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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  Toyota Solara Converetible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ron Nichols - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and I am truly impressed with this vehicle. It is fun to drive and the build quality is outstanding. My prior vehicle was a Volvo C70 and there is no comparison to quality.

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  Worth the wait - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Poguetx - November 5 - 5:35 am

  It took 5 months and a special order to get the 2016 Tacoma 4 door with the long bed. Apparently that configuration requires a non-standard frame that they told me only about 5% of Tacomas come on. The downside of doing a special order was that they werent willing to haggle on price beyond the standard rebate. My old RAM was showing its age, and I hated the 14mpg. I was actually ready to replace the RAM last year, but everything I had heard about the Tacoma said to wait for the 2016, since it was restyled and had the much more efficient engine. I knew I was giving up a lot of storage space from the RAM, and that Id have to get an external tool box for the Tacoma. That meant getting the long bed, unless you want just 3 1/2 feet of bed space. Anyway, once it arrived, it did deliver the 20mpg on the sticker, so Im pretty well pleased with the truck. I got the mid-range TSS option package, with the larger wheels - it clears the bumps I used to bottom out on with the RAM. I kind of wish Id spent the extra money on the "Limited" options in order to get push button ignition, automatic climate control and head lights, and locking gas cap.

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  All You Need - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - November 5 - 3:40 am

  We are very happy with our choice. The Yaris ended up being exactly what we needed. This car looks tiny but has a bunch of room. A 6-ft, 160 lbs man can sit comfortably in the rear seats. Keep in mind this is an inexpensive economy car. What got that, combined with reliability, quality and somewhat surprising performance. A Toyota will hold its value far better than other competitors in this area (Kia, Hyndai) - except perhaps Honda, which costs quite a bit more.

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  Car Dies in Snow and on Highway - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Cathie - November 4 - 12:33 pm

  People are going to get killed in snow. Ive been stuck twice where both once you go into a skid you have no power to get out of it. It took me 45 minutes to get up a small hill once I skidded. The car loses all power. actually had a cop behind me as I tried to get my car moving so I wouldnt get hit. Dealer said Toyota made it so you cant shut off the Vehicle control Stability for SAFETY REASONS HA! This is dangerous. Ive also had 2 incidents on back to back weekends where my car hesitates, the dash board lights go on and I lose all power. This happened 3 times on the highway and 2x on back road same night. This is a dangerous car and I will be getting rid of it once it is fixed.

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  Amazing Gem of a vehicle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By scott2011 - November 4 - 11:48 am

  I thought I would never be a mini van family. I started out with a excursion for my family of 5-WAY TO THIRSTY and doesnt drive near as fun/GREAT as a Sienna. I drove a 04 Sienna than a 06 absolutely LOVED the way they handled, felt, and drove. I looked high and low for a a 04 or newer in my price range 11K it was not happening then I came across my new 99 Sienna XLE-I had my doubts at 1st. I didnt drive a 99 and with 159K mls??. THE XLE has beautiful leather seats and it still drove like it just came off the show room floor. These Siennas are so remarkable do not short change yourself and settle with competition without driving Sienna first. It is truly a luxury mini above the rest.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Elliot - November 4 - 11:40 am

  Its a great car, love the features, fuel efficient V6, safety features, and overall quality!

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  2001 Highlander Excellent Value - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Johnz - November 4 - 5:06 am

  Most reliable car I have owned. Comfortable. Lots of power for highway driving. Nicely finished.

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  4Runner owners little secret. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SR5 - November 4 - 4:06 am

  Ive never owned a vehicle that has the kick in the pants go-power this SUV has. No, I do not own the V-8 version either. Even with my sometimes Lead Foot I still get an average of 18 mpg. I hated the look of it when it first showed up at the dealers, now Ive taken to it. It will go anywhere my old Explorer would go and more. Just as comfortable and inside everything is put just where ya need it. Great Toyota quality, and dependability too! My only con is the ride could be be smoother, but it is an SUV. (and Im pretty hard on this vehicle.)

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  2005 Camry SE V6 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Denman - November 4 - 1:13 am

  Ive had the car 5 weeks now with about 1300 miles on it and I love it. The 3.3 V6 is an awsome motor, gobs of power and very quiet, smooth and refined, typical Toyota quality. Hardly any road noise, so well insulated, and very smooth ride. A solid well built car.

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  Titanium FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Brian - November 3 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned my FJ for 6 months. Its ugly in a good way. The blind spot is absolutely a problem. By far the best built vehicle I’ve ever owned, the engine is smooth and flawless. I took the entire dash apart and I was entirely impressed with the fit and quality compared to other vehicles I’ve owned and worked (Jeep, GMC, Ford, SAAB and Volvo); none were as well thought out. The FJ rides like a car, cruises easily at highway speeds, has good torque and HP at low RPMs, and is a mule off-road. This is not a family car; the rear seat does not have easy access. The windshield is set far forward you have to lean forward to see the light change. Quality and finish are far beyond the competition.