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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  A Well-Built Machine - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By John - May 2 - 10:10 pm

  It was obvious from the first time I drove my 2005 Toyota Tundra that is was soldily built and well engineered. Fit and finish are excellent. The 4.7-liter engine and five- speed transmission are exceptionally responsive at all speed ranges. Acceleration is smart and snappy. Perhaps the best feature of this truck is its smooth, quiet ride. Cornering on the 2005 Tundra is flat and stable, far better than other brands of trucks I have owned. For the most part, the five- speed transmission is smooth, but it does tend to jump rather harshly into a lower gear when ascending hills.

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  A True Statement of Toyota Reliability! - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Daily Driver - May 2 - 9:23 pm

  Though I believe Toyota is the best car brand on the road, I admit I was still a little bit skeptical about buying a 98 with a little over 100,000 miles but this has definitely been one of the best decisions of my life! The thing I love most about my Rav4 is how safe I feel driving it. Especially for those snowy/rainy days in Ohio; the 4wd gives me so much peace of mind! I travel 60 mi/day for school & in the 8 months I have owned it, I have put over 10,000 miles on the car already. So far, the only expenses has been 3 oil changes & 1 pair of windshield wipers. Toyota dependability holds true with this Rav4! I LOVE THIS CAR! & I will never drive anything but a Toyota again.

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  An Excellent Value - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Mathewsv0 - May 2 - 9:00 pm

  I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry CE with the five speed manual transmission and I must say it is truly a pleasure to drive. The clutch has the right amount of travel, the shifting operation is smooth, and the power of the engine is great whether youre driving in the city or on the highway. The fit and finish of the interior is excellent with a lot of shoulder and head room. The seats are also positioned in a way that is very comfortable. In this price range it offers quite a bit. Im only twenty years of age and Im impressed with this car even though it is marketed towards a different crowd.

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  Escalade to Prius V - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By pirate131 - May 2 - 8:54 pm

  Picked up the new car yesterday. So far very pleased. We got the Five with the advanced tech. package, remote start, floor mats, etc. However, this is a big change for me. My Escalade had a 6.0 litre engine with 375 hp. It will take time to adapt to the hybrid. But it wont take any time at all to get used to better fuel economy. Comparatively speaking, Im going to enjoy stopping for gas. The new car is great, fun to drive and handles very well. Iphone tied right into the car. Still need to set up entune. Ill update this review in 30 days.

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  Best Vehicle ever! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brian Petersen - May 2 - 6:59 pm

  I have had my 2008 SR5 V6 for 7 years and it has proven to be the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned. Perfect reliability, useful utility configuration, great comfort, excellent audio system (I use MP3 CDs), and a great looking design. With normal dealer maintenance there have been no problems at all. The only design elements that you need to adapt to are the heat/air buttons, the poorly located power window switches, and the low contrast multi-purpose computer display. I have no trouble with winters in Iowa, and always look forward to driving this sharp looking model. I installed a chrome horse head hood ornament so I could always look between a horses ears as I drive... I like to think of it like riding an ultra-smooth horse.

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  Dependable - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tammy Hunter - May 2 - 4:50 pm

  The vehicle is great, there some small things that I would change, but as far as perfomance and depandabilty it is great!!!!

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  An Avalon fan - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Gene Amerson - May 2 - 4:25 pm

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By stefanieblaine - May 2 - 3:50 pm

  I love my Prius. Could have more luxury features. I get stopped all the time and people tell me its beautiful. Gas mileage is incredible. I pay with a $20 and get change back!!! You get better mileage in city driving than country or highway. I get a new car approximately every two years and cant wait to see what theyve added on my next Prius. Roomy inside and I travel with two children. Trunk space is more than expected. Ride is nice, could be a little smoother. Handles well and doesnt hesitate when turning into traffic. Has great extra features like the rear view mirror auto dim at night and the day/ night mode for the navigational screen. I like the lower emmisions.

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  Mom of 3 loves her new minivan - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Mom of 3 - May 2 - 11:46 am

  Sienna or Odyssey? Its like 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. The two are both excellent, safe minivans, and if you have to have a minivan, either one will serve you well. I traded in a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country for the 08 Sienna because it felt more refined, and was more attractive inside and out than the Odyssey. The Odyssey has a tighter wheel and firmer ride--some call it more sporty. The Siennas steering is looser, so you may not feel as if you have as much control, but you do. The Siennas ride is incredibly smooth, and the turning radius is tight (for a minivan). There is hardly any road noise, and in my Limited there are more features than I know what to do with.

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  Almost perfect. Id buy it again. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve in Alabama - May 2 - 11:16 am

  Mine is PreRunner V6 Quad Cab Longbed. The rails in the bed are perfect for an Extang Black Max Tonneau. Plenty of room and comfort for family and big dog on trip. Longbed perfect for luggage to ladders to tree limbs going to the dump. Best mileage is 23 hwy, but driving fast loaded can get it to 18. No problems of any kind after one year and 15000 miles. I didnt realize it when I bought it, but the LB has a Suburban size wheelbase, and therefore a large turning radius, which makes small spaces tight. Seating is comfortable on long trips and provides good driver support. Im 61" and 190. Vision all around is good. Unless you deal with small parking spaces every day, buy the longbed.