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 Camry - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Veronica - June 17 - 1:16 pm

  I purchased my 92 Camry XLE third-hand from an elderly couple. This is my second Camry, and I love it. I havent had to put any money into this car except for scheduled maintenance and annual touch up painting. I have 111,000 miles on the odometer and hope to get to 200,000 or 20 years old, whichever comes first! My only complaint about the car is that it has a moon roof that takes up head space and makes it a little "short" for me. Im 511". Other than that, I couldnt ask for better performance or reliability.

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  Love my little "beep beep"! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By smokefan - June 17 - 5:02 am

  In 2007, I totaled out my 2000 Dodge Neon (good little car, too) and my brother and his wife gave me their 1999 Rav 4 L to drive. At first, it was a rocky relationship b/c I couldnt drive a standard...but once I got the hang of it, I learned two things: Standards are way more fun and this little truck is one of the best investments you could ever make! The truck had around 80K when I got it and Ive put another 100K on it. The only thing Ive had to do is replace the timing belt, which is an item you can expect to replace after time anyway. Other than diligent oil & fluid changes, Ive not had to put any money into the "beep beep" and I think shell stay in my family for years to come!

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By ROE ODONNELL - June 17 - 2:34 am

  This is my second Prius. The first one was a 2006 model 2. It was a great car and I sold it with 137,000 miles. The 2016 model is so much better in every way: handling, technology, 20% better fuel economy, comfort. I especially like the self parking, the intelligent cruise control, and the lane warning system. I recommend this vehicle highly.

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  Best Little Wagon - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By LongTermHappyOwner - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  had this reliable and peppy wagon for ten years; no major defects or problems; easy to park; good visibility; good loading capacity; good leg room in back; upholstery wears well; std stereo mediocre; gas mileage appx 26-28 city; 28-30 freeway; would have bought another but dont make anymore; drivers seat and headrest are comfortable for my neck and frame (56").

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  Oh what a feeling - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By 2 many suvs - June 16 - 10:30 am

  Bought this vehicle exactly 3 days ago and have put 300 miles on it. It is a wonderful car. Good acceleration, very comfortable ride and I love the gas mileage. My wife and I drive over 2600 miles a month with kids, commuting and misc. activities. This will drop our fuel consumption in half in no time. We are averaging 37.5 mpg on the first tank. It can only get better as we get used to it.

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  The Best - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By peeper2006 - June 16 - 9:10 am

  A Celica has been my dream car for a few years now, and I just bought an 02 GT-S with the body kit (black with clear and blue bulbs in the headlights, blue side marker bulbs with clear lenses) and it is great. I get sooooooo many compliments on my car wherever I go. The styling on it is AMAZING! And the there is no other car that even slightly resembles it. Its not as fast as I would like, but the look makes up for it. Also, it is kind of loud, and is pretty cramped in the rear seats. But I would suggest this car to anyone who is smaller and loves sports or tuner cars! Toyota is great, and the Celica is the best sporty coupe out there.

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  Just outstanding - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Craig - June 16 - 7:00 am

  We have the fully loaded Camry Hybrid and it is incredible. At 37+ mpg, and with the large Colorado State tax credit this will actually save us a lot of money relative to a regular Camry (the federal alternative fuels website has a link to the state hybrid incentives -- be sure to check it out). The driving experience is amazing, once you get used to the pleasures of driving a Hybrid. Push button start, extreme quietness, and a full information displays regarding how the engine is operating (must be seen to be believed). And of course Toyota has packed this full of well designed features.

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  SWEET! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Katie May - June 16 - 6:30 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota vehicle. I love it. The rear window is great, drivers seat cozy, spacious back area that folds down... great looking too. The only SUV built on a truck chassis. Awesome ! You"ll love it esp at a used price.

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  325,000 Miles and still going strong - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - June 16 - 6:10 am

  I bought this Toyota Camry new from the dealer. I have never had any issues with this Camry. I have only had to do the recommend maintenance, and now with over 325,000 miles on it it is still running as strong as the day I bought it no oil leaks it is the best investment I ever made I will keep this car until it no longer runs and at the rate it is going I will expire before it does, best car ever built.

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  Great Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By lovecars10 - June 15 - 8:22 pm

  Okay, I have what some people may call "car issues". I am 33 years old and on about the 40th car. Six months ago I bought a 25k mile 2006 with a factory warranty. I am totally not a truck guy and could not see myself driving an F-150. But the Tacoma is not a truck for us. Its the Ultimate Family Vehicle. We go camping, lots of room with tonneau cover, it can tow, it fits 4 of us comfortably, and I can get stuff from Lowes. By the way its very reliable and overall feels very solid. I cant believe that my top favorite car out of Acuras, Bmw, Saab and a bunch of others and its a "truck"...no, its an..."Ultimate Family Vehicle".