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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  I got Gas! - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryan Ayres - March 15 - 11:27 am

  Average 14.1 through 2600 Miles A little disappointing 50/50% I was hoping to match My 03 chevy Avalanche of 16MPG. I bought it for the reliability not the MPG. Time will tell.

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  Not so great! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Not satisfied - March 15 - 7:58 am

  Last summer, l Traded a 2016 Tacoma Limited for a Ford F-150 Lariat. What a mistake! After dealing with the sickening floaty bouncy ride, I took the loss and purchased another 2016 Taco ltd. Thanks to Toyota for resale value... Ford resale very bad. Taco not being perfect, is a very fun vehicle to drive... handling and ride on the highway is quite good.

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  Feliz with our Corolla - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By fkarau - March 15 - 2:20 am

  We are very happy with our Corolla and it is a great economical runner. Roads are rough down here in Mexico and there are a couple of annoying rattling noises from the dash and center console driving over cobblestones or paving stone roads. It isnt an easy starter. Quite often takes two attempts. Very roomy and comfortable for a small car. Not particularly impressive off the line acceleration but in highway driving performs extremely well with lots of power for passing and no down shifting even in fifth gear going up most hills. Very stable at high speeds for a small car. If it turns out to be as reliable as its reputation we will replace this Corolla with another.

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  2000 Toyota Corolla - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By kdehaas - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy having and driving this car. It is very relaible, has good fuel economy with enough power for steep grades.

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  Outstanding!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jsmdpm - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding SUV, Going to be hard to beat.

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  Solid and Funtional 4x4 D-Cab - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By mozart22 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had no major problems with this vehicle. Its a great truck to drive and hauls everything I need to carry, whether it be my ski gear to the slopes or my mountain bike to the trails it has been great. Enough room in the back for smaller adults with no complaints. I like the styling of the truck as well. It handles great on the roads(non-TRD) and also does well off-road.

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  2003 Toyota Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DeltaCS99 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for the price. FOr only about $25,000, you get everything you would need. I really enjoy using the Temperature Control where you just set the temperature, and it will control the movement air in the car and it will decide whether to use A/C or Heater. On the exterior, it looks more like a Mercedez now. Its also a very quiet car, especially when youre on the freeway, you can hear everything without having to shout in the car. On the rear view mirror, a compass is provided so you always know where youre going!

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  Our Boutique Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By carnut1973 - March 15 - 12:48 am

  We purchased our burgundy Tundra Double Cab Limited 2WD new...had all options: sunroof, leather, 6-disc in-dash changer and dealer installed Borla exhaust (which sounded great--it was the wifes truck and she wanted a truck that sounded like a truck). Our Tundra performed wonderfully but we sold it when gas prices shot over $4/gal because it really was only being used as a commuter-got about 16 in town and could squeeze out 20 on the highway. As a boutique truck it did great--smooth ride, 5 adults could travel in comfort and the full size bed w/ tonneau cover could carry ridiculous amounts of luggage.

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  Still undecided if I will keep truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By undrgnd40 - March 15 - 12:06 am

  I like the exterior and interior styling. There are a lot of complaints about the seats and brakes, but its all in perspective. So far I dont have any complaints about the transmission except for no dipstick to check fluid. BF Goodrich Tires are too noisy and rough. They have an aggressive design but are unimpressive in snow. Radio sounded awful at any volume so I replaced it right away. Three child seats fit in the back seat with little effort. I like the four wheel drive and the stability control. Still, I might have to trade for something with a third row seat.

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  TOYOTA SIENNA - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA - March 14 - 4:46 pm

  Would like to have had six cd changer-got navigation and was told could not have 6cd changer. Premium gas only? Great ride sometimes light/mpg so far 16.5. Hope it improves. Arm rest/driver awkward to adjust on right side. For price, need more features.