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:

• 

  05 Taco DC-LB 4x4 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By 05taco - February 23 - 10:33 pm

  Two simple words: Phenomenal truck! This is the second Tacoma Ive owned since 97. This truck has been 100% reliable in the MN winters. 25 below or 12 inches of snow will not slow this truck down. Ive owned other trucks that were cheaper in price, but with the Tacoma you get what you pay for. Compared to other mid-size (or full-size) trucks, its a great value. 100K miles and just broken in!

• 

  Works great for me - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By edgy - February 23 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had the yaris for 4 months and 6,500 miles, great car but Im a Toyota owner for many years. Yaris replaced my echo that also had the 1.5 engine. Retired the echo with 200,000 miles with original battery, water pump, alternator. I feel the yaris will out do the echo. The mileage is great, highway average approx 44.5. Love this car, strong a/c which was always a problem with the echo

• 

  True to its reputation! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jgonzalez - February 23 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned several toyotas in my life and have always regretted selling them. One of my major disappointments was getting rid of my 1989 Toyota 4Runner as it was truly a work horse with great fuel efficiency. The 4 cyclinder engine pulled my boat and got me out of soft sand countless times. Unfortunately, I thought that having a family would mean that I wouldnt need this type of vehicle - wrong! I purchased a 2004 Toyota 4Runner V6 Sports Edition and have been amazed with its smooth ride. It is definitely much better than my previous love - 89 Toyota 4Runner. In two short years I have put over 66,000 miles and have yet to hear the brakes squeak. Gas mileage is 20 mpg!

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kurt - February 23 - 12:16 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a new crossover SUV and it came down to the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. We just bought it last weekend. I chose the Toyota because my previous experiences with their vehicles have been very positive, and I perceived the Toyota to be a better value. The looks are stunning, it rides like a Lexus, and the build quality is superior to the Fords. If you drive her easy, you can easily get 25 mpg city/highway (not bad for a 270 hp, 5000 lb vehicle). We also needed something that would last us 10 years or more, so I gravitated towards the Toyota.

• 

  Fun Car to Drive - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Ron Asteak - February 23 - 2:20 am

  My 2001 Toyota Mr2 Spyder has been a pleasure to own. It handles great in all conditions. This is truly a thrilling car to drive with the top down. The engine is peppy and it shifts like a dream. The ride is stiff and bumpy but I still love it!

• 

  avalon touring review - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By suzanne collins - February 22 - 10:06 pm

  the touring is easy to drive, comfortable and eye appealing. The gas mileage is very good. This car is fun to drive.

• 

  LOVE IT - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By mreyes6868 - February 22 - 5:07 pm

  It came time to get a new car and we wanted a bigger one but also wanted good mpg. The accord was nice but the 2012 body style was old. Then we saw the new 2012 camry so we went to test drive it and fell in love. We got the SE which makes the car look and feel very sporty but isnt too pricey. It is by far the best vehicle in its class. I am very happy with the decision I made about buying the camry. It now has almost 12k miles and the mpg is great. I took it on a road trip and after several hours of driving i averaged 44mpg!! On my daily commute it averages 27-32 combined. The interior of the camry does not look or feel cheap at all and is very nice with the mid screen and the sporty seats.

• 

  Excellent Car with Great Technology! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By amerosola - February 22 - 4:36 pm

  I drive 100 miles a day, and I love watching to see what I am getting for MPG as I go. I also love all the high tech features that this car came with. I considered the Audi A3 first (I wanted a hatchback) but to get all the options I have now in the Audi I would have had to have spent $10K more. Not worth it for a little more wow factor and fun driving. I also love feeling so green.

• 

  New Prius a BIG Winner! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jim tuck - February 22 - 11:20 am

  You really want to buy it. The 2016 redesign makes it one of the best looking car on the road. It is a first class improvement over the old style. GAS MILAGE EXCEEDS THEIR ESTIMATES. I get 59/60 without trying. (They rate it at 54.)

• 

  Its Easy to be Green! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mikey1951 - February 22 - 9:46 am

  Bought the car just before the hurricanes of 05, so great timing on our part and a stroke of luck. The car immediately did pretty heave road duty ferrying our son to travel soccer tournaments and games...most out-of- state or on the other side of the state. Love it! Rides well, road noise is minimal, has a bigger interior feel than our Mercury Sable, great mileage. Head room is great, cargo capacity is fine, good visibility.