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:

• 

  Great Van - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Stetson McGraw - August 8 - 1:03 pm

  very quiet, comfy, great for taking trips and hauling stuff. Engine is strong enough and always feels like there is power. Brakes are good for such a heavy van but could be improved a little bit to give it even better performance.

• 

  pass it on - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By brishbah - August 8 - 10:00 am

  This is natures best kept secret for feeling younger. Everyone at Toyota who had anything to do with this gem should be very proud of what they have done. If you cant drive a standard shift car do not(repeat:do not) keep yourself from driving this one. It may take you thirty minutes to get the basics of shifting while watching someone (or study it on the computer). Then go out and test drive this 5-speed. I promise you will find it the most fun you had in a very long time. Forget about status, (not a Lexus,Bmw,Mercedes...). Just go for a ride with the top down, no radio, and listen and feel what you have missed for a long time. Enjoy and pass it on.

• 

  Overall-great! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By steve6586 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehical for 4 years now an have been extremely pleased. It has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. This is what I expected from a Toyota and they delivered.

• 

  Tacoma Crew Cab 4x4 - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Humeston - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in July. I have 2080 miles on it. The air conditioner compressor is loud with it on high. The paint appears wrinkled along the lower rocker panels. I have been told this is normal. Clock is no big deal but you cant see it while driving. Came from the factory with one cargo hook missing in the rear, dealer replaced it without any problem. The rear seat folded down provides an unstable platform for carrying much. I do love the ECT switch on this rig and the comfortable front and rear seating is a plus. Picked up 1.5 MPG with the K&N air filter. So far I am satisfied with the vehicle and the dealer.

• 

  GREATEST SUV FOR YOU MONEY!!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ss5153 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV March 2001, own it for almost 1.5 years now, ABSOLUTELY PERFECT VEHICLE, NO PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER!!! RECENTLY ADDED THE SIDE RUNNING TUBES. LOOKS GREAT!!! BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM MY TOYOTA DEALER!!! JUST NEED A REGULAR OIL CHANGE/ROTATE TIRES EVERY 5K MILES. I THINK ITS BETTER THAN PAYING DOUBLE FOR A BMW X5. SAVES YOU MONEY, NO LUXUARY TAX! AND BEST OF ALL ITS A TOYOTA!

• 

  Toyotas well-kept secret - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ohwise1 - August 8 - 12:23 am

  Had since Feb 07, traded in an 04 Avalon. More aerodynamic design, MPG amazing. City 22-23, mixed 25-26, pure highway 29-31, one passenger. Traction & stability makes quite a handling difference, will never have another car without. No mechanical issues except washer hoses, too. Huge inside yet hardly larger than a Camry outside. A living room on wheels that gets small car MPG!

• 

  Matrix Best Little Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By sandy - August 7 - 11:13 pm

  This car is easy to drive and get into small parking spaces.

• 

  Love it or leave it.......cant decide - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By katahydem - August 7 - 8:32 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 13 years now and still am not tired of it. Id like to get something else - different style vehicle but this car is paying me now. Gas mileage is better than any new car Ive looked at and can still trust its reliability. There have been some problems, sensor issues most often but theyve been manageable. We had some real wheel rust and had it taken care of. My car looks newer and better than a lot of newer cars out there.

• 

  Loving my Hybrid! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Donna D - August 7 - 4:29 pm

  I love the quietness of the engine and the cost savings I am experiencing with my hybrid vehicle. The ride is so smooth and it handles well.

• 

  Glad we bought our 05 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Henri Maroney - August 7 - 10:36 am

  Weve taken our new 05 Prius on a couple of long trips and found it to be economical, dependable, comfortable and fun to drive. We also found it to have enough power to get us up and down mountains without having to slow down. Its a "Keeper" as far as were concerned.