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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  So Far so Good - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Michael T - November 29 - 2:36 am

  I bought this truck to replace a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. I went with the TRD package because I love the look. I drive 90 miles a day so comfort and reliability are also very important. After reading several reviews I went with the 5.7L V8 and man am I glad. This truck is pure fun. The ride is smooth and comfortable. My wife doesnt want to drive her Expedition anymore! Im not a big truck guy but this thing is perfect for people looking for the convenience of a truck and the ride of a car. The truck is big so people need to be aware that parking can be tight. With that said all I can say is, Toyota did it once again. Great job!

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  Awesome Truck - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By Peterj6 - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a truck ever since I traded in my trusty 2004 Ranger a couple of years ago. I needed something that would get reasonable mileage and room for 4 adults. This truck nailed it. Was concerned about the seat from prior reviews. I am ok with height but did not feel comfortable until a couple weeks in. What blows me away most is that this truck handles like a car even with the longer bed. Love the XM for rural drives in the Northeast for work. More storage than I will ever need and it is beautifully styled. Mileage is about 17-18 mixed which is pretty good given that I am a lead foot. Only gripe is that for $30K this should have heated mirrors. Even my basic Ranger had that.

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  One Cute Ute! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By PhredFan - November 28 - 9:30 pm

  Love the style! Of all the cars Ive owned (7) this one is the most FUN to drive. Remote no longer opens the drivers door - a pain. The ride is surely not as smooth as my Camry, but I love this Cute Ute! Im looking to buy one for my mom because its a great size, has great visibility, and its FUN.

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  Im home again! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota man since 77 - November 28 - 8:06 pm

  I ventured from Toyota in 2006 to a Kia Sportage EX V6 AWD w/leather. Nice, but just not the overall quality/style of Toyota, not good mpg, strange shifting pattern in AT. I asked myself what Id want to see in the driveway 5 years down the road. So, I got my RAV4. When I get behind the wheel, Im at peace. Its more solid, handles better, and Im getting about 24-25 mpg combined so far. The quality and value will always be there, and the RAV4 will far outlast any 10 yr. 100k warranty others offer, and without problems. I opted for the 4 cyl., but see the V6 is rated higher MPG??? Ill believe it when I see it. The 4 cyl. has ample power without gulping down your paycheck in gas.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By bpetz5 - November 28 - 5:50 pm

  I have driven the car for about 550 miles. The first tank I filled up with I got 54.5 miles to the gallon! The display says that I am getting close to 57 mpg on this tank full. It is sort of a game to see how good gas mileage you can get, by coasting to stop lights and accelerating a little less from stops. Have had a lot of compliments on the car. Styling is improved from past model. I got the blizzard pearl paint job, and it looks awesome in the sunlight, also easier to keep clean than some other color choices. I chose the II model, because I didnt need the 6 CD player or the bluetooth for an additional $1,000.

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  Zero to Sixty in 43 MPG - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By centerstrip - November 28 - 9:27 am

  I love my Prius V! What other wagon would get you 43 mpg with this amount of cargo space. My family of four fit perfectly in it, that we rarely use or Sienna (which we also love). The car is slow, but that it is because I drive it slow. I am more aware of my driving and I would say that Im a safer driver now. From a stop, I will accelerate quickly to the speed limit and then keep a light foot to keep the speed. I dont race to stop signs or red lights, I coast to them. In traffic, I dont accelerate fast to catch up to the person in front of me, but I slowly accelerate to them. When I put the car in cruise control at 70mph, it shows that I get 40+ mpg. Its like learning how to drive again. Im a quarter way through my second tank of gas at mile 650. My first tank averaged 42 mpg, my current tank is averaging 46mpg. My brother has a 2006 Prius with 300k+ miles, so I hope this one will go beyond that.

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  8 passenger Sienna LE - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Brian - November 27 - 8:10 pm

  Smooth car like ride. Smart interior design. Child car seat attachment easy. "Space Age" instrument cluster. Simple controls. Middle second row seat not easy to transition forward.

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  Dont ingore the car cause its a corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike Roman - November 27 - 7:56 pm

  I was looking at getting a second hand luxury car but wasnt thrilled about the insurance costs, mileage to the gallon, and the lack of warranties. The older Corollas are not for me. Im 25 years old, had to make a smart purchase but still an eye candy, fun to drive car. The XRS 2009 is amazing in every aspect, and there arent that many out there, so yours will stand out more. Bottom line a Corolla hater (2008 and earlier) is now a Corolla lover. Test drove a dozen new cars, XRS wins by landslide!!

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  Wow factor in the family SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By SuburbiaMom - November 27 - 8:40 am

  Just got the Sequoia last weekend and Im wondering why it took us so long to find the perfect family SUV. We had an 03 Expedition that was acting up. Figure wed give Toyota a try since big Ford has let us down on what was suppose to be our 10 year SUV. For being a full size SUV, this machine drives like a car. Suspension is much nicer and acceleration is super smooth. I never thought Id ever switch to a Japanese SUV for fear that its not roomy enough for my family but Im sure glad now. Definitely made the right decision. The design is well thought out for families that need to drive 3 kids in car seats. Love the fact that the 2nd row slides forward for easier access to 3rd row.

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  Fear of Gas Pump Gone!!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lesleigh Tolin - November 27 - 7:20 am

  Im a professional woman in the healthcare field who currently has to commute 60+ miles for patient and office visits...Ive owned my Prius for a month. As a "directionally challenged" woman Im now delighted with the direction from my GPS!! The gas milage is ... awesome: between 40-53 mpg. Its wonderful to no longer "feed" my auto more than my personal grocery bill!!! The Prius provides a smooth ride and is much larger in the interior than it appears.