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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  Toyota is the best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Fardarter - April 25 - 6:46 am

  There was no need for me to purchase a car of this class. While I enjoy driving powerful, well-built, new cars, a smaller car, like the Corolla or a Honda Civic would have served me just fine. The Camry, however, not only has an elegant and attractive design. It holds the road magnificently. Having learned how to drive in Italy, I have chosen the manual 5-speed model, which turned out to be economically wise. Having full control of the gear shift, I make up to 38 miles with a gallon on the highway and never less than 30 in city driving. The engine is poweful and the vehicle has the right weight for its length and width. Its stability is enviable even on rainy roads.

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  Paint issues - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By strich2 - April 24 - 1:31 pm

  I purchased a 2015 SR5 4x4 double cab less than 3 weeks ago. I have approximately 1,200 miles on the vehicle. I even had the optional body guard installed for $785. Due to cold weather I have been unable to wash the vehicle until today. When I was finished washing the vehicle I noticed the paint already started to bubble around the bottom six inches of all four doors, both rear quarter panels, both front quarter panels and inside the bottom edge of the front door panels. No matter what the cause, this is ridiculous for a vehicle with 1,200 miles to have paint issues.

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  2008 Toyota Tundra Grade 4dr Double Cab LB (4.7L 8cyl 5A) - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Great White - April 24 - 4:23 am

  A very well built truck. Comfortable suspension with the necessary power to get the job done. Advice: test drive both the 5.7 vs. 4.7 and you decide the perfect HP needed for your lifestyle. Im satified with my 4.7 with a tow package and it carries the ponies! Yet if cost is not an issue 5.7 is the best choice.

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  Still in good shape!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lori Atkins - April 22 - 8:10 pm

  Well, its true what they say... You get bored with a Toyota before you HAVE to buy one. This car is running great, with routine care. Just changed the serpentine belt, brakes ( sadly more often than Id like, as this is supposedly a heavy vehicle ) tuned up, and it is ready to go another who knows how many miles. Headlights are frustratingly dim, despite bringing in to the dealer. That is probably the worst thing I could say! It is AMAZING in the Connecticut winters, runs smooth, I dont even worry about reliability. Hauling kids, boats, dogs, this Sequoia handles everything. Almost afraid to think about another car maker. Wouldnt hesitate buying a higher mileage Sequoia!

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  Very Happy! - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By pozzi - April 22 - 10:34 am

  This is my second Tundra.. First one was an 08.. Looked at the "Big 3" and could not get the deal I got with Toyota... Gas mileage is "Truck" rated but acceptable. Great ride! Tows like a dream... Car like on the highway but aggressive on the dirt roads! Very happy with the product... OK Toyota, can you send me my $20 for the great review?

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  Cute Little Car!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Amanda - April 22 - 5:13 am

  I have a 2007 Yaris Liftback automatic in Blazing Blue. I have only had the car about a week, but I am very pleased. It has great pick up and lots of "zoom". There is so much storage I dont know what to put in it. From what I can tell the back seat is pretty roomy too. (I think the doors have shrink-rays in them). The outside looks so small, but the interior is extremely spacious. Each day I am discovering more things - like the sun visor extenstions! The cd player can play mp3 cds and I still have to try out the auxillary audio jack.

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  Transmissions in 1997 models - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By LewB - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5th Toyota that I have owned. I have always gotten at least 8 years of service from each. In this 1997 Camry, I have had to replace the power switch in the drivers door, and now my transmission is going. It is hard to believe that I am not going to get my usual 200,000 miles out of a Toyota.

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  nice truck-bad mileage, some quirks - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By benji_b1980 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  We like the truck- solidly built, definite four wheel drive capabilities as well. Your typical Toyota quality is apparent inside and out. When we first purchased it, we noticed how poor the fuel economy was-it avg. around 12-16 mpg,so we thought it needed a tune up. Not only did we give it a complete tune up with the best of everything, we installed a high performance air intake and muffler to help with the mileage and power. Well, it didnt help with the mileage, but it runs like a top and sounds pretty darn cool now too!

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  Need 4 wheel drive for inclement weather - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Abebz0208 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I was excited getting the Celica GT- S. People stopped me to tell me what agreat looking car. Then it snowed. This car handles poorly in inclement weather. It just doesnt hold the road. Trouble keeping car in lane when road has worn pavement tracks. Bottoms out on high drives and catxhes cement stopping blocks in parking lots. Cup fly out of cup holders.

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  Ugly car but great in overall quality - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Rube - April 21 - 3:33 am

  Looked at many other vehicles. I set my mind on purchasing the Acura TL until a family member asked me to drive the new 2000 Avalon. I hated the external design of the car and had my mind set on hating the car until I was given the keys to this vehicle and drove it for an afternoon. Needless to say Im an owner. I selected every option available on the car and do not regret it. GREAT Car!!!