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:

• 

  Best Mid Size Truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By BEST TRUCK - July 25 - 11:36 pm

  Ive owned many trucks but new 2010 TACOMA stands out in every way. I shouldnt have to say that TACOMA is one of the most reliable and comfortable drive. These trucks run forever and require little maintenance. Its a great family truck for me.

• 

  Rav4 06 3.5L 2WD after 3.5k miles - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Calin - July 25 - 5:06 pm

  We bought it for brand reliability, utility and looks. We use to take 10-15 hrs drive roadtrips. Mileage is 16-22 city and 26-30 freeway. It completely depends on how you drive it. If you tend to rev over 2400 rpm when accelerating and over 2000 rpm normal driving you will get low mpg, otherwise you can get the 22/30 mpg. We love it as it is fun to drive at decent mileage and has plenty of space for how it looks from outside. The antenna does not bother you too much. We found the seat cushion ergonomics not so pleasant after 10 hr driving. Seat cushion is too hard and not long enough. A long drive can be uncomfortable.

• 

  Toyota Sienna Rocks! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Murali - July 25 - 2:23 pm

  This is an absolutely great vehicle. I love my Toyota Sienna. I drive about 30 miles to work, this vehicle makes its so much easy. Very smooth and steering gentle unlike my VW with is sporty and tight. If you are looking to buy a new or used Sienna just buy it blind-folded, you will not go wrong. Dont expect a great interior or a car that turns head, but if you are looking for maintenance free & great ride quality, this is the one.

• 

  First time Toyota owner - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Cecil - July 25 - 4:17 am

  Tundra SR5 TSS, at 1600 miles I like it, a lot. Nice ride, lots of room, and happy with 16.9 mpg. Update: a year later, tired of doing surveys, I want to drive my truck.

• 

  !996 Toyota Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By edmunds347 - July 24 - 8:52 pm

  We bought our Camry used with 92,000 miles on it and now we have almost 280,000 miles on it. We just had to replace the radiator and last year we replace the timing belt because we thought it was about time to. We have the oil changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. The check engine light is on because the catalytic converter needs replaced. Other than a few little minor things, the car still runs great. I trust it to go anywhere.

• 

  Great Value!!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By NCSCOTT - July 24 - 5:00 pm

  The Camry LE is a great value for a midsized car. It has good gas mileage and excellent resale value. It handles surprisingly well in the curves and feels very soild over poor roads. This is my 2nd new Toyota purchase in less than a year and I was hooked after a year with my 04 4Runner. I have owned cars from all 3 US carmakers but they dont even begin to compare to Toyota. The first tank of gas got 24 MPG. Now after almost 5k miles it is averaging 27.2 MPG. After I switch to synthetic oil with the first change I expect it to be even better.

• 

  The 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pandro S. - July 24 - 2:03 pm

  The 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid is the most innovative and technologically advanced car on the market today. And it is in the range of the average buyer. In my opinion it is tomorrows concept car available today. Well not exactly available today because the waiting list is quite long. It should be ordered with the Smart Key System and the Navigation System all in the same optional package. Although the response is slightly sluggish at first you will easily adapt to it. It is comfortable and roomy inside and holds four very well with extra room for a fifth. After a month I have been averaging 45 mpg.

• 

  A Computer With Wheels - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Spyder123 - July 24 - 11:36 am

  Previously I owned a 1997 RAV4. In March of 2004, I traded it in for a new 2004 RAV4. The vehicle was fantastic! Great color (blue), styling, sunroof, etc.. I was getting concerned as the gas prices rocketed and at 20-22 mph, my RAV was getting a little expensive to drive. On a whim, I decided to look at the Prius last month (March 2005). A 20 mile test drive sold me. Within 4 hours of visiting the dealership I drove out with my fully-loaded Prius. It has been about a month now. I *do* miss the sunroof and the great color of the RAV, but the Prius has won me over. It has plently of "get up and go" when entering the interstates. It is a technical marvel! I love it!

• 

  2006 Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Florida Driver - July 24 - 11:36 am

  After 16,000 miles, this car has NOT had any quality-related problem requiring a trip back to the dealership. Havent experienced any sluggish performance in either the engine nor transmission as mentioned in some of the forums posts. Very smooth ride and quiet in city & highway driving. Took quite a while to get that drivers seat adjusted just right. So much interior room without the closed in feeling like you get inside the Acura TL or Mercedes E320. A lot of car for $$$ less then Lexus. Once you start using the smart key, there is no returning to traditional car keys.

• 

  Two thumbs up - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jay k. - July 24 - 10:53 am

  I just cant say enough about this vehicle. The ride is comfortable, the gas consumption is low for the size of the vehicle and the amenities abound in the Limited version.