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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  Happy with my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Randy - February 24 - 1:53 am

  The Prius was bought to replace a BMW 3 series wagon. Its a leap foward compared to the BMW. Things that I didnt think I needed in this car, like the display, has changed my driving and attitude. I now look at other drivers driving like I used to, and wonder what is the big rush. Its not like the Prius doesnt have enought power but it is not necessary to accelerate up to the car in front or to a red light. This kind of driving just isnt necessary and wasteful. Most of the time I am accelerating faster than most of the cars on the road to get to my cruising speed and cant understand articles critizing its power to accelerate fast enough. Try one and you will be a believer!

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Stephen - February 24 - 12:23 am

  I bought this vehicle new and have put nearly every mile on it. The truck has far exceeded my expectations. It is now over 11 years old and has 215,000 miles on it. Outside of normal maintenance items, the only things Ive replaced are the drivers seat belt, a $30 switch to the 4wd solenoid, and the CV boots. Thats it! The truck averages 20 mpg which I consider great for a nearly full size truck with 4wd. It does have the manual transmission and Im still on the first clutch but shifting is starting to get rougher (synchronizer?) Driving at 65 mph with no A/C, it gets 21 to 23 mpg. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable truck. I wish they still made them!

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  REAR DOOR OUCH!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Todd - February 23 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car for my wife overall it is a Toyota (excellent vehicles) however I have been very concerned about the rear door. I have small children and that door is an accident waiting to happen every parent should watch out. What is with the weight of that door? It is a mousetrap and I am concerned that children can be seriously hurt or injured by this poor design. I would keep the car if Toyota could come up with a fix but I’m fearful that children have already been hurt by it. Watch it especially if you live in hilly terrain as we do!!

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  05 Taco DC-LB 4x4 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By 05taco - February 23 - 10:33 pm

  Two simple words: Phenomenal truck! This is the second Tacoma Ive owned since 97. This truck has been 100% reliable in the MN winters. 25 below or 12 inches of snow will not slow this truck down. Ive owned other trucks that were cheaper in price, but with the Tacoma you get what you pay for. Compared to other mid-size (or full-size) trucks, its a great value. 100K miles and just broken in!

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  Works great for me - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By edgy - February 23 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had the yaris for 4 months and 6,500 miles, great car but Im a Toyota owner for many years. Yaris replaced my echo that also had the 1.5 engine. Retired the echo with 200,000 miles with original battery, water pump, alternator. I feel the yaris will out do the echo. The mileage is great, highway average approx 44.5. Love this car, strong a/c which was always a problem with the echo

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  True to its reputation! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jgonzalez - February 23 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned several toyotas in my life and have always regretted selling them. One of my major disappointments was getting rid of my 1989 Toyota 4Runner as it was truly a work horse with great fuel efficiency. The 4 cyclinder engine pulled my boat and got me out of soft sand countless times. Unfortunately, I thought that having a family would mean that I wouldnt need this type of vehicle - wrong! I purchased a 2004 Toyota 4Runner V6 Sports Edition and have been amazed with its smooth ride. It is definitely much better than my previous love - 89 Toyota 4Runner. In two short years I have put over 66,000 miles and have yet to hear the brakes squeak. Gas mileage is 20 mpg!

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kurt - February 23 - 12:16 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a new crossover SUV and it came down to the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. We just bought it last weekend. I chose the Toyota because my previous experiences with their vehicles have been very positive, and I perceived the Toyota to be a better value. The looks are stunning, it rides like a Lexus, and the build quality is superior to the Fords. If you drive her easy, you can easily get 25 mpg city/highway (not bad for a 270 hp, 5000 lb vehicle). We also needed something that would last us 10 years or more, so I gravitated towards the Toyota.

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  One word - RELIABLE - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By bucnasty - February 23 - 8:56 am

  My tacoma has 190k on it and it has started and gotten me where I needed to be every day. Motor still runs like new, the only thing I have ever had to do to the truck was put brakes on, replace shocks and CV boot covers, and replace a rack and pinion mounting bushing, Ive probably only spent around 500 dollars on maintenance on this truck and have owned it for 6 years, with 190+ K miles on it. I honestly think it would run forever.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Ron Asteak - February 23 - 2:20 am

  My 2001 Toyota Mr2 Spyder has been a pleasure to own. It handles great in all conditions. This is truly a thrilling car to drive with the top down. The engine is peppy and it shifts like a dream. The ride is stiff and bumpy but I still love it!

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  avalon touring review - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By suzanne collins - February 22 - 10:06 pm

  the touring is easy to drive, comfortable and eye appealing. The gas mileage is very good. This car is fun to drive.