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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  2 months and 3,500 miles - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By mynewavalon - December 26 - 7:07 am

  Over all we love this car. Roomy sedan front and back with lux finishes. The trunk is smaller than non- hybrid big sedans but very respectable. Actual mileage /per gallon is truly impressive. Our friends with Lexus are envious. The chrome bezel on the dash is a negative when the sunlight hits it just right. Toyota could easily fix that. This car does not offer the softest ride on a bad road, as has been noted. However, we are city drivers with fairly frequent extended long distance freeway trips. Not an issue.

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  camry lover - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Richard Kroger - December 26 - 4:40 am

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  My 21st vehicle - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By capemike - December 26 - 4:36 am

  I buy vehicles more than some people change socks. This is my 21st new vehicle (between me & wife) that Ive purchased. I have owned pretty much every make truck, with Chevy being the worst, and Toyota being the best. This new style Tacoma caught my eye, and after driving one I had to have it. The power of the 6 cylinder is more than sufficient for this truck. The interior is quiet, well organized, and spacious. It is comfortable and well designed. I have found Toyota manufactures a quality vehicle and this truck is no exception. I would definitely reccommend this truck to others.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan - December 25 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Car Ive bought brand new. And I was nervous at first, but after dealing with Toyota and seeing how good of a car the Corolla is I consider myself very lucky to have a Corolla. Its resale is good, doesnt lose much value, and you rarely hear of issues with any Toyota... I recently drove my car on a 3300km trip and after the trip I didnt find myself tired of drivig it. Is a fun car with alot of jump for its size.

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  Poor tire and Nagivation Problems - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Pro. Env. Eng - December 25 - 4:00 pm

  The typical Goodyear Integrity tires are very poor under wet and light snow conditions. My research at Tire Rack confirms my experience. I have decided to install Michelin Primacy MXV4s to increase the safety of driving under all conditions in eastern KS. The navigation suddenly lost its Bluetooth functions on the NAV system screen, no telephone icon anymore.

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  Pro and con list leans to con. - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Gloria Stein - December 25 - 2:15 pm

  Too bad this car is way below my expectations. Shifting is tricky. Controls on drivers side (to lock and unlock doors) not visible in the dark (black on black) and the "map lights" dont light much past center of cabin. The ride is choppy and I hoped a heavier car would ride better than the smaller one I traded in. The high sides of bucket seats make getting in a out a challenge and I opted for an SUV to make it easier. Im stuck - I own the car. Its too early to comment on reliability.

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  Gen 2 Taco is the way to go! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - December 25 - 3:48 am

  A mid-year 2nd Generation Tacoma is the best for stable, reliable technology and comfort. The extra 4" width is a noticeable improvement. I really wanted to avoid the mammoth screen in the center dash too, since this would be an off-roading/ family camping vehicle. The 2010 I bought had a single-din stereo and a two-way radio already installed, in addition to some off-road improvements. Watch out for 3 major recalls in 2nd Gen Tacos: frame rust, rear leaf springs, and air bags... but if those arent needed, these trucks are awesome!

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  I want another one - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By flagstaff434 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Jeep, a Durango, a Suburban a Lexus and a Mercedes (a sedan, not an SUV) and I put this Land Cruiser at the top in quality and value. Nuff Said.............

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  I love my Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Diane Crangle - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any trouble out of my camry. It still looks good except for my front bumper. I had a fender bender and I have been back 3 times just to have my bumper painted because it wont stay on the new bumper. The side mirrors peeled after about 7 or 8 years just on there own but the car stays outside 24/7. I enjoy driving it and I dont want to get rid of it because I am so comfortable and "secure" with it.

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  1995 SR5 V6 2WD - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By daltam69 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Very solid truck with no creaks or rattles at almost 80,000 miles. I love everything about this truck except the fuel economy...I expected anywhere from 16 to 20 miles per gallon (city/hwy) but am only getting 13-14 no matter what type of driving. Hopefully a good tuneup will help, but in any case the truck runs great and has a fairly civilized ride for a tough truck. Id buy a new 4Runner in the future...if they werent so expensive, but this one was worth the money used.