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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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyotaowner - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a Tacoma for years, finally got one and I am sorry for it. The rear bumper has rusted all around the edges. One of the Plastic tie downs broke for no good reason. The engine ticks loudly. The Heater/A.C blower motor screeches, I did have that replaced under warranty.....and now the new one does the same thing! The access door wont open, I will be getting that fixed. The console between the two seats in the back is worthless and takes up a lot of room. The transmission also has trouble gearing down, almost like it is stuck in too high of a gear. Also sometimes I have a hard time getting it to gear down on the hwy while in cruise control. Awful vehicle

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  1st Toyota - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By tmdmndm - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Actually did not want to look at Toyota when looking to buy. Glad I did. Ive owned all types. Needed to tow,haul passengers,and equip. I got all. Back seat has more room then any competitor. Tows my boat and trailers with no problems. Ride is excellent with no short-bed bouncing. More than enough power with smooth shifts. MPG could be a little more in city driving. Getting 22+ mpg (not to bad though). Tie down rails in bed work great. Plenty of drink holders but center ones need to be bigger. Actually is very quiet ride.

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  Great family van - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By George warren - October 6 - 8:14 pm

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  Great standard transportation. - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By doug aitken - October 6 - 7:56 pm

  Does what they advertise.....great gas mileage, smooth ride, and good handling.

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  Thumping Transmission Worrisome - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JeffG - October 6 - 6:13 am

  We have about 30000 miles on this car. It gets great gas mileage (around 24 city and 31 hwy). The seats are a bit short under the thigh and the ergonomics dont fit the average American as best they could. The car has become rather sloppy in the corners with pronounced body roll, taking several notches off the fun to drive category. It is a shame too, since that engine is smooth and provides fantastic power for a car this size. Biggest drawback...when accelerating we sometimes get a hard thump. Two Toyota dealers say that is a problem with the drive by wire system...and there is not anything they can or will do. Not sure this car is going to make it 10 years. Trading it in on a Honda.

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  Awesome compact SUV! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Joyce - October 6 - 2:43 am

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  I Love My 05 Cam - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Philly2k - October 6 - 12:10 am

  I recently traded my 97 Infiniti J30 for an 05 Camry. I was honestly expecting there to be a dramatic transition, but the Camry is great. The Camry LE had most of the features my Infiniti had (less of course leather, moonroof seatheaters V6). However the benifits of the Camry far outweigh them. The manual transmission was enough to pacify my desire for raw power. Not to mention the Camry rides better and quieter than my Infiniti did. Dont get me wrong the J30 was 7 years old with 140,000 miles, but it had a good ride too. When my lease is up Im definitely getting a maxxed out Camry SE next time.

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  117000 miles on my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Barry - October 5 - 6:30 pm

  I have an 04 Prius with 117000 miles on it. In the earlier years I had all the problems with the car stalling or not wanting to keep going, but Toyota finally resolved those issues with software upgrades and recalls. For the past 3 years Ive had no problems. At 112000 miles I needed a new water pump, but otherwise Ive had no mechanical issues. The battery is fine. I drive exclusively on local roads, 40 miles each way to work, and get 48 mpg during the winter (New Hampshire winters are brutal) and am now getting 57 mpg in the Springtime. The car gets significantly less gas mileage if I only use it for short hops (5-10 miles) or if I drive on the highway.

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  When driving became fun again! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Michael - October 5 - 2:03 pm

  I cant recall the last time I found myself looking forward to driving; my Yaris makes my being on the road a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I can only echo others comments regarding the Yaris handling, fuel economy (Ive been averaging 34 MPG as a city driver) and its inescapable head-turning likeability. I adapted quickly to the center-mounted instrument panel. Variety is the spice! I definitely recommend the Power Package if only for the power-lock amenity. The standard stereo setup thats included in this package is robust enough for me. Friends have all commented on the Yaris deceptively roomy interior. It seats five, but four seems a more realistic number to expect.

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  Avalon 2006 Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Gregory - October 5 - 9:53 am

  Purchased the Limited today, very happy with design and features. It is a huge car, no comparison in inside space with Camry. And so quiet, I had to go outside to make sure the motor is running, you cant hear a thing inside. This car can do more than I can imagine so far. Limited rules!