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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  One Month Review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By RFXJM - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The V6 engine is much more powerful than I thought. It rides nice; looks nice. Fuel economy 18.9 and 20.7 on the first 2 tanks of gas. Only thing wrong-the passenger seat is not very comfortable. Other than that, I love it!

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  190K and still running great - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By clloyd - August 23 - 1:26 am

  I bought this pickup used and have put 160K on it. Ive replaced the U joints- the only thing ever done over routine maintenance. I live in the country, lots of hauling and dirt roads. I love this truck and will never be without a Toyota!

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  40+ mpg on average in MI - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cosworth - August 22 - 8:26 pm

  I bought the car as a commuter, and its been a great gas-sipping machine. On average, I average 40-42mpg on my commute (90% hwy/ 10% city). Its definitely not as fun as a Civic or Mazda 3, but gas mileage makes up for it. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a no-hassle commuter car that gets just as good, if not better, gas mileage as most hybrids in the market.

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  Great Value - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce Bowen - August 22 - 6:03 am

  I bought my access cab with a 4 cylinder and automatic three months ago and have 3k miles. I was a bit concerned about the four cylinder and automatic as far as power is concerned but it runs great, has enough power for what I use it for - commuting and occasionally going to the dump and towing a light trailer. This truck is bigger than my old 91 Mazda pickup, has a bigger engine, carries more, is quieter, more comfortable and still averages 22 mph in everyday use! Toyotas may cost a bit more but they are reliable and hold their value. The old saying is true - you get what you pay for.

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  RAV4 SPORT, awesome value, just a glitch - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By gar7 - August 20 - 12:54 am

  Check engine light issue, will be covered by warranty. Excellent ride and handling for the SPORT model ! Does exactly what it says it will !! Handles corners well, hugs the road and toes not tilt in the curves.

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  96 Avalon, nice but boring - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By qwalls - August 19 - 3:10 pm

  I bought the car for my wife in 99 with 36k miles. It now has 168k miles. The car was flawless until 150k miles when it needed a new power steering pump and rack to the tune of $1700. Its now my "bad weather" car since my wife got a 2004 Sienna. The car has a lot of room, and is reasonably comfortable. Performance and gas mileage are good for the size. Handling is adequate for the type of car it is, but nothing to get excited about. I tend to prefer Hondas while my wife prefers Toyotas, but both are great cars.

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  Not as good as I thought - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By chad_sheph - August 19 - 3:18 am

  Wife pretty much had her hart set on this car so not much I can do. Here is my comment... * front grill - omg so ugly. I would pay to get it modified. * ride is good for driver. but all my friend and kids complain it is very uncomfortable. feel every bump * noise - road noise appear to be loud. wish we had notice it during test drive. * performance - not as peppy as the accord.

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  first 4 wheel drive - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By mag red - August 18 - 3:53 pm

  Good solid body. big change from from 2000 Tahoe. Lack of power adjustable passenger seat serious mistake--would not buy another toyota without one. Inconceivable at 40000$ that this item was missing. Some wind noise - removed crossbars on roof rack - only slight reduction in wind noise.

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  first 4 wheel drive - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By mag red - August 18 - 12:33 pm

  Good solid body. Big change from from2000 Tahoe. Lack of power adjustable passenger seat serious mistake--would not buy another toyota without one. Iinconceivable at 40000$ that this item was missing. Some wind noise- removed crossbars on roof rack-had to get factory to pay. Dealer would not. Poor sales experience at dealership. Removing crossbar only slight reduction in wind noise.

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  The Good and The Bad - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By BillT - August 18 - 6:56 am

  The car is saving me plenty of money. I am a moderately aggressive driver, but with conscious throttle application, the car has been achieving 36-39mpg over 6000 miles. The car is very spacious and comfortable for 4 people. The car is fully loaded, and as such it has all the amenities that I could want. The navigation is easy to use and follow, although it needs an update. The JBL sound system is truly amazing, although it does cause a few rattles in the car. Bluetooth is great and easy to use. The acceleration is more than adequate, although a little more oomph and less drone from the CVT would be nice. The handling is not sporty AT ALL, but the ride is very smooth and ultra quiet.