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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  Solid Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Bob in WV - August 30 - 12:03 am

  Solid car with a very nice appearance and fun to drive - very good safety rating.

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  Was wanting a little more - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amy - August 29 - 8:10 pm

  Dont get me wrong I love my Rav. I went from a nissan to this and it is a definite step up. The gas mileage isnt as high as the sticker said. There is a need for mud guards or you will have chips on the sides. I wanted a dark interior so had to "settle" for the sport model but really wanted the limited. But TOYOTA is still number 1 in my book. We had an 89 toyota pick up and I loved it. It is still on the road and going strong. My cousin has it now - not a family vehicle after the kids got taller. I bought the extended warranty so I am good for 10 years bumper to bumper and I know the Rav will hold up for those 10 years.

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  Excellent Commuter Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Brian Mescher - August 29 - 7:35 pm

  I drive 80 miles a day, including city streets, freeways, and mountain roads. The car has trouble going faster than 80 mph, but I dont really want to be driving any faster than that (I have a lead foot/self-control issue).

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  Excellent Commuter Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Brian Mescher - August 29 - 7:35 pm

  I drive 80 miles a day, including city streets, freeways, and mountain roads. The car has trouble going faster than 80 mph, but I dont really want to be driving any faster than that (I have a lead foot/self-control issue).

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  My Camry SE and me. - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Gary Dinges - August 29 - 1:37 pm

  Its follows toyotas traditions of quality.

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  Worth every penny! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Rose - August 29 - 10:33 am

  We bought this car last month after much contemplation. No matter how we put it this was the best choice for our money in this economy... & yes I used to drive a BMW 525i so it was not an easy decision for me. So far we are very happy with the performance of this car. Mileage is excellent, runs smooth, not so great on the luxury but the money we spent on BMW repairs, I rather go for an okay looking car that is cheaper to maintain and lasts much longer. The feel of steering is amazing like a luxury vehicle. Mileage is unbeatable. I am petite, my husband is 511" and we find the arm rest okay when its slided front but could have been better.

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  Best car I ever had - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jkellz - August 29 - 10:30 am

  I bought my corolla in 04 with only 9miles on it. As of July 2010 i have 242,000+ miles on it and it still drives great. My first clutch lasted up for about 188,000 miles before it was replaced. but its not something to be driven in the snow.

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  Be very careful when buying a corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jimsh - August 29 - 5:20 am

  After owning for 40 days, the fuel pump died in my corolla with 67,000 miles. The big problem is that mine was made in Japan. Because of that the fuel pump will cost over $800. If my corolla had been made in North America the fuel pump would cost $130-250. Why on earth would Toyota want to do that to their customers? Right now my car is still in the shop because I dont know what to do and neither does my mechanic. If the VIN starts with J that means it was made in Japan and you should not buy it!

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  Superb car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Michio Takahashi - August 29 - 4:13 am

  Very nice smooth and quiet ride with plenty of "muscle". Large trunk space; dash board very well laid out. The audio components and systems are excellent with both CD and tape player. Anticipating the excellent maintenance and service of the Toyota vehicles and so far, I am experiencing it. The "hi-tech" rear view mirror with garage door opener, gate opener and its auto-dimming feature is a nice feature. The gas cap release and trunk opener conveniently placed in this model. A lot of improvements over the 2000 Toyota Avalon that I had and excellent trade in value that it had when I bought the present Avalon.

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  My third new Tacoma since 1980 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By crazyman - August 28 - 11:56 pm

  This truck is a very smooth ride, has plenty of power and is very comfortable on long trips. Visibility is great, you can see all around very well.The truck handles well at higher speeds when changing lanes and can be thrown around at lower speeds without feeling like your going to roll it over. The main thing wrong with this truck (mine anyway) is that at around 70 mph the front end seems to lift up and it loses stability and steering feel. A windy day and getting around some tractor trailers will make you have to really pay attention to what its doing. Strangely putting on more speed seems to improve this handleing defect. Seems to have a lot if wind noise coming off the outside mirrors.