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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  My First Hybrid - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By marambula - February 27 - 2:08 am

  I just put 500 miles on my Prius C Three. I traded my 2010 Toyota Matrix for it. Im glad to report Im getting exact EPA mileage, and then some. No regrets! This subcompact is not for racing. You want to race get something else. I have no problems merging in freeway traffic and its size and excellent steering allow me to maneuver in city traffic easily. The seats offer plenty of support and adjust in enough positions to allow me to drive comfortably. The AC cools the interior quickly and I live in South Texas where the daytime temperature is already at 90 degrees. This model is very well equipped for the price. This is an excellent little car that does everything its supposed to do well.

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  Prius 2010 exceeds our expectations! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Bullitt - February 26 - 3:00 pm

  My fiancee and I bought the Prius 2010 first week of January and we really love it in red. We test-drove the Venza but only the Prius exceeded our expectations with the comfort, MPG and sporty look (especially from the front). The MPG is excellent (45 mpg mixed in the winter on hilly roads around Pittsburgh). The rear visibility is not a problem at all! The people who have a problem with it should pass their driving test again because its really easy to park. The base model has everything you need (keyless entry, bluetooth, alloy wheels, excellent radio). There is enough power when you need it; the car has just been fixed with the recall (never noticed any issues). Try it and youll love it!

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  Great car - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Luther357h - February 25 - 11:14 pm

  Very nice car

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  So Far Its Great! - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By echiasson - February 25 - 4:05 pm

  I have about 500 miles on it so far. I am 62" and if i put the seat all the way back i can barely reach the petals and still have room in the back seat to spare. You dont buy this SUV to get 40+ MPG but i avg. about 19 MPG so far and the engine isnt nearly broke in yet. Purchased the Premium Package with the SR5 and the leather interior is awesome! sun roof is good. Entune Nav is somewhat complicated. Took a few different techs to show me how to use it. Make sure you have Unlimited Data on your smartphone because having Pandora and Bing is awesome but it can eat up data packages quickly. I highly recommend this vehicle!!

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  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Shakey077 - February 25 - 2:20 pm

  This truck is amazing! Picked it up on Saturday so only have 120 miles so far. Got the cloth bucket seats, 6 disc in dash, TRD off road package.The ride, while a bit bumpy on So Cal freeways is not bad. Its a truck. It isnt supposed to ride like a Camry. Love everything. MPG is what I expected from a truck. Very comfortable, huge center console, storage everywhere. This is one truck I am going to love driving this for years.

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  Relax and enjoy - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jimbryan - February 25 - 2:00 pm

  OK, I have 2 big BMW gas hogs, an X5 and a 545iA. Both are superb cars, but both egg you on to drive fast and aggressively. And both are overkill for trips to the grocery store, and a 7 mile commute to work. With the Prius, you feel relaxed driving, it eggs you to relax and take it easy. When the engine shuts off at a stoplight, I lose the angst of waiting at the light. This is a fantastic car for around town and short trips, it really works beautifully. The cargo space is also amazing, it holds almost as much as the X5 (not that the X5 is a big cargo vehicle), and on top of that are the very useful storage areas all over.

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  terrific car -- why buy newer model - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By james glass - February 25 - 4:58 am

  Great car; changed model in 2013, but this version much better. Love the Car!

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  Feels like Heaven! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Deb - February 24 - 3:03 pm

  I purchased the Corolla with the sport package and could not be happier. Since purchasing the vehicle I have received numerous compliments and even asked out on a few dates...lol. This car handles the mountain wonderfully and is a joy to drive!

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  Love It! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Happy as a Clam - February 24 - 12:50 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I realize that Toyota has taken a beating lately with recalls but I still feel its one of the best cars on the road. Gas mileage is terrific - getting very close to 40 mpg average and this is checking it with a calculator not relying on the gauge. The interior is plush - I do however have a loaded model. Incidentally I disagree with the Edmunds statement that an Altima has a nicer interior. I looked at them as well as the Ford Fusion and felt both had inferior interiors and neither Fords or the Altimas gas engine was as quiet as the Camry. Its quiet, solid very comfortable for long trips. I would heartily recommend this car to anyone.

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  does everything we need - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By hbs - February 24 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a 2002 BWW 330i. I realy thought I would miss that car, it was so fun to drive, all the salesmen on the lot thought we were nuts. With a baby on the way we felt we needed more room. It says a lot that I dont realy miss that car.