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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  From great to greater - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra Still the Best - October 13 - 6:52 pm

  I recently upgraded my 2008 Tundra Crewmax Limited to a 2015 Tundra Crewmax 1794 Edition and couldnt be happier. The 2008 was a great truck with zero problems over my 7 years of ownership but I liked the new style a little better. After shopping all brands, I narrowed it down to the Silverado with a 6.2 liter and the Tundra. Back to back test drives and haggling for price cemented my decision and I havent looked back. The reliability and resale on the Tundra is amazing. I pull a 27 camper and have been familiar with the same powertrain I had in the 2008 and like it. Yes the mileage is less in the Tundra but I bought it pull my camper. Gimmicks like cylinder deactivation do not work while towing anyway so dont let the mileage fool you if you plan on towing. The electronics and apps were a big improvement over my 2008. With Entune, I have weather, weather map, traffic info, iHeart radio, etc. and do not have to pay a cent or subscribe to "OnStar", another great feature. The navigation is fast, Bluetooth connects instantly and voice recognition work great. The "Bose" radio in the Silverado sounds like and old AM radio compared to the JBL 12 speaker stereo with sub and amp in the Tundra...another great plus. I am looking forward to another 7 years or more with this truck.

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  The Opinion - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Howards Yaris - October 13 - 3:56 pm

  Awesome ride for a small car. Comfort is quite nice. It did take some time to get used to the controls being in the center of console. The mileage is second to none... 30s in the city and near 40 mpg on the highway. For the price, it is an awesome buy.

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  Love my truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By G. Kennedy - October 13 - 10:03 am

  I have always wanted a Toyota Tacoma ever since they came out. Last November I purchased the 2006 Cab 6 cylender Tacoma with off road package and love affair has begun. To solve the gas mileage problem (17 city and 19 road), I got a bed cover and improved my gas mileage to 18 city and 22 road. One problem is the lock in 4 wheel drive does not have a light and in bad weather is hard to locate. Otherwise there is nothing bad I can say about this truck so buy it.

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  2006 Toyota Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By txbanshee - October 13 - 8:53 am

  Great small SUV with lots of power. We drove all the SUVs in this class and none seem to have the power or reliablity that the Rav4 offered. Switching from a honda accord exV6 my wife wanted something with some go. Most of the SUVs just seem to underpowered for long trips.

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  Great Van - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Mr. - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We owned a 1999 Pontiac Montana, Well what can I say the intake manifold started leaking. Here is the bad part of the Montana it only had 35000 miles on it. Not to mention oil leaks. We own a Toyota Tacoma SR5 4dr 4x4. We love it. No PROBLEMS! So we decided on the Sienna. We Love It! Nice ride, good pickup, and lots of room. Get the captains chairs, very comfo

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  We Love Our Sienna - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Ellyn66 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We researched all mini vans when we were ready to buy. As like most of you, it probably came down to the Sienna and the Odessey. We ruled out the Odessey in 2000 for the simple reason of not having leather seats. We would be bring how a newborn in our new car and the though of the first time she might get sick in the car with cloth seats was my decision only to get leather. (The Odessy wasnt very stylish either.) We just replace the brakes at 30K and have never had a problem at all with our car. We just saw pix of the 2004 coming in March and are thinking about the upgrade due to all of the new safety features.

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  The number 1 SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By SuzyQt - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned other Ravs in the past, but this one is the best. The exterior styling is excellent, and the gas mileage is superb. The engine is fine for hauling people and even passing on the highway.Also, the handling is excellent, and it is very secure on the turns.

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  absolutely satisfied - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dr. D - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a Land Cruiser, a Range Rover, a Discovery, and 2 Dodge trucks previously and find myself extremely satisfied with the Sequoia. For a full size SUV, its the best value for the money considering all factors.

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  Love this car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By kkister1492 - October 12 - 5:13 am

  Ive had this car for about 6 months andlove everything about it. The fuel economy, the near-zero emissions, the versatility of the hatchback and 60/40 back seats. My family of 4 fits perfectly and they are around 6 tall. Plenty of leg room and head room. Andthe gadgets are so much fun. Love the navigation system.

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  Young at Heart - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Kenneth Mounce - October 11 - 12:56 pm

  The car that knows no limits doesnt know what wearing out means