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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  2014 a big ride improvement - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By beaverfood - August 9 - 4:20 am

  The 2014 rides much better than the 2010. I had an SR5 DoubleCab, and moved up a notch to the Limited CrewMax. I like the dual temperature controls, which are no longer available on the SR5.

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  I love ❤️ the van and so does my grandkids! - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By Scheryl Warner - August 9 - 3:47 am

  You will fall In love 😍 with it. Everything about it.

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  96 Camry Collectors Edition Going Strong - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Carl - August 8 - 7:50 pm

  This car is meant to keep going. I have now put over 255,000 miles on the car and it still runs very well. The car is very comfortable for the driver and for up to 4 passengers (both long and short trips). 188hp very peppy for a mid-sized car. The exterior looks are phenomenal, basically a Lexus in Camry clothes. Interior has held up very well for 12 year old leather. Even with todays fancier features (nav, heated mirrors, etc) I would buy this car again in a heart beat. Camry (Cam-Mou-ri = Crown in japanese) is the gem of the Toyota lineup. I am very pleased with the long life, high miles, and literally NO maintenance of this vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By gsbanks - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love my Echo! I previously had a Dodge Pickup. I wanted something that got great gas mileage and also had a little bit of room. Echo was a great alternative to to the more expensive Hybrids. I never get less than 39 miles to the gallon (although I always use 93 octane gas). Echo is also very safe. I had an accident on the interstate in May where I was going about 40mph and hit the car in front of me (it was a 5 car accordian crash and I was the last one). The car abaorbed all the blow and I wasnt hurt or sore at all. I will soon be testing my Echo out when I drive it to Alaska in January. I have lived there before and think it will do well.

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  hunter - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By hunter - August 8 - 2:00 am

  the toyota tumdra is one of the best vehicals i have ever drive and i have been driving toyota trucks for about 15 years. very econom9ical

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  Went back to the Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chubbs - August 8 - 1:50 am

  We had a 2000 Tundra that did a wonderful job for us. We moved and when it was time for a new one, the Titan pulled more weight so we got one. While the Titan was a wonderful truck, its just not a Toyota. This new Tundra is just plain gorgeous and I anticipate performance and comfort on our cross-country journeys while pulling a trailer.

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  Great SUV! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Sam - August 8 - 1:23 am

  I wanted to purchase true SUV, did not look much after test drive for Highlander. Smooth, powerful engine,easy to park,lots of room for kids in 2nd row.Steering is bit light so on highway not a top performer but just need to be careful,brakes are strong, so far gas mileage is excellent for SUV.

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  RAV 4 over new CRV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By David - August 8 - 12:23 am

  This is my fourth Toyota, and the best one yet. Silky smooth controls, very subtleshifts, and overall refinement well above average cars. My 80 pound Dobe can stand up straight in the back. Four cly. provides more than enough power here in WI, but six would be desirable in mountains. Looks awesome with 18 inch wheels and flares. Makes my Tacoma seem primitive. Drove a new CRV and it did not compare

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  luvmosyo - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By mosyo - August 7 - 2:10 pm

  I am the original owner. I traded my 1991 BMW 325i for the 4Runner and have never looked back. It starts every single time I turn the key. One day after I had the vehicle for 7 years, it hesitated a little when I started it. I replaced the original Panasonic battery and it went right back to 100%. I had to have the antenna replaced once about 3 years ago. Other than that, the vehicle has served me flawlessly through my days as a single active duty Naval officer, my early married life and now with 3 kids and 3 dogs. My Siberian Husky never misses an opportunity to ride in "Mos Yo!" I plan to keep my 4Runner until it wont go anymore - Im thinking another 10 years. Thank you Toyota.

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  Overall Satisfied - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kurt - August 7 - 11:40 am

  I echo many of the posted comments that are happy with truck. I am very picky, and point out at stop lights and in traffic at or below idle there is a slight shudder in the drive train. It happens when the AC is on. I feel it in a slow takeoff with my pedal foot. This happens at 1k idle or less. I am surprised over bumps you get “feedback” that I would have not expected, and its likely due to needing to dampen the shocks and springs in the rear. I guess they are doing this in anticipation of the payload, but it would be nice to have the option to set the “drive” style. Other than that, excellent HP for a 6 cyl and good highway experience.