont need it and it just adds expense, but having said that, finding a FWD was very hard - I call my car the "unicorn" because it was so hard to find. I look forward to driven this car every time I get into it!

• 

  Retiree Gift to Self - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Len - August 21 - 6:06 am

  This is my first truck and ownership has been alot of fun. It is getting used for its intended purpose, road trips and hauling. Definitely a head turner.

• 

  2007 Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Helene V Fairchild - August 20 - 8:00 pm

  I have really enjoyed my experience with the Hybrid. It gets so much attention. Even other owners stop to chat about how much fun it is to drive. I went back to the dealership and hugged my salesman. I told him that the first week I owned it I counted over 50 miles to the gallon. I couldnt believe it. Stopping at red lights used to really bother me because I thought that I was wasting so much gas and now when the electricity kicks in it is no problem. I just sit and laugh at the poor guys out there losing money. I also find that it can be so quiet. I really like the insturment panel that offers so many choices. Especially the one for climate. I use that continually.

• 

  Great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael - August 20 - 3:10 pm

  I got the base model no power anything reg cab. Only thing I have is A/C and rear bumper and tinted windows. Love this truck the only thing is It should have come with a clock as standard equipment. There is also no clock in the radio. Speaking of radio a CD would have been better then a cassette. Looking at the way the truck is made it looks old school very easy to work on if needed. Also a locking gas cover is needed.

• 

  Sweet! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bugchucker - August 20 - 6:13 am

  This is one amazing truck! The ride is incredible. The seats are more comfortable than my Lexus. The navigation is extremely accurate and the voice recognition really works, (not like my cell phone). The sonar is great for parking in tight areas. The towing power makes it a breeze to cruise with my boat. The back up camera makes the hookup very easy. The cabin is roomy and lots of head clearance. MPG has been around 18 which is great for 381 hp.

• 

  They Are So Cute! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By wendy - August 19 - 12:03 pm

  I just bought my Yaris last month. I bought the upgraded pkg. with power, so I do have cruise and power windows and locks. I had a rear spoiler and keyless entry installed locally for much cheaper than Toyota offered. I am only 5 ft and this car fits me perfectly. It is also easy for me to get in and out of. The drivers seat raises and the speedometer is not in my way either. The gas mileage is great and the pep is super. I bought the pacific blue 4 dr sedan. I really love all the little compartments through out and that spacious trunk. No complaints from me!

• 

  Despite some problems I love my Sequoia! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By carzz72 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Limited with 160,000 Miles Sequoia ya it has a few problems rotors,pads,calipers, on mine so far Havent had any issues with Transmission or hatch/latch breaking like some others on here other then the Brakes.I love the the design out & inside a lot better then a expedition or Tahoe their both are just square and plain like most older American vehicles LOL I just sold my wifes Mazda6(S) & bought this cause I have 3 kids & 1 on the way you cant beat this vehicle

• 

  traded my 2006 for a 2008 - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rob - August 19 - 8:00 am

  Well, we traded in our 2006 V8 Limited X-REAS for a 2008 that is exactly the same in every respect. The new Michelins ride nicier but have less grip and are softer (bouncier) than the Bridgestones, we do not like the new tires. The X-REAS suspension is softer on the 2008 and does not handle as well, if the shocks were a little stiffer it would be perfect. We drive fast generally and live in the country, the handling is important to us.

• 

  Small car saves big - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By JBMoorpark - August 19 - 4:51 am

  I got this to be a commuter car. Its perfect for that, in my opinion. The gas mileage is through the roof. After 25,000 miles I average 52 mpg overall and higher under certain circumstances. Its not the quietest car but its a lot quieter than my minivan. Its comfortable. The controls are easy and logical. The built-in USB support is really nice. Cargo space is tight if you have the back seats up but great if you fold them down. I really, really enjoy just tooling along in this car.