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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  best mid-size SUV ever owned! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By shawn podraza - September 9 - 1:56 pm

  Had limited 01 explorer v6 under powered and gas hungry.Test drove v6 and v8 toyota 4runner, v8 won my heart! Smooth and quick acceleration, love the JBL 10 speaker sound system,heated leather seats and mirrors.Had record snow this Dec. over 24 inches the 4 runner V8 AWD performed flawlessly,drove through snow drifts 4ft high with little loss of traction, it powered through like a true awd gladiator.The 4runner has had no problems in the 3 yrs that I have owned it. I have co-workers that are american suv guys they have commented on how sharp looking my 4runner is.The interior is exceptional sharp and exterior turns many heads.But it drives like a dream and am very satisfied with reliability

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  All I could ask for - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Alan - September 9 - 2:06 am

  My daughter has been driving this vehicle for over 5 years and it has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The performance has been excellent, the maintenance very low and the overall cost of driving exceptional. The styling of the 97 Celica is classic and even after 9 years the body and paint are in excellent condition. It runs like a jewel and I believe it will continue to give us great service well beyond 150,000 miles. A great car!

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  Earn (er, save) $$$ while you drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By z2im - September 8 - 5:26 pm

  After approximately 10k miles, I am still as impressed with the Prius as when I first test drove the vehicle. Though my highway mileage doesnt quite reach the ratings (Im getting upper 40s highway, low 60s city), the savings in gas over my prior vehicle are noticeable. The ride for a mid-size car is very comfortable. The rear passenger area is spacious even for my 6+ 17-year old son. No knees under the chin for any passengers in this car! With the tax breaks, the fuel economy, and the fine vehicle build and performance, the Prius will not disappoint

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  Great car but terrible Navigation - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Hellervik - September 8 - 10:32 am

  The car is stylish and great interior but navigation is terrible. I expected this car to be loaded with all features but navigation doesnt exist nor does it have GPS. All software and electronics is tied to the cell phone. Without a cell phone all this car has is a radio. If you managed to get the navigation working (cell phone has to be plugged into the UPS), if you get a phone call or make a call, navigation quits working as the cell phone can only do one thing at a time. Navigation app is terrible. For a car such as the XLE to just have a radio I paid way too much. Ive have had 4 Toyotas now and would not buy this car for this price for just a radio. Would not purchase another.

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  Old School Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jwolfgong - September 8 - 10:16 am

  Ive only had Blackie for one day, but here are my initial impressions. Interior is klugey. Buttons everywhere and old technology like no auto-up, no mist on wipers and A/C not coupled to defrost. You could easily smack into something while looking for controls or the clock which is in a good spot if you happen to be looking for a lost contact lense. Seats are NG. Too flat. So far I cant get the beeps to turn off for the remote locking function. One of the Homelink buttons will not accept a transmitter code for some reason. Tomorrow I go back to the dealer and see why the engine oil is low already. Ill let you know how that goes...

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  A good SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By yoursand - September 8 - 10:00 am

  a solid vechicle, one of the best mid- size out there. had it for a year and half now, no problem at all.

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  Excellent - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Walter Foster - September 8 - 10:00 am

  As a good general all around sports car it is great, at the top end of the lower priced affordable cars. Like it a bit better than my Miata. Read wheel rear engine drive makes the car a unique handler. Front end might be a bit too like but as long as you know it not a real issue. Easier on long trips as the Miata, but not as good a my 350Z. Best description! fun.

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  What a car!!! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By skylarblue - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for the milage and it has exceeded my expectations!!! Smooth comfortable ride. Tight, controllable steering. I am not a small person and I find it to be very comfortable. The seats hug you and keep you in place when you feel like reving the engine a little. I love the look of it!!! It has truly made my long daily journeys pleasurable. The sound system is a bonus as well. Anyone looks good driving this car, especially with the sunroof open!!

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  Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MaherBigRed - September 8 - 10:00 am

  excellent car everyone should buy would never buy another car. Its great all colors look great.

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  Arnies Next Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By RWW - September 8 - 10:00 am

  First impressions of a 2004 (BG pack): Lovely interior with great space and stylish grey pseudo-suede fabric. Almost excessive rear leg room. Good visibility, even through hatchback. Nav system is refined, with split- screen option. Bluetooth works well (now I need a new phone and plan). Verbal command is good at generating unintended humor, but most key controls are on to the wheel. Reasonable pickup by modest Saab 9000 standards, firm suspension, solid handling, tight turning radius, good brakes. Quiet at highway speeds. Soft hiccup when the 1.5 liter engine engages. Sound system is fine-wonderful and easy to control from the wheel.