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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  Not Getting Acclaimed Mileage IV - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By bev - May 3 - 2:30 am

  Interior is roomy. Quality of leather installation is poor though tolerable. Friends are surprised how much power it has. However, have to buy extra component for true ipod integration $320. Cannot control Ipod/phone via radio/bluetooth without it. Mileage is not good: 38 city so far. I drive pretty cautiously, and yes I pulse,not impressed with this mileage. Any ideas would be appreciated. Will drive for about 3 yr and then upgrade to hopefully some better fuel economy hybrid model from somewhere else.

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  The best 4WD Truck I ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Captaincop - May 3 - 2:06 am

  I looked around a lot before I bought my Tacoma. I had Chevys and GMCs, too! I had three Dodges. This is the best overall truck I have ever owned. The pickup of the v6 is great. My fuel economy is getting better (18.5) as of 1,000 mile mark. The quality of the paint, interior, all around looks is overwhelming compared to some other car company models. This Tacoma is nice to drive and comfortable too! It just looks good. Indigo Ink Blue! 6 CDs in radio is great. The sound of the radio is real quality.

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By RT - May 3 - 12:50 am

  Being my first car, I first decided on buying the Yaris for its great price, cute looks and awesome mileage. I drive ~26 miles/day and have been averaging 36mpg. The acceleration is a little sluggish while raising from 0-20 but after that no complaints! It took me a day to get used to the centered dashboard, but now..I like this better that the conventional behind-the-steering placing. I feel that this way, my eyes are not completely off the road while glancing at the speedometer.

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  Second Taco - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By JDog - May 3 - 12:02 am

  Having owned a 2012 Tacoma, I enjoy the 2016 so much more. I waited 3 months to get it, and it was worth the wait. I have no complaints except the funky transmission programming that seems to default to a lower gear at the slightest of inclines or headwind. I have noticed that it doesnt (or need to) downshift nearly as much if you dont use cruise control under those conditions. The truck moves when you put your foot on it, and it doesnt sound strained doing so. Im optimistic Toyota comes out with some improved transmission programming soon. Overall, I find it comfortable, and I enjoy the upgraded JBL system. The Taco looks awesome, and I dont see one like it at every street corner like the Big 3s trucks. Other than the tranny programming, I love it!

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  Its Okay - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By CypressTX Driver - May 3 - 12:00 am

  Its okay, my wife loves it and it is her car. To date no major problems with it, weve only had it for a year. There are a few things that dont work the way I expect them after driving domestic vehicles all my life but I cant say theyre done wrong. One nice thing is it gets pretty good mileage for a large SUV. Over all the vehicle has no personality. But so far it has been reliable and the wife likes it.

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  Hybrid-like gas mileage. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike C. - May 2 - 8:26 pm

  This is the closest youre going to get to a hybrid, without an electric or diesel motor. Right now Im averaging about 36 mpg with aggressive 60/40 city/hwy driving. And get over 40 mpg hwy. Its an amazing car, with the room and comfort of some mid-sized vehicles. I also drive a Tacoma, and have found the Yaris more comfortable. Contrary to other posts, I have found my Yaris auto to be quite peppy. It wont set speed records, but its very practical. I got a feeling that this will be a keeper for a long time to come.

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  Prius review 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Cathy Meiklem - May 2 - 7:53 pm

  Gas mileage is not what they report. Ive driven 6000 miles and the best Ive gotten on a tank is 45 mpg. I have the fully loaded car and love the high tech blue tooth and navigation. Car is fun to drive but dont expect luxury, interior is nothing special and not easy to clean. The material they use for the dash is very difficult to clean. Im hoping they start to make a model with leather. Even with the slight drawbacks I would still buy this car again.

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  My First New Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kelly - May 2 - 1:13 pm

  Waited 44 years to get my 1st new vehicle & after driving a 93 Reg Cab 4x4 the last 5 years... couldnt have made a better choice. 19/23 mpg lol, I averaged 25.2 MPG the 1st 2 tanks of gas (87 octane). Im 6-1, 210# and I cant believe the interior room. Only gripe I have is if I put my left elbow on the door rest to "push myself up" in the seat, it collapses & dimples in, very cheaply made. Not crazy about the Dun-rock tires (old tire salesman). A set of Michelins or Bridgestone Alenzas woulda been nice for the full size truck price I paid. Other than that, I love this truck and have NO regrets.

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  Pleasant Compromise - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rod - May 2 - 12:36 pm

  Overall quality of 4Runner is great. After 1K miles, gas mileage with mixed driving, mostly side roads is 19.5 to 20.2 MPG. Gas mileage on road trip, mostly turnpike, averaging 75 to 80 mph, was 19.2 MPG. Ride is smooth but has a slight truck bounce when driving over concrete washboard sections of highway. Visibility great. Hauled an interior 80" door in the cargo area. Have 72" or so clearance in cargo area after folding 2nd row seats flat.

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  Most reliable car - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By oldetimer - May 2 - 10:10 am

  I have owned this car for eleven years and have had no major problems with it; in fact, very, very few minor problems. Its certainly not an exciting car to drive, but it is extremely reliable and just keeps going. It has averaged about 32-34 mpg. This is the best made car I have ever owned.