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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  It Just Gets Better! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jerry - June 18 - 3:16 am

  After 4000 miles I cant believe that I am still surprised at how little my Avalon cost. This is my first Toyota.

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  Great Performer - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By tpj1959 - June 18 - 1:08 am

  I had owned Chevy trucks for the last few years and decided to get the Tundra cause I wanted a 4x4 and Toyota dealership seemed more hungry than Chevy. The benchmark trip that I make is going through Yosemite National Park to Tioga Pass which is on the east side of the mountains at approximately 10,000 feet. Comparing the Tundra to my Chevy pickups (4.8 and 5.3 liter engines), the Tundra outperformed them easily. The engine pulled so much better and the brakes did not smell like heat on the way down like my Chevys did. Its also assembled in Texas. My last Chevy was assembled in Mexico.

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  Cant go wrong with a Toyota!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By J.Holmes - June 17 - 7:43 am

  Love my little red wagon, thats what I call my Venza. Just love it!! Its fun to drive and gets very good gas mileage. Ive been getting anywhere from 22 to 24 miles to the gallon...and I live up desert area and its very hilly. Climbs hills no problemo! I get a lot of looks and people coming up and asking about my wagon! My husband and I we love the sporty look of the Venza. The only thing I wish we had gotten was cloth seats, dont care for the leather seats. But solved that problem just bought seat covers. Good Job Toyota! Love it!!!

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  Its been a pleasure - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By AdamE - June 17 - 1:56 am

  Well Im selling my truck after three great years (only because Ive decided to become a sedan guy). I could not be happier with my Tacoma over the years. Got regular oil changes and that was it for the whole three years. No mechanical problems ever.

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  My Toyota PreRunner Sport - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert Akers - June 16 - 10:13 pm

  This truck has loads of power and rides comfortably. The dash and instrument panel is easy to read along with all the easy use of the accessories. Plenty of leg room for passengers in the front and rear.

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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Martha raak - June 16 - 6:03 pm

  We have been v. pleased both aesthetically and environmentally. People stop us and ask questions so that we can educate others as to the advantages of a hybrid. Save the earth and save money on gas. The sticker gas mileages are not accurate. We generally get about 40-45 mpg on the highway and in the mid-30s in the city. It does not have to be plugged in as driving and braking recharge the battery.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - June 15 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my Sequoia just over a month ago due to finding out that I will be having another child. I absolutely love driving it, to bad it is primarily my wifes vehicle. I recently had to make a trip to NC from NY and decided to take the Sequoia to see how it did on a long drive. The MPG was great for it size, it averaged 19-20 on the highway. The ride was extremely smooth and I did not have to crank up the radio to hear it over the road noise. I only gave a 8 for comfort due to the fact that my wife, who is 52", has a hard time reaching the pedals and being relaxed at the same time. There is also an annoying little squeaking noise coming from the back seat somewhere.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kristin - June 15 - 2:53 pm

  Great car, nice to drive and makes the gas pump less painful.

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  We love our Sienna CE - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By njm - June 15 - 10:00 am

  After having our van for over 1 year we love it. Weve gone on long trips with 5 people and it has been very comfortable. We love the way it looks! I drive about 50 to 100 miles a day for my job and I love the handling, cd player, radio. There is plenty of room for my toys (I do therapy with kids in their homes). We have regular maintenance done and we have had no problems. We bought the van for Toyota quality and hope to keep it for a long time.

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  Happiness with my ECHO - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Kwil - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am a visiting nurse. I rewuire a car that is reliable and has very good mileage. As I need a new car aprox every 4 yrs, afordability is also a must. I have found all this in my ECHO. I couldnt be happier