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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  I love my car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By elf08 - February 2 - 8:46 pm

  Ive wanted a Matrix ever since they came out, and I got my wish this year!! It is everything I expected it to be, and I am very happy w/ it. It runs great, gets good gas mileage, its adorable and its so fun to drive. Ive gotten a lot of compliments on the looks of it.

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  Lifesaver car - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By clarkcastle - February 2 - 9:46 am

  I had the car for 10 years. 270k miles. We were just in a rollover accident on hwy, doing 70 mph. The whole family was in the car, we all walked away unharmed. GREAT car, comfortable, and it saved our lives. It was like losing a member of the family.

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  Its a Truck, not a Passenger Sedan - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Matt Rowe - February 2 - 8:11 am

  Great for small families if this is an everyday driver like mine. Averages about 16 mpg and is not the most comfortable long distance ride, but then I bought mine for camping, hauling, and trail riding. I haul firewood and construction materials on the non-standard Gobi roof rack. This vehicle is a beast! I even used it to drag thousand-plus pound tree trunks around when I cleared some woods for a home site. Awesome in the deep sand with the right tires and inflation level. If you want something better than a Jeep CJ, then this is the vehicle for you. If you are looking for a luxury status symbol truck, buy something else. This one is for sport and work.

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  Great Little SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Buckey - February 2 - 6:56 am

  WE use this for long trips some times in snow country. Its comfortable to drive and has a positive feel on the road. Lots of places to store gear etc. I wish the rear seat would lay flat when down and a little chrome on the grillwork would perk it up. I cant believe Im driving a 4 cyl. (except at the gas pump) its great. I use it for hunting and pull a loaded trailer with ATV and lots of gear and hardly know its there. The getting in and out height is just right (Im no spring chicken} the rear loading height is great too. Ride and handling is good also.

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  Happy with Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By imnaha - February 1 - 6:40 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle about one month, but so far Im pleased. My waiting period was about one month, and I paid sticker price. One bonus is that Oregon has a $1500 tax credit for purchasing a hybrid. As expected, the EPA mileage estimates are too high, but Ive been achieving around 47 MPG in mixed driving that includes occasional use of the A/C or heater. Of course, Im being careful not to drive agressively. I managed an overall mileage of 52 MPG last week. The car has adequate power for mountainous driving or heavy traffic. Some complain that the car is "ugly" or isnt powerful enough. This isnt an SUV, folks. Its a wonderful car thats designed to cut fuel and pollution.

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  2017 Tundra 1794 Edition - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - February 1 - 5:48 pm

  I had previously driven a 2007 Tundra SR5, which I had purchased in 09. Its why I bought a 2017. I studied, as I do with all big purchases for a couple of years. In reading the reviews online, I agree with the "cons". We all know they dont get great gas mileage, and Ive owned this truck, with 1500 miles on it, for a little over a month, and right now, the computer shows 15.9 mph. Having said that, most of my driving is 60 mph on the highway. And I also know a couple of new Tundra owners who are getting in the 13-14 range. If my computer is correct, Im doing a little better. The other "cons" in reviews are slow braking, and I knew that going in. They are heavy trucks (5900 lbs) if Im not mistaken. My old Tundra had the 4.6 engine and the 5.7 is a hoss compared to that one, though for my purposes, I never had an issue with the 4.6....just wanted more, and I got it. One of the other knocks is a less responsive steering, but its never bothered me as I dont drive Fords or Chevys anymore, though I drove Chevy for 30 years prior to 09. Now for the "pros".......the interior of the 1794 is said to be comparable to the Lexus, and I believe it. The leather is beautiful and this thing has every gadget available as the 1794 is a "Platinum" with a unique interior. Ive heard it said that competitors offer more stuff, but to be honest, it will take me 10 years to learn how to operate everything on this one. The 1794 does have directional signals in the mirrors and one of my favorite safety options, the blind spot indicator in the mirrors, which I now rely on. The interior (save the inside cargo space) is larger than my wifes Chevy Tahoe. Far and away the roomiest truck out there. And with the long wheelbase, on the highway you get a ride like a very nice car. This truck is 4WD, and the suspension is stiffer than my 2WD 07 Tundra, but on the highway, theres no comparison. Both smooth riding trucks however. As the guys Ive worked with and I share truck information liberally, theyve been surprised at the price of this truck compared to say a comparable Ford "King Ranch". It s large pickup that drives and rides like a large pickup, and if you consider that going in, you really cant go wrong with a Tundra.

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  Prius is a good car choice! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By richardbckr - February 1 - 5:30 pm

  I practically live in my vehicle during the week as I drive quite a bit as a part of my job. Having driving a Honda Insight for a year and being very happy with its performance I looked a the Prius for better comfort and I must say I got it. While gas mileage is not as good (at about 53 avg) as the Insight (60.5 avg)I have been very pleased with the smooth and quiet ride. The many accessories like Blue Tooth for my cell phone, iPod speaker connnection, and excellent stereo system performance have met all my exacting expectations. The Touring Edition suspension and beefy tires have performed well for this tall car by keeping it flat when negotiating the tight turns on the roads I travel.

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  Toyota 4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pat - February 1 - 5:16 am

  This is the best SUV I have ever owned. Its sleek, stylish, and the most comfortable vehicle. It has so many standard features that I am still trying to figure them out. I did a lot of research on this and other SUVs prior to making my decision. This SUV is by far the one that stood out the most. I read a lot of reviews and I did not find any that said this SUV was not a good buy. I have never regretted purchasing this SUV.

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  Great Car, Simply the best for the Money - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By ledchp16 - February 1 - 1:13 am

  The car is wonderful. Its interior space is simply the best-in-class with excellent matterials and ergonomic design. The ride can be a little floaty, but is never harsh and uncomfortable, which is exactly what you should be looking for in a lux sedan. I have come to calling this car a poor mans Maybach. I say this because of the extraordinarily generous rear legroom, you might rather be a rear passenger than the driver!

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  My new Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By merrel - January 31 - 9:03 am

  Special ordered- Waited 45 days to include passenger seat with power & lumbar. Traded in 06 RX330 Lexus with no regrets. Added a $400 2pc chrome mesh grille from California. Do miss memory seats and rain sensors. Great ride, quality built. Hood stays up with a stick (ugh!) Very happy.