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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  Sienna Tight on Leg Room - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Jim Martin - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Great looking van. Reliable and well constructed. Biggest problem is lack of leg room for long legged driver. Even with power seats, leg room is cramped. Difficult for tall drivers on long trips.

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  Bought one... wish I didnt - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By outnumbered - February 1 - 6:00 am

  Although it has a lot of positive aspects, its what comes up short that makes all the difference! Front seats dont go back far enough. If you are 6 tall the angle of the seats cause upper leg discomfort on long drives. Dash display failed in the 1st year & dealer said "the lights are on" but the display WAS broken. It took 4 trips before they admitted a problem existed. Mileage is good in the city, but no better than std Highlander on the hwy. Very disappointing! Navigation system is a very low-end unit (they charge for a top of the line unit). The display is dull like a low resolution monitor. Interior lights cannot be adjusted separate from dash lights-BAD.

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  Prius is Good - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By B. Whitcomb - January 31 - 5:16 pm

  Excellent acceleration - achieved 50.4 MPG from Philly to NYC. Average in first year combined 44 mpg. Quiet comfortable in passenger seat. Technology state of the art with keyless start, mpg, back up camera.

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  Great for the casual truck user. - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By jrliegl - January 31 - 3:43 pm

  I am a casual truck user, meaning I do haul trailers, dirt bikes, quads, mulch, and the occasional camper. It stands up to every task I ask of it, and it takes me to and from work daily as well. The camper shell on the back smoothes out the truck feel of the empty bed. Its just enough weight to make it go down the road very comfortably full or empty.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Don - January 31 - 3:36 pm

  Great car 4x2 model, gets 26 mpg hwy about 23-24 in town. I have had it since new now with 32k miles. Absolutely no problems. If I were to pick one negative issue if would be slightly underpowered with a.c on when in hilly areas. This is my 4th Toyota, i.e tacoma, tundra, yaris, all good vehicles. Paint on all Japenese cars is excellent. Try one, you will be happy.

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  Sienna 2001 - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Rami Kyrollos - January 31 - 6:23 am

  No problem so far. Good mileage on the highway. captain chair and rear chairs very heavy to remove.

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  A mpg giant - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By what fun! - January 30 - 7:56 pm

  I have had my camry hybrid for better then one month. Previously owned a Prius. The camry is a fun car to drive for 2 reasons and perhaps others. #1 it is a comfortable car and #2. the mpg can easily top 40 mpg. I have learned that coasting is real helpful to achieve that mpg number and being careful with the accelerator pedal as well. My goal is to see if I can get better than 40 mpg and will do it.

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  Dependability - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Extra Cab V6 - January 30 - 12:20 pm

  Vehicle gave adequate warning when something needed repair. Do not like belt drive for camshafts and water pump.Both require replacement at 60000 miles.

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  Good car, but some concerns - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ubermunch - January 29 - 8:00 pm

  Good car, but the first one we got had a huge flaw in the mounting of the drivers side door which cause water to come into the car. Car was swapped for a duplicate model and weve been happy so far. Check the door for fit. Car drives very well but dont expect sporty speed or cornering - its not that kind of car. Interior is well designed except for crummy cupholders. Love the aux jack and its location. Multifunction display is actually useful. Roof operates well but the lack of independent control for the rear windows is odd and annoying. Roof quality is excellent but the blind spot is larger than my previous convertibles. Overall: B+ to A-

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  A Great Car for the Individualist - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Herb - January 29 - 7:13 pm

  The convertible is generally wonderful; great ergonomics, unique style quiet interior, and great ride.