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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  Like, but not Love, my XLE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Josh - June 2 - 11:10 pm

  Very quiet, comfortable car. Toyotas auto-climate system is the best. It always knows exactly what to do. Very reliable, never had any problems with it. I dont especially love the cars handling because my former car was a Passat, but the Camry is an excellent car overall. The front end seems a little heavy for a 4cyl, which makes it lean more than it should in curves/corners. It does a good job of reminding me its not a sports sedan. The seats are extremely comfortable for long trips. Get a spoiler..it really dresses the car up.

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  Great Truck if you dont plan on pulling. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By shackmaster - June 2 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had Toyota before and this is no different. Great quality, good ride, etc. BUT, the trailer pulling capacity is by no means what the manufacturer says which is 7000lb. Pulling a 6000 lb trailer with OD off will cause the tranny to work some serious overtime. Suggest dont pull anything more than 5000 lb MAX and thats with a small set of tires and preferrable 2wd. Other than that its a great truck.

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  VERY GOOD VALUE - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By kenbowls - June 2 - 12:50 pm

  Have 2.4 l 4 cylinder and very little problems, Radio replaced in 1st year, tires at 30,000 miles, but otherwise, have 42,000 miles on it and love it, Hauls a lot with back seats folded down, 8 chairs, furniture business and a handy hauler for small loads.

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  Amazing little truck - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By Greg Stevens - June 2 - 11:56 am

  I love this little truck. It has never left me stranded. I pull a 12 foot trailer for a business and load up the bed and it still does great. In the 1 1/2 years I have had it I have only had to routine maintenance. Oil changes, change belts. I get in the lower 20s in Gas mileage on the freeway and about 15 when towing. It is a great highway cruiser. I can cruise at 95 and its as smooth as can be. Its such a blessing to have a reliable vehicle.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE my truck....but.... - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Wentz Family - June 2 - 7:00 am

  I have owned my 2002 sequoia now for 4 years and have only replaced tires. It is an amazing vehicle. When my husband and I were looking, a big issue with us is comfort. We are both tall and have small children and didnt want them kicking us every time drove in it. Unfortunately at this time my kids are getting a little big and we are looking to down size. But if you are looking for a reliable roomy SUV you cant go wrong with this sequoia.

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  Like a crossover wagon with great fuel economy - 2014 Toyota Prius v
  By Bill S - June 2 - 5:53 am

  Its no hot rod but the Prius V is a great alternative to the crossover vehicle class if you want to get the best combination of versatility, cargo space and great fuel economy. I really like how this vehicle looks and performs. The seats are very comfortable on long trips, with ample height and leg room both front and rear. Outside visibility is excellent, and the rear view camera is also a plus. The ride is smooth as glass and quiet, even at 80 mph on the highway. I am getting between 44 - 46 mpg around town and 41 on the highways in my locale, which is hilly. Interior is nothing fancy but of good quality and well put together. Climate controls and the entune audio and navigation system have a bit of a learning curve but seem intuitive enough once you figure them out. This car is well engineered. Very glad I bought it.

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  For sale - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Baker, Gwendolyn - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has great handling, comfy, very well built, and fun to drive. To bad i have to sell it.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By COCO - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car for the commuters. Better than average mileage and very confortable to drive. BUT if you are thinking to drive up to mountains, this is NOT the one to buy. Matrix isnt powerful enough to go up to the Rocky Mountains, I am telling you. However, it has good enough power for comuters. 90 MPH...no problems!

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  rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By henry ford nickos - June 1 - 10:00 am

  good car to drive, fun and nice, but too weak, good mileage is a plus

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  Great but rattles - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ideaphoria - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I am in shock that toyota would sell a car that has rattling problems and would take so long to admit the problems and fix them. Its a great minivan, unexpectedly good mileage, excellent handling and pickup, really a great design. But some of the materials are really cheap (plastic stuff) and the doors and second row passenger side seat rattle to no end. Perhaps toyota will fix it - if they dont Im going to go crazy for spending $32k on a car that has rattles at 4000 miles.