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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  Nice ride - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By wally - May 3 - 5:06 am

  Exceptional vehicle, V8, good mileage and performance. comfortable, smooth, quiet.

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  Very nice truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Homer - May 3 - 4:46 am

  My first toyota, and probably not my last. Quiet and smooth on the highway, compared to my old Silverado LT Z71. Ample acceleration, fuel economy isnt as advertised, but whos is?

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  Favorite car yet - highly recommend it! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By MarleneB - May 3 - 3:56 am

  Cant say enough good things about this car. If youre short, this car will fit you very well - no longer have to have steering wheel in my chest to reach pedals. My husband wanted me to buy one with extra (6 total) airbags but they werent available in L.A. area. Fleet Mgr. found one from Oxnard area. In that pkg I got nicer wheel covers, moon/sun roof, 5 CD changer and the extra airbags. I think my stereo rocks. Maybe I got a better one? Used the car to move things out of my moms estate. I have picked up materials for kitchen remodel. Have averaged 30 mpg in heavy traffic & city driving. Im sure Id get 40+ on long drives. When necessary I can punch it and get the power I need.

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  The best 4WD Truck I ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Captaincop - May 3 - 2:06 am

  I looked around a lot before I bought my Tacoma. I had Chevys and GMCs, too! I had three Dodges. This is the best overall truck I have ever owned. The pickup of the v6 is great. My fuel economy is getting better (18.5) as of 1,000 mile mark. The quality of the paint, interior, all around looks is overwhelming compared to some other car company models. This Tacoma is nice to drive and comfortable too! It just looks good. Indigo Ink Blue! 6 CDs in radio is great. The sound of the radio is real quality.

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By RT - May 3 - 12:50 am

  Being my first car, I first decided on buying the Yaris for its great price, cute looks and awesome mileage. I drive ~26 miles/day and have been averaging 36mpg. The acceleration is a little sluggish while raising from 0-20 but after that no complaints! It took me a day to get used to the centered dashboard, but now..I like this better that the conventional behind-the-steering placing. I feel that this way, my eyes are not completely off the road while glancing at the speedometer.

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  Second Taco - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By JDog - May 3 - 12:02 am

  Having owned a 2012 Tacoma, I enjoy the 2016 so much more. I waited 3 months to get it, and it was worth the wait. I have no complaints except the funky transmission programming that seems to default to a lower gear at the slightest of inclines or headwind. I have noticed that it doesnt (or need to) downshift nearly as much if you dont use cruise control under those conditions. The truck moves when you put your foot on it, and it doesnt sound strained doing so. Im optimistic Toyota comes out with some improved transmission programming soon. Overall, I find it comfortable, and I enjoy the upgraded JBL system. The Taco looks awesome, and I dont see one like it at every street corner like the Big 3s trucks. Other than the tranny programming, I love it!

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  My First New Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kelly - May 2 - 1:13 pm

  Waited 44 years to get my 1st new vehicle & after driving a 93 Reg Cab 4x4 the last 5 years... couldnt have made a better choice. 19/23 mpg lol, I averaged 25.2 MPG the 1st 2 tanks of gas (87 octane). Im 6-1, 210# and I cant believe the interior room. Only gripe I have is if I put my left elbow on the door rest to "push myself up" in the seat, it collapses & dimples in, very cheaply made. Not crazy about the Dun-rock tires (old tire salesman). A set of Michelins or Bridgestone Alenzas woulda been nice for the full size truck price I paid. Other than that, I love this truck and have NO regrets.

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  Pleasant Compromise - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rod - May 2 - 12:36 pm

  Overall quality of 4Runner is great. After 1K miles, gas mileage with mixed driving, mostly side roads is 19.5 to 20.2 MPG. Gas mileage on road trip, mostly turnpike, averaging 75 to 80 mph, was 19.2 MPG. Ride is smooth but has a slight truck bounce when driving over concrete washboard sections of highway. Visibility great. Hauled an interior 80" door in the cargo area. Have 72" or so clearance in cargo area after folding 2nd row seats flat.

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  Love for life - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runner4life - May 2 - 7:36 am

  So far, so good!! This is the most comfortable SUV I have ever been in. I love the ride. It doesnt feel like a truck anymore. I take mine off- roading, on the highway, and grocery- grabbing. The rear window roll down access is great. When I out of the store with a couple of bags of groceries, I hit the key fob button to drop the window, walk up, and deposit the bags into the back without setting the bags down to open a door!! As far as I am aware, this is the only SUV to have this. The rest flip up, etc.

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  I wish I had It Back - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By happywiththetoy - May 2 - 2:10 am

  My Toyota was one of the safest on the highway. Involved in a major accident on 1/23/09. If I had been driving many other vehicles I would not be alive to write this review! Unfortunately, my Toyota was totaled, but I was not. I enjoyed just about everything about my 4Runner. I just wish I had it back. Dont know that Ill ever be able to replace it.