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:

• 

  Coasting along - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Steph - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Prius about one month ago and I love the car. I purchased the car for environmental reasons and its living up to my expectations. Mileage is averaging 45-50. Mileage will increase as car breaks in and as temps warm (right now winter in Chicago). Smooth ride. Quiet car. Comfortable seats. Helpful MPG data on a current basis. Nice interior layout with climate and audio controls easily accessed on steering wheel.

• 

  Reliable road partner. - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By r_k - July 17 - 12:26 pm

  We are third owner of this car, we knew the second owner who kept this car really well. The only thing weve done so far is change timing belt, water pump and fluid wash. Runs like a dream and currently giving me a mixed mileage of 26 mpg. We love the robust build of the car, road handling. The opening of trunk is big and weve had no issues in carrying large grocery bags and a small wagon which always stays in it. The back seat is roomy and has large space for 4 people to sit. I like the drive of this car and will recommend it to anyone looking for luxury at the same time reliable car.

• 

  Insane MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By jay206 - July 17 - 5:05 am

  After patiently waiting a few weeks for a Prius C One (base) to arrive at a local dealer here in RI, a black metallic one came into Tarbox Toyota. I traded in my 08 with 87,000 on it that I have only owned for about a month. I liked it so much I thought a new one for a few thousand more made a lot of sense. Well Toyota really hit it out of the park with this car. My Aunt bought one two weeks before me and she has been telling me her mpg and I honestly didnt believe her. Well I am getting much better mpg than she was. I mean over 75 mpg city and over 60 overall, while my 08 was getting just over 50. I am still pinching myself. Other than the insane mpg, the car is very styish and tight.

• 

  3/4 size - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By jb - July 17 - 3:10 am

  I have owned my 01 Tundra for a year and prior to that a 96 Chevy. The ability to tow heavy loads is a major factor for my truck usage and the Tundra does a superb job, as well as my Chevy did. Compared to the cab of my Chevy, the Tundra is a bit more cramped. The size is a plus for everyday driving though and manuevering in parking lots is much easier than my Chevy was. The rear seat is adequate for my kids and I average 15 mpg.

• 

  Meet my expectation in every way - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By blao - July 17 - 1:50 am

  After a year and several thousand miles, It is time for a review so others can use as a reference. The gas mileage is as advertised. Average about 26m/gal (mostly highway). City is about 21. Some people complaint about the transmission and the cars power, but it is not true. They must learn how to use eco mode and sport mode to bring out the car true performance (play with shift paddle some time also). With my personal experience, I use eco mode on highway and sport mode on back road or city road. The car has good surrounding view and I love the rear view camera. The cargo area is almost as big as my 1998 grand Cherokee and the rear seats could be folded real flat.

• 

  Best Truck of 2008 - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mounir - July 17 - 12:53 am

  I have been looking for a truck that can accommodate my family and my household items, and I did find it. My toyota Prerunner is the one. I trade my old Toyota 1995 to the one I have now. Now I own the most reliable and valuable truck. It is the smartest move I have made this year. It is the best buy if anyone consider a truck for a special needs.

• 

  Re-learning driving a car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Jim - July 16 - 11:16 pm

  I dont have much available money so I went for the #1 car that would keep me away from the service department and the gas station. So far after only one month so good, but its still early. Everything I could have asked for. Everyone asks me how I charge it and what kind of fuel I have to use and I almost laugh when I tell them I never have to charge it and I can use any gas I want.

• 

  MY First Non-American Auto - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By bill - July 16 - 10:50 pm

  This car has great gas mileage, handling, performance, style. Forget the frills the Chevy equinox has and buy with confidence. When I purchased the car the dealer said see you first oil change. To my surprise that was the only time I needed the service dept. I own 3-5 vehicles for years and this is the first where I did not become friends with service adviser fixing warranty problems. My son and daughter got rid of their Chevy and Pontiac and they are glad they did also. My gas mileage is 24 to work and 28 on trips.

• 

  Best BANG for the buck! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By azghsthntr - July 16 - 1:06 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Nissan Xterra for a 2010 Toyota Corolla for $13.2 with 39k miles two weeks ago. I wasnt too excited about it at first as I love trucks, but going from filling up every four days to once a week, I cant beat that! I am averaging about 32 mpg with 90% freeway driving. The digital dash options to view avg mpg, temp, time, and current mpg is nice. A/C blows excellent which is a must in this Arizona heat. Radio sound is nice. Motor runs strong for this little four banger. Interior looks and feels cheap, but I can sacrifice that for a more dependable engine any day of the week! We will be taking it for our first road trip this Memorial Day, should be fun and nice drive.

• 

  My whole family loves the minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Herbert Liu - July 16 - 10:50 am

  The Sienna is truly best overall minivan for (big) family. It is the roomiest among all and with tasteful and functional interior. The powerful 3.3L is very capable of handling highway passing. Its handling is almost as good as the best in class Odyssey.