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 Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chantel - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I really liked this truck when i bought it. It was comfortable and easy to travel in. I even went on a rode trip across the USA with 3 of my friends.

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  owner - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Dusten - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Good car overall lacks power when loaded. Perfect commuter car with great gas milleage. Keep it tunned and oil changed and it will stay true to you

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  Very good 4WD wagon - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jesse - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month now and put 2,000 miles on it. I live above the snow line in the Sierra mountains of California. This is the perfect car for my situation. It has good acceleration, handling and comfort for me and my 2 kids. It does great in snow covered roads without cables and feels secure. I drive to the SF bay area once a week to work and the car does wonderful on the highway averaging 29-34. It also cruises real nice at 80 mph and can easily cruise at higher speeds.

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  a nice car but - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By qq - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice car with plenty of room But the tire is too small compare with the huge body. Its like a huge man wear a tiny shoe.

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  This isnt a lexus RX - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By nervoussurgery - March 26 - 9:26 am

  After extensive research, weve ordered a 4X4 limited as our next family vehicle. To sum it up, there is nothing in the market that combines this level of engineering, reliability, reasonable refint, indestructability and versatility as the 4runner.No, it does not drive like the MDX or the FX35. No, it does not pamper you like the RX or the RR. But if you live in snow and deer country, and need a vehicle that can do and survive anything...this is it. For 40 grand (huge dealer discounts on a gas hog that no one wants), you get keyless entry, navigation, bluetooth, backup camera, heated leather seats...all wrapped inside the strongest body-on-frame design in its class. Deer zero, 4Runner one.

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  Great commuter car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Maine driver - March 25 - 1:30 am

  I purchased my Prius new during the warm weather in Maine. Gas mileage is great in temps above 50 degrees, especially on the winding hilly back roads of Maine (50 mpg). During short trips in winter it drops to 30 mpg. Original tires are quiet and help gas mileage but lasted 21K. I chose to go with a different but harder tire-which should last longer but has SIGNIFICANTLY decreased gas mileage to 30-45 mpg. Highway driving averages 42-43 mpg but this auto is very light weight and stability is compromised when driving in windy conditions or when speed reaches above 80mph. The cost to maintain this auto is above average.

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  good car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By bryan p - March 24 - 7:36 pm

  I have had this car since 2001, and it has not let me down yet. Gas mileage is off the charts. That is great now with these soaring gas prices. I would get this Echo if your looking for reliable car with great gas mileage

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  A Great Commuter - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - March 23 - 3:23 pm

  Ive had my 08 Yaris hatchback for two weeks now, and I am loving it. Mine came with 17" mags and wider tires, so my mileage is a little lower; but I did get 35 MPG out of my last tank with mostly highway driving. The car drives nice and is fun, but certain things should come standard and not options, such as power windows and locks. Plus, the numerous gloveboxes should have lights and locks. Otherwise, it is a great commuter car and even with the auto transmission, it has pep! The AC saps some of that as well as gas; but with such a small engine (1.5L) it is to be expected. Filling the tank for $20 is really nice!

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  The new stepside - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By DonK - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This truck is my first new vehicle and I looked at everything first. After a test drive, I was hooked on the tundra. It performed well, looked great, was very comfy, and had all the options I wanted with nothing I didnt. I couldnt get that in a Ford (I couldnt even get the off road package in green on a Ford).

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  2015 toyota camry le - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By captaint91 - March 22 - 4:17 am

  purchased new in December 2015. Car is the base model LE in attitude black with the Black tinted windows. Car is roomy and super comfy. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The 2.5 liter is strong but certainly not fast. It is quiet and we have averaged about 29 mpg. The base entune audio is more than adequate but do miss the low end sound only a sub can reproduce. Wind noise at hiway speeds on drivers side was unexpected but it is apparent. Thats my only complaint thus far.