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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  Best 4 Door Sedan on the road! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Madi - December 15 - 4:36 am

  Had a 2006 Avalon and was hit head on by a pickup truck. Survived because of the air bags, seat belts and the front crush panels engineered into the car. Replaced the Avalon with a new 2007 Avalon. Shifts smoother, rides like a dream, and has even better milage than the 2006. I get 30/31 mpg on the road and 23/24 in town and for a full sized sedan that is amazing.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2017 Toyota 4Runner
  By J8r78e - December 15 - 4:01 am

  Thank goodness there is a mid size SUV that is not on a car chassis "SUV". One that rides and handles much like a sports vehicle rather than the mushy sickening feel of most of the competition. The 2017 Limited 4Runner is the best vehicle Ive owned, including Volvo, Jeep, Ford, and others..... Toyota, keep this product in the model line up!

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  Changed my religion - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rob D - December 15 - 3:56 am

  I have been a Nissan guy for over 20 years , I decided to give this little Toyota Taco a try. I must say I am very impressed with the all around quality and I am glad I went with a Toyota. Well built, very tight, smooth on the road, not bad pick up for a 4 cyl. getting good mpg.

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  A Middle Class Mercedes - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By LN - December 15 - 3:00 am

  Outstanding exterior compared to current Lexus and Mercedes sedans. Dwarfs entire Camry lineup in style and ride. Excellent pickup from dead start. Braking is less than expected, especially with 4 wheel discs, ABS, 17/55 sport tires. Amazing 6 Speed transmission: silky smooth feel/power transfer. Sporty suspension/steering is controlled, responsive, and absorbs bumps well. Grating road noise from Toyo Proxie tires robs me of pleasure. Cutting edge style and technology diminished by shortcomings of interior design, finish and materials: Side Mirror, Cruise, Wiper Controls Challenging at Night. Cheap carpeting and inferior door trim plastics. Dash rattling when A/C on.

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  Fun Car/ Reasonable Price - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert Smith - December 15 - 2:56 am

  I bought a Radiant Red Toyota Matrix with a good sound system, sunroof, alloy wheels, sunroof, and even had the Toyota wheels chromed after added a limo tint to the windows. Added a personalized license and made the car fun to look at, and made it an eye catching vehicle around $20,000.00. People stop me in the parking lot to ask me about it, and the higher roof makes it roomy for a driver over 6 feet tall. So far, the car has been reliable and fun and I like it very much. I had a 300 HP V8 engine before this car, so the power is a bit slow, but Im used to that and appreciate the mileage at the gas station. I highly recommend the Matrix. Its FUN.

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  Toyota Forever - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rob - December 15 - 1:16 am

  First SUV/truck after one corolla and three Camrys. An awesome vehicle. Well balanced, very quiet, built like a bank vault and has put the kick back in driving for me.

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  Outstanding mini-van!!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By ron - December 14 - 6:23 am

  We purchased our Sienna CE in June of 05 and have logged 24K miles absolutely trouble-free. Transitioned from a Pontiac Transport, a disaster of a mini-van. The Sienna is quiet on the road, smooth to drive, has solid pick-up, Toyota reliability, and a great buy for the money. We are surprised that it is not cited as "best buy" for 05 vehicles! I would not hesitate to buy another!!

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  Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ggs - December 14 - 2:00 am

  For its size, the acceleration is exceptional. The comfort is superior in all 8 seats (ok, we are a short family so the leg space in the third seat isnt an issue, but having the same quality of seat in the third row is a definite positive!)

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  Real Meaning of SUV - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By james lc - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a little over a year ago. What an outstanding piece of automobile engineering. From the AWD system to the comfortable seats, this is the best product for the price.

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  Best Pickup Ive ever owned - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Bagpipe - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and will certainly not be my last. I have owned both Chevrolet and Dodge pickups and am on a first name basis with the service managers of both dealerships. My Tundra is easily the most dependable pickup I have ever owned. I use this vehicle for commuting in urban Boise traffic and backcountry Idaho hunting and fishing trips. On the road it rides and handles like a luxury car, while easily conquering the snow and mud of off-road here in Idaho. I am now hooked on Toyota!