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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  Love my little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Dena - July 12 - 10:20 am

  Ive had my hatchback for a month now and I love it. This car is so much fun to drive. Its very roomy in the front seats for such a small car. So far Im getting about 37 mpg which seems good to me. Its a little loud on the highway but feels very stable. I would have purchased the power package but it wasnt available in NH.

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  Converted Ford Guy - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By spectre16 - July 12 - 8:53 am

  I just traded a 2011 Ford F150 for the 2015 Toyota Tundra Limited. I have had the vehicle 1 week and am very pleased. There are a few quirks with the Toyo-like no preset seats on the limited model and no power adjustment for the passenger seat. The ride on the Tundra is stiffer than the 150 and a little more road noise. The best thing about the truck is the quality. It will last for years to come. If you intend on keeping a vehicle for more than a few years, then this is the truck to own. My customer experience at Jim Barkley Toyota in Asheville was excellent. I highly recommend the Tundra.

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  Great Value - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By tominator - July 12 - 8:16 am

  Purchased the car 2 weeks ago and put 865 miles on it already. Wife drives 70 miles a day round-trip. She loves the ride, comfort and filling up the tank for $60 versus $90 for our 2004 mini van that we traded in. Problem going down hills, the RPM shoot up to 3000 while braking. I took back to dealership & asked them to reprogram the computer. They refused because the problem wouldnt duplicate itself while tech drove it. I talked to the head mechanic the next day and he told me it definitely needs reprogramming. Now I have another appt. to get the problem fixed.

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  Mid-Life Crisis Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tina RN - July 11 - 7:46 pm

  This was my mid-life crisis purchase - have always wanted a convertible, so I went for it. The "shake" in the car when you hit the slightest bump worried me at first but then I realized it was normal for a convertible. Everyone stares when we drive by with the top down. My best friend and I always just say "they want to be us!" Everyone in my family hates the car because I always want the top down, but that was the point!! I have 1400 miles on it, leased it (first time - scared to death about that) but am thinking about trading on an Avalon Limited. I know I will miss my relaxing evening drives...I researched every convertible. This one was the best I found - go for it!

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  4runner FanAtic - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Larry Smith - July 11 - 7:34 pm

  This is my second 4Runner & it is everything my 06 was & more! Great work & recreational vehicle rolled into one reliable package. I can carry tools & a Little Giant ladder for work, or our three large Akitas for hiking. Fuel consumption is better too with an average of 20 - 21 mpg.

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  Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jabber - July 11 - 11:30 am

  Once broken in mileage is steady at 29-32 mpg. Cannot find anything that would prevent me from purchasing another as my next vehicle.

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  Best Ive Owned - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By msmurray - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This Camary wagon is awesome ! I have owned many cars and none have been as reliable. The interior is still perfect,the exterior could use a mirror glaze. The oil consistently has the look of Honey...Excellent Car !

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  THE BEST - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyota4Runner - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Toyota 4Runner and it has 45k offroad miles on it. Only time it drives on pavement is the freeway, to the offroading trails, and when I want to take it to the twisty winding roads. I really love the 5spd Manual tranny, over my 2002 4runner sport edition. The only thing I changed on it was the ripped off fender flare, side mirrors and bitten off mudflaps,(Stupid Dog). EXCELLENT! ;)

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  I love it! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Reynolds853 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I havent given this car a second thought since buying it, which is EXACTLY what I wanted. Its easy to drive, gets good mileage, u-turns on city streets are no problem, and with the rear seats folded down it can hold my bicycle without taking the wheels off. Fold down the front seat, and you can fit all that stuff you bought at Home Depot. I also like the driving position - you sit up higher than in other compact wagons. The seats are tall, like in a minivan, which gives you much better visability in traffic. Visability out the back is compromised by the narrow windows back there, but once youre used to it, its not a problem.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nejos - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. Styling is great, I can finally win an ugly car contest. Everyone I know that has looked at it likes it. This car has definately been worth it.