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:

• 

  Versatile Reliability - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By toyotauser2 - December 18 - 11:06 am

  I recently purchased a 2015 Toyota Venza after searching in its class and comparing it to the Nissan Murano, Subaru Forester & Outback and finally the Honda CRV. I first considered 4 cylinders against 6. I went with 6 as I have driven fours since my twenties Im now middle aged. I found value wise the cars mentioned with the exception of the Murano to be all in the same price range equipped with leather, nav and 8 speaker stereo no accessories. I test drove all and found the Venza to have the most comfortable ride. Crossover suv milage is comparable between models in V6. It has a Toyota Camry engine which lets me sleep nights. I find it fits my needs more car than truck.

• 

  The good and the bad (in my opinion) - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Michelle - December 18 - 8:03 am

  A few reasons I decided on the Highlander: Consumer Reports ratings, need for lots of leg room for my 69" son, and I needed a larger vehicle than my Honda Civic to accomodate my 250 lb. dog. I really like the Highlander, except that the seats arent deep enough. Im 511" and have long legs. The edge of the seat hits me in the middle of my thighs. I didnt notice it during the test drive because I wasnt in the car long enough to notice it. I have an hour+ commute to and from work, and my legs become very uncomfortable. The third seat is useless. My 5-year- old niece might fit back there, but no full-size adult could ever fit there comfortably.

• 

  Love This Truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sybaris - December 18 - 2:53 am

  Found an 04 V6 PreRunner with SR5 and TRD package with only 24k miles on it. Still smelled new! I had an S10 and the difference is amazing. The smooth ride, power, fuel economy, and options on this truck make S10s and Rangers look and feel antiquated.

• 

  Best car I have owned. - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By JR - December 18 - 12:36 am

  I bought one of the first Prius cars in the Seattle area. It has been an outstanding car, very reliable and extremely fuel efficient. I have had no serious problems with this car and have it routinely serviced at a Toyota dealership. This first generation Prius fits 4 adults easily and can take my family of 4 and their luggage on a week long road trip. Gas mileage ranges from the low 40s in stop and go traffic to the high 40s on long highway trips. This car is still going strong and I plan to give it to my now 16 yo daughter in a year or two.

• 

  Dont hesitate-buy a Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By John - December 17 - 12:53 pm

  This is our third Toyota. You can feel the quality when you drive a Camry especially this fully loaded XLE V6.

• 

  MOST RELIABLE VEHICLE - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By doug - December 17 - 9:56 am

  This has been the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. Havent had to spend any money, except for oil & filter. The only complaint I have with this vehicle is that the front bucket seats arent very comfortable. The new model 4runner supposedly addressed this problem, but I havent riden in the new 4runner. I doubt if I would buy another 4runner. I love the reality, but I hate the new style! My wife likes the current style, but she is trying to have us buy a new Sequouia(sic). I like the Sequ ok, but I like that the 4runner is built in Japan. Dont say Im not patriotic, I joined the Marines at the height of the Viet Nam War! If the USA ever builds a vehicle with Japanese reliabity

• 

  Prius or Civic Hybrid or a Honda Insight ? - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By fyler - December 17 - 6:02 am

  If you reading this, chances are, you are considering a hybrid and you are torn between a Prius, Civic Hybrid and a Honda Insight. Get the Prius. I used to be a Civic Hybrid and an Insight owner, the Honda IMA hybrid system is the worst and their MPG sucks. Before I get my Prius I owned a 2001 Insight (IMA light showed up at 78K mile), I also tried 2005, 2006 and 2008 Civic Hybrid and the MPG was 38 MPG at the best and again IMA battery issues before 100K miles. The 2008 Civic Hybrid interiors are comfier than the Prius (at least for me) but the space on the Prius is awesome if you haul stuff.The Prius Hybrid system is VERY reliable. The Prius is similar to a Camry or an Accord.

• 

  Absolutely no regrets - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bassman21 - December 16 - 8:09 pm

  I spent about 6 months reseaching trucks on the computer read and gathered all the info possible on consumer reviews. About Fords, GM, Dodge, Nission and Toyota. And also talking to friends and my mechanic. I was pointed in only one direction, Tundra! Took a 600 mile trip and got 18.4 MPG highway. Very good for a 5.7. But pulling my bass boat I got 13.5. Dont care going fishing anyway. Just turned 20,000 miles without any problems and still enjoy driving it like the day I picked it up. Take one out for a test drive and Im sure youll be impressed...

• 

  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Pepper - December 16 - 4:03 pm

  Great little car. Well built and surprising performance. Lots of room for passengers and luggage. No flaws yet

• 

  Not good value - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By mikeintx - December 16 - 1:05 pm

  Nice looks. Lots of power. Poor ergonomics. Cheap materials inside. Seats very uncomfortable. Visibility limited. Rear camera is a joke. Weak brakes. Worse fuel mileage.