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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  A little disappointed - 2014 Toyota Sienna
  By mtc_va - October 22 - 1:25 am

  Replaced a 2009 Oddy. Based on great 1999 Camry experience, expected the Sienna to be better. So far, not so good. The main problem is the speedometer is wrong. It overstates speed 3-5 MPH. Our dealer in Tyson Corner, VA says its normal and Toyota seems to agree. Granted, better than understating speed, but not what I expect of Toyota. Another surprise I didnt notice pre-purchase is that the 2nd row seats dont completely remove from the car. There is a substantial harness that remains above the floor. Wouldnt be able to carry drywall for example without damaging it. Never occurred to me to check after flat floors in past 3 minivans - Honda and Dodges. Buyer beware.

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  Tradition Continues - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lane - October 21 - 10:46 pm

  I love my truck. Its fun to drive. Large cabin provides comfort on long trips. Engine power plus fuel economy 27 -30 mpg. Same great Toyota build quality.

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  Greatest comfortable economy car - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By hjolly - October 21 - 9:24 pm

  As mentioned by someone else, this car generally get so-so reviews because it doesnt comply with auto-journalist enthusiasts vision of a great car : no turbo, no DI, no IRS, no 4 disc brakes... They miss the point. This "old technology" package accomplish equivalent or more than some of the fancier competition : comfortable and composed ride and decent power with a hard to beat fuel economy (Im at 38 mpg average (50/50) over 10,000 miles, despite the break-in period and harsh winter. Lots of plastic Inside but well put together with a somewhat elegant design. Real DEL headlights (not decorative) are great. Steering wheel /voice, Bluetooth, USB, back-up camera. Any equivalent for 20K $ ?

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  ce camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ALFRED - October 21 - 8:00 pm

  Just got back from Maine. I have to say the car rode great,comfortable and gas mileage great. Very roomy with four adults. The new design turns heads wherever we go. The only draw back is using the cruise control, kicks out of overdrive on very slight hills.

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  Finally - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By James Woodruff - October 21 - 4:15 pm

  Love this car...!!! The look the ride...everything i hoped for.

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  I love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gayle - October 21 - 11:13 am

  I love this car. Besides being a clean air car and fuel efficient, I got what I think of as luxury features such as bluetooth technology and a navigation system at a modest price. I love the keyless entry and the fact that I dont even have to put my key in the ignition to drive the car. The milege is great as gas prices keep rising.

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  I Love my Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tina G - October 21 - 8:30 am

  I am having a great time adjusting from my Grand Caravan to my Yaris. The gas savings have been awesome with milage averaging 39-41 MPG with a mix of stop and go and highway driving. It is comfortable, handles great and is pure joy!!

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  Happy but Expected Better Performance - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Harriet from Texas - October 21 - 5:10 am

  Bodystyle=fabulous. Interior luxury=Lexus. Love flexibility of fold down rear seats & seat configurations. Automatic side & rear doors=priceless. Sound system=awesome w/ great source options. Absolutely agree- needs front cntrl of DVD player. Want to use it w/little kids, have to stop car & climb back. Very disappointed w/ power of engine - has to upshift on slightest hill @ avg wghts-& fuel economy=16.4 mpg @ 50/50 driving. Front psngr seat=very uncomfortable-only 4way- very short& it feels like I’m going to fall out of it; I am only 5’6”. Have not taken it for a long trip-I don’t see being able to sit in the passenger seat for > 1 hr. Back seats=great. Overall=happy but for price- should be thrilled.

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  I want another one - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Danno - October 21 - 2:36 am

  Just bought one for my daughter. Ive been driving it until she comes home for Christmas break. great car, fun to drive. Its a great value and I wouldnt mind having one for myself.

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  A good reliable car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By FRANKLIN VAZQUEZ - October 20 - 4:43 pm

  Solid performance, no problems of any kind, just what you expect from a good quality car company.