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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  Larger interior, great ride, good looks - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Wes - February 21 - 2:46 pm

  The limited is a good quiet ride. Its really a van disguised as an SUV. Goes in a straight line very well. The interior is roomy and near luxury with leather. Drove and looked at many SUVs and waited for this model to come out. So far, we are glad we did. Averaged 27mpg on last highway trip at 70mph. Runs on regular, engine likes methanol. Beautiful exterior, build quality excellent. Automatic rear door might be a real plus on this SUV. Engine somewhat loud at cold start up, you can hear those 24 valves! Goes away quickly. Bluetooth phone dial by number is not very easy to use but speed dial works very well. This car was more expensive than others we tested, but worth it.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jack - February 21 - 10:20 am

  The Toyota Prius is the greatest car we have ever owned. We traded in a Ford Escape Hybrid and the Prius gets much better gas mileage and is much quieter and fun to drive. It has everything a Lexus has, for half the price. My wife was in a head-on crash that totaled our first Prius and it did a fantastic job protecting the everyone inside. The car was totaled.

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  Best Truck on the Street! - 2013 Toyota Tundra
  By txiong71 - February 21 - 8:33 am

  Just recently purchased this truck back in July 2013 and I got to say its the best vehicle yet! Averaging 17mpgs (still trying to get use to as I use to have a Rav4 and a corolla).

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  What a Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By pleased - February 21 - 1:20 am

  Traded in my 08 Tacoma PreRunner for the Tundra and havent looked back. The truck handles like a luxury vehicle but still has the bold look of a truck. The 4.6L has plenty of power for my personal use, actually more than I need. Love having a truck bed over 6 ft and 4wd. MPGs have been about averaging around 16 mixed driving, I was getting 20 mpg in my Tacoma but the sacrifice is definitely worth it.

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  By far the best truck I have ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By steved - February 20 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this truck in july 07, I have worked it very hard, heavy duty trailers towing a bobcat, ski boat 24 ft camper, 2500lbs firewood in the bed. I have owned 2 silverados, 1 f150, 1 ram and an expedition. This is by far the toughest truck i have had. The ride is great, the engine is very snappy, the transmission is smooth. I have not had one problem with this truck with the exception of one of the rubber strips coming off the roof from the automatic carwash. No biggy. Contrary to other statements, my tailgate is very strong, I have loaded my 700lb Arctic Cat in the bed many times with no issues. Love the fact that its built in America with American materials. Good Job Toyota!!

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  Ive Owned Two - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Kenneth Jordan - February 20 - 8:34 pm

  Because of special needs within my family I selected the 2011 Avalon because it had large side windows front and rear, unlike many cars whose rear windows, especially, taper almost to a point, and it has a full bench seat in the rear without the raised bump in the middle that makes it uncomfortable for 3 passengers. Its overall size and ride makes it very comfortable to ride in, and there are many little conveniences built into the passenger compartment that are very useful. Some of these characteristics changed in later year models. When my car was rear ended at 55MPH its collapsible design absorbed the shock and my wife and I both walked away unhurt even though the car was totaled. When replacing the car I searched specifically for a 2011 Avalon same model and am delighted with it.

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  Mostly Satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Florida Mike - February 20 - 3:06 pm

  Love the body style and looks. Wish it delivered the gas mileage of my 2003 XLE. My 2003 delivered 34-36 mpg on the highway the 2007 gets about 29 mpg. Transmission not nearly as smooth as previous 4 speed. Very comfortable ride and seating. Very low interior noise level, which adds to the long trip comfort. When going uphill the crusie control makes rapid increases in rpm to maintain speed. Overall build quality very good.

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  Yaris in the Lou - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - February 20 - 12:16 pm

  What a great little car, I have driven a hyundai accent hatchback since 2002 and this is soo much nicer, it is more comfortable, the mileage is better, it looks a whole lot cooler, the only thing that this doesnt have is all of the standard features, but overall I have no complaints.

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  I love this car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - February 20 - 5:46 am

  This new Camry is terrific. I havent experienced any problems at all. The ride, the fit and the build quality are what I was expecting after owning Toyotas in the past.

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  7 1/2 years and still going - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By SuMac - February 20 - 4:53 am

  Bought my RAV4L in Nov 2000. She has over 110,000 miles now and still going strong. I have only done regular maintenance. The only thing that has failed is the passenger power lock is not working (which could be related to the add-on car starter/door opener package I had put on). Called today to see about a "timing belt" change (since Ive never done that and everyone said I should) -- only to find out that once again, Toyota has outdone themselves and the timing CHAIN never needs replacing. So shes getting a tuneup next week. Ive had her detailed 2 times and both times she looks like a brand new car afterward. I hope to see 300,000 miles on this one! Gas mileage: 27 / 29.