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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  Nice Truck - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By sundance2014 - February 23 - 3:07 pm

  I owned a 4.7 2007 double cab. It took a while to warm up to the new model. Some things I like about the new model. Some things I dont. The interior is vastly better. So is the radio, controls and vents. Seats are better. Better fabric. Slightly wider and overall more comfortable. I bought the 5.7 this time and I really enjoy it. A previous reviewer complained about getting 11 mpg. I got 15.5. in mostly city driving out of the first tank. I expect it to get e a little better. I drove a 2013 5.7 and there nothing different about the 2014. The 5.7 is different than the 4.6 or 4.7. the 4.7 was much more responsive at lower speeds but the 5.7 has got seemingly endless power above 1500 rpm.

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  Love my 4Runner - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By todd_d - February 23 - 4:44 am

  Living in Colorado, I needed a vehicle that would get me to work in extreme snow storms, take me to the mountains for recreation, and still be refined enough to use as a daily driver. The Toyota 4runner does this better than any other SUV out there. Ride quality with the KDSS system is outstanding, off road and on road. Dash is layed out well and very intuitive. Cabin is extremely quiet. Upgrade to NAV was comparatively cheap, and the stereo rocks! Very comfortable cloth seats, this is the first car seat Ive had that has more lumbar support than I need. Price is very reasonable.

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  Yaris Kudos - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Jim Mc - February 23 - 2:20 am

  I recently purchased a new 3 dr Yaris and I am very happy with its overall quality and performance. I love the additional cargo space compared to my trade in Corolla. Compared to the Matrix which I drove as a rental for a few days the overall driver visibility is superior. It more than adequately gets up to the speed limit and as a technician it looks very easy to work on. Great price and quality. If it has the same dependability as my old Corolla I will be very happy in years to come. Jim Mc

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  Best MiniVan ever - Period - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By samtheman10 - February 22 - 11:08 pm

  Just cant get over the fact how good this van is despite bad publicity on Toyota vehicles. Test drove the 2011 Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country etc. They are no match. Excellent price! well worth it. I will buy Toyotas from now on! Heck with the media!

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  2017 Sienna - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By Norman Jungmann - February 22 - 7:12 pm

  We have owned two previous Siennas, 2004 and 2007. This 2017 is a big improvement in ride, quiteness, and technology. It seems much smother. Although it has an increased HP motor, performance seems about the same, but fuel economy shows a 10% improvement.

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  Love this car ! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Mark - February 22 - 5:13 pm

  I wanted one of these cars for two years and finally bought one. I bought the XR AWD. I went on the lot and test drove it and loved it. It handles great, its comfortable, great gas mileage and you get good options. My only beef is it is way under powered, which doesnt bother me all that much because I drive slow anyway. But I wanted the 5 five speed manual to compensate this, but all they had was the automatic and I wanted to close escrow that day.

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  A Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Hadawn - February 22 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this truck new in Sept. 2001. It now has 64K and it still runs like it is brand new. I have had very few problems. I would recommend this truck to anyone. I had to have the O2 sensors replaced (recall) and the lower ball joints replaced (recall). The drivers sideview mirror had to be replaced because it rattled (under warranty). The only thing that Ive had to pay for is the interior light switch on the drivers side. It was only $100.00. The dealership has always been very helpful and friendly. There are no squeaks or rattles anywhere. This truck was built to last. The engine is very smooth, responsive and quiet. The V8 engine is amazing.

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  What a fun car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jjrigadoon - February 22 - 10:56 am

  We wanted an economical 2nd vehicle; my daughter had purchased a Yaris sedan and loved it. We checked it out (high cute factor) and went with it for the great Toyota reputation and the fact that it won "Car of the Year" in Europe one year. It has turned into our 1st vehicle, not the 2nd. My husband and I both love to drive it, so the SUV sits in the driveway a lot. We got the 5 speed, manual. It has plenty of power... a requirement of mine for getting on the interstates.

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  Toyota Prius never lets me down - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Musikflier - February 21 - 9:46 pm

  Would you like at least 10 hours more free time per year? The time saved by not having to go to the gas station as often is worth the extra premium of having a Prius. The mileage is terrific (avg. 48 mpg in a hilly region), the ride is very quiet, and the bells and whistles are a joy to interact with. Burning less fuel is great for my wallet, my time, and eventually for the next generation.

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  Great car gets even better. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ray - February 21 - 7:16 pm

  Smooth, powerful and lots of nicities. This is my second Avalon after three Mercedes and this car in better in every respect than the Mercedes; especially quality.