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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  I love my Javier! ;) - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By mrsneal - August 14 - 2:17 am

  I absolutely love my Corolla! I loved the warranty options offered by ToyotaCare, and I generally couldnt be happier with my dealership and that entire process. There are very few negative things I can even say about this car. The gas mileage is great, I average 32.2 around town! When it comes down to it, hes not a luxury sedan, and there arent umpteen million bells and whistles, but hes fun, sporty, and an all around an awesome car if youre not a nit-picker. More electronic garbage is more to possibly malfunction, I dont need it. (Even saying this, my 92 Celicas electronics all function perfectly, so I really wasnt concerned in Toyotas functionality, other brand owners, beware!)

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  Gary Brinson - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Brinson - August 14 - 1:03 am

  I have been a GM person for 30 years even though Ive had other brands as well during this time. I decided to try the Toyota Tundra double cab and I have not been disappointed. The quality is very good and Ive not had to take it back to the dealer for any problems yet. It is also fun to drive.

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  We love our Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ToddH - August 14 - 12:06 am

  This is the best vehicle weve ever owned. The ride, drive and comfort are way beyond what we expected. One of the very best in its class and we looked at every one of them...

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  247k miles and still kicking! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By jnp16 - August 13 - 8:34 pm

  I got this car 7 years ago at 150k miles. Im now nearing a quarter of a million mi (247k). Ive had to replace several things, but nothing unexpected and this car has only left me "stranded" once (hole in radiator, so if you count pulling over to put water in as "stranded"). This thing takes a beating from me--I offroad often and it takes 300miles trips constantly as I go back and forth from school (for 6yrs). Couldnt ask for a more fun, better looking, more reliable car! I plan on running this thing into the ground, and at 247k that still seems far away! Things changed: o2 sensor, radiator, timing belt, rear axle seals, booster, ignition, 1 fuel injector. Spread out over 7yrs, NOT BAD

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  Excellent family vehicle. - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By TWM - August 13 - 4:56 pm

  Brand new vehicle that weve had for 24 hours. I really like the feature set of this auto. The leather appointments are well finished and of extremely high quality. The laser cruise adjust is very nice on the highway. The navi system is accurate and easy to use. The three zone air conditioning works very well. There are almost too many features to discuss. Suffice to say, this is a luxury mini-van if there is such a thing.

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  Bills first 16 months with Highlander H - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bill - August 13 - 7:13 am

  Bought for economy. Hwy @ 26 mpg, city @ 32 mpg, thus almost reaching rating of 28/34. Excellent power, smooth transition between gas and electric, transmission shifts seemlessly. Dealer service dept very fast for scheduled service. Zero maintenance problems in 31000 miles. Very quiet operation in city and highway. Big enough to haul stuff like power washer, wheel barrow, construction materials, etc. We are very pleased with the vehicle.

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  My Second Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Beth Webber - August 13 - 6:26 am

  No matter how many times car people tell me that the Prius is never going to pay for itself, Ill still drive one. This is my second one and I love everything about it, especially the fact that the pollution level is so low. My mileage for my 2003 averaged 45-49 mpg (actual mileage) and the new one is 49-52 mpg so far. Foo on the naysayers-this is a really comfortable and well handling little car. I love the back up camera and the 8 airbag option also.

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  Love My Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By annie86004 - August 13 - 3:16 am

  I have been pleasantly surprised with the comfort of this car. The drivers seat curves nicely around me to provide support for my back. I havent had it long enough to know just what sort of mileage I get yet, but Im impressed so far - Ive gone about 100 miles and only used 1/4 tank. In my other car, which I traded in, I would have used 1/2 tank by that time.

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  WOW All of the angry owners - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Payne - August 13 - 2:31 am

  I appraise this car my last car was a 2007 Camry le that got totaled at 110,000miles now purchased a 2015 Camry SE. This car is a beauty its reliable and little bit affordable for me the fit and finish materials are nice on this midsize car. My new Camry was bought on 7/23/15 no issues I use this car getting around Lexington KY area etc. So far I have had zero problems its a beautiful car looks more like a Lexus instead being Americas Bestselling midsize car even interior comfortable equipped leather seats and sunroof. Four cylinder engine is sweet as gets excellent gas mileage 30/35mpg on highway believe this car is worth an true excellent value know this car will last 100,000 changing spark plugs and using Synthetic oil at that time breaking the motor not disappointed with my 2007 as still miss that car but more satisfied with this newer Camry.

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  Some Of Toyotas Best Work - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By bhmcommute - August 12 - 5:23 pm

  We traded a 2008 Accord for this Venza, much less road noise than the Honda. The front seat comfort is excellent. We get the same gas mileage in a 4 cylinder as we did in the Accord. First two trips on a fresh engine got us 28.8, so its right on the 29 sticker. Plus no more brake problems like all late model Accords. Love the comfort and room. The back seat is one of the most comfortable of any I have ever sat in. 4 cylinder has plenty of power and the V6 is just plain fast for a family size car. Plus, it just looks great. Very modern and stylish. Would recommend to anyone.