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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  Absolutely no regrets - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bassman21 - December 16 - 8:09 pm

  I spent about 6 months reseaching trucks on the computer read and gathered all the info possible on consumer reviews. About Fords, GM, Dodge, Nission and Toyota. And also talking to friends and my mechanic. I was pointed in only one direction, Tundra! Took a 600 mile trip and got 18.4 MPG highway. Very good for a 5.7. But pulling my bass boat I got 13.5. Dont care going fishing anyway. Just turned 20,000 miles without any problems and still enjoy driving it like the day I picked it up. Take one out for a test drive and Im sure youll be impressed...

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Pepper - December 16 - 4:03 pm

  Great little car. Well built and surprising performance. Lots of room for passengers and luggage. No flaws yet

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  Traded my SUV to the New 2016 Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jessie - December 16 - 5:25 am

  I was skeptical at first trading in my SUV for the new Tacoma because I didnt want to loose the comfort but I needed something that can work as an SUV to fit 5 people comfortable and be able to carry material. The ride is very comfortable, glad I made this change.

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  The best - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By JJ - December 15 - 11:46 pm

  I have had my 08 LE for 2 weeks and it has been great. It has a lot of power, I think it can hit 0-60 in 7 seconds. The fuel economy is great, I average 20 mpg city and up to 28 mpg highway. The seats are very comfy, the dvd screen is clear and the JBL sound system rocks! I recommend it to anyone.

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  Best Car On The Road - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cheryl Susdorf - December 15 - 11:16 pm

  I always wanted to own a 4Runner ever since they came out and now I have one. Its the best purchase Ive ever made. Its more than comfortable and a rating of 10 is not high enough as far as Im concerned. Its so easy to drive, rides well and looks great, what more could you ask for? I will never be without my 4Runner and when this one wears out, whenever that is, Ill buy another one. I have a muscle disease and it is easier for me to get in and out of than a regular "car", which is another plus. I cant think of one improvement I would make.

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  Toyota are good cars - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick Goms - December 15 - 5:48 pm

  Good value for quality

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  I LOVE THIS VAN - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Brandon Kelly - December 15 - 10:19 am

  I have to admit, minivans are a guilty pleasure of mine, I love the versatility and space to do what ever the day calls for, whether its going to the hardware store, using the AWD to get to the slopes, or just carting around the family. The fit and finish is beyond what I would expect for something designed to be destroyed by my four year old. After just over 2000 miles there is not a single rattle, plastic and trim is solid, no cheap stick on chrome that peals off after the first 105 degree day. The feel on the road reminds me more of a well balanced large luxury car than a top heavy minivan. The engine is responsive and capable, the transmission is always there and never searching for the right gear. Brakes could be more aggressive, But are adequate. I have the lowest trim level available with AWD (All Wheel Drive) and am quite pleased with the standard options, Power sliding doors, back up camera, power drivers seat, roof rack. I do wish the vehicle had more USB outlets. The visibility is great, while doing low speed maneuvers in parking lots I am able to account for the whole vehicle, unlike my previous car that could hide a freight train in its blind spot. The interior is easy to arrange, seats are on tracks and the rear row will simply fold into the floor. The turning radius is great and allows for easy parking or U-turns. I wish it got a little better fuel economy, and the armrests on the driver and front passenger seats are too narrow for my liking. As Chili Palmer says, " Its the Cadillac of minivans." Buy this Van you will not regret it.

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  Bought in November 08 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By CalBears - December 15 - 3:03 am

  Car is great, much different than what you would expect when you hear Rav4. Toyota has really refined the vehicle. I have the vehicle with the Leather and Sport appearance package. This package takes the spare tire on the back away and includes run flat tires instead (Looks much better than the other models and new for 2009).

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  Fun, economical and practical - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By dbentley3 - December 14 - 10:33 pm

  At the risk of sounding like all the rest, this car is fun to drive. Its a great car for the practical value- seeker that wants a decent level of extras without settling on an "econo- box". The XR sport package gives it just enough style to stand-out and satisfy the sport-minded. Mind you, the true sports-car enthusiasts arent even looking at this car...this is a car for the person that wants a basic car with a little bit of everything and an emphasis on fuel economy. Ive been getting 34mpg in my 1st 4500 miles on a 70-mile/day commute in mixed traffic conditions.

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  Great Product - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By jimmy - December 14 - 4:53 pm

  I love this car. It is like a fine swiss watch. I am averaging 26 MPG with the 4 cylinder. My car has the trailer towing package. This made it a much stronger vehicle. I had to order the vehicle to get the towing package, but it was worth the wait.