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:

• 

  I love this vehicle... - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jerald - March 17 - 7:06 am

  I dont usually get passionate about what I drive, but I definitely feel that way about this vehicle. Both my wife and I like how it drives, how much room we have and the versitility that it provides. We can carry many people in addition to a LOT of luggage for roadtrips, and then take out the seats and fill it full of any purchases we need to transport. Were very glad to have our Sequoia.

• 

  Should have kept looking - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Carl - March 17 - 5:26 am

  We have a 2005 Corolla and have had great luck with it. Thats why we went with the 2009 Corolla. Having had the 2009 for 18 months now I can report that the 2009 is no 2005 Corolla. The seats are not as comfortable, the clock was removed from the radio and now you have to toogle through the odometer settings to see it. The plastic interior is cheap looking and the gas mileage barely breaks 30 mpg (as compared to our 05 which gets 35+). Overall this car is not in the same class as the previous generation. Very disappointed.

• 

  Down the highway - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Golf Man - March 17 - 3:56 am

  Purchased vehicle for travel and good mileage also for hauling items with back seat down. Our first trip to Florida with approx. 4200 miles on it the dash cluster that includes the speedometer gas gauge and the shifter burnt out so we drove the last 500 miles to Jacksonville sort of in the dark. We had the vehicle repaired at a dealer in Jacksonville they had it for 4 days the dealership was very nice. My Question is has anyone else had this problem with their vehicle? Our dealership in Col. Ohio said there wasnt any tech. advisories on this problem that we experienced so Im just curious if we are alone out there. Thanks

• 

  2006 Toyota Corolla S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian Young - March 17 - 12:20 am

  My wife and I took a leap and traded a 2004 Malibu LT for this Corolla S. What a smart move. Our mileage has been over 40 mpg since we bought it 2 months ago. We now have 4300 miles on the car and are very happy overall. This 5-speed Corolla is too much fun!

• 

  GM To Toyota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Roland - March 16 - 3:16 pm

  For 30 years ive owned nothing by GM products..My wife talked me into buying the 07 Toyota Avalon and Im glad she did. I was about to buy a Buick Lucerne but after driving the Avalon it was no contest. I do think the Lucerne has more of a "plush" ride, but the Avalon rides very well also. Other that, no comparison. Avalon blows the Lucerne away in every other dept. More power, better gas mileage, much much nicer inside, and in my opinion the Toyota is a very well made vehicle. You can tell that just by closing the door. Solid!. And of course theres Toyotas reputation on dependability. My only dissappointment is that I waited so long to swith over to a Toyota. So far I love this car

• 

  Wonderful Value - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By heeyy_joe - March 16 - 4:00 am

  Other than regular oil changes, a tuneup at 90k, and a replacement thermostat in 2008, the only costs have been gasoline. Have done lots of hauling over the years, some towing too - never any isuues. This has been a great truck for the money.

• 

  My Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brenda Evans - March 16 - 1:03 am

  My former truck was a V-8 Tundra, till my son put it through two trees doing 65MPH and managed to walk away. My Tacoma is a shortbed. Gas mileage isnt great but better than the Tundra, and it seems just as powerful with the new V-6. Ive got the towing package and have towed with it happily a couple of times. 7000 miles so far and very pleased. My only objection is that I would have liked to have a manual transmission and Toyota doesnt put them in their double cabs. The composite bed is very nice, and Ive already used the rails and removable clips several times. I also like the storage compartments behind the seat in back.

• 

  Good but test drive with care - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By cos - March 16 - 12:10 am

  The interior and exterior quality are excellent with no problems. It handles well and acceleration is very good; overall, a reliable and comfortable vehicle. But a vibration telegraphs into the engine compartment while gears shift and over the road making for a tiring drive; transmission slips at low speeds. Driveability is on the low end for a new vehicle. (Be careful when test driving and take nothing for granted.) Vehicle is 1 year old with fifteen thousand miles; 14 to 17 mpg around town, broke 30 mpg over the road once, now barely breaks 20. Test drive with care and get one of the good ones. (Will think twice about another Toyota vehicle.)

• 

  New Prius is better than ever - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Carl Harrington - March 15 - 4:57 pm

  We had a 2008 Prius. Just got a 2016 Prius 3 with the advanced technology package. Great mileage so far (55+). Navigation system is much improved and allows access to traffic via apps. Moon roof is cool. The car even grades you on how fuel efficient your driving was after each trip. Only 1 glove compartment and its smaller. Back seat room seems less. Overall, a great car.

• 

  Great car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By vrod305 - March 15 - 12:09 pm

  I bought a preowned 2009 Yaris S in January with 77,500 miles on it. Have put 16,000 miles on it since. Its an amazing car. Decent gas mileage, relatively quiet and very reliable. Ive had no issues with it other than a headlight going out (which my mechanic didnt even charge to replace). Im 63 and I fit fine in it. Does have trouble with going up mountain, but with 106 horsepower, you have to accept that. Would be nice if it had automatic looks, but thats not too big a deal. I would suggest a Yaris to anyone. This is also after I had a 2000 Echo that I drove for six years and got rid of with 199,800 miles on it.