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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  V6 Camry XLE, Cant go wrong - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Carlos Meza - August 30 - 1:56 pm

  Our car "2013 Camry XLE V6 Auto" has performed beyond my expectations. Our previous Camry was a 1994 LT V6 auto. It was finally taken out of service after an accident in 2014 with over 240,000 miles. With only one major repair ($1200) for a transmission CPU. With that kind of service I didnt waver and purchase another V6 Camry. Our 2013 Camry XLE V6 has a faster acceleration and a higher MPG than my previous Camry. I was surprise when this vehicle on the highway got 31/33 MPG at speeds between 70 and 80 MPH. My Camry now has almost 35000 miles on the odometer with no unexpected repairs. Note; I gave this car a poor WARRANTY rating because Toyota only warrantys the car for only 3 years /36000 miles.. Conclusion: Cant go wrong with a V6 Camry

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  Three for Three - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Kevin - August 30 - 4:09 am

  This is our 3rd new Prius. First was bought in 2005 and major concern was would it start sitting outside in cold weather. Would the battery work and last? Local dealers hadnt seen a hybrid car when we had the oil changed locally. Bought a 2010 Prius II. 110,000 miles later all we change are tires and oil. With every generation they have gotten better. We finally stepped up to the 2016 Prius IV because we wanted the blind spot indicator. The cabin and ride are all improved. The headlights are better than the 2010 which were better than the 2005. There are many great cars available today, but the cost per mile to purchase and drive keeps bringing us back to the Prius.

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  A Keeper - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By bill - August 30 - 3:40 am

  I purchased the Highlander to have a reliable, economical to drive, and comfortable vehicle for long trips and for around town. It does it all. Quiet smooth ride, 21mpg around town, 26mpg Interstate. Power enough to pull my pontoon boat, yet easy to handle. Everyone remarks on how quiet the ride is, and the JBL stereo with sateite sounds great.

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  Only vehicle I will keep - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By TL - August 30 - 1:53 am

  I have bought a new car every year since 93 and now its over, I found a vehicle I want to keep. No other company makes an off road vehicle that is also stable on the road.

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  Wowsers! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By ace0425 - August 30 - 1:00 am

  I had previously looked at the 2009 and decided to wait due to a couple of features I didnt really love. After driving the 2010 I am so glad I waited. This vehicle is the best hybrid made and every other "hybrid" pales in comparison. I drove the Civic mild hybrid and the Insight before the Prius and there is no comparison. First of all, the Hondas arent fully hybrid and the fit and finish cant compare with the Toyota. The acceleration is a major improvement and the ride is sooooo quiet. I am going to keep this car forever and laugh all the way to the bank.

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  best - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By baileypoodle21 - August 29 - 5:23 pm

  The car is great it has great mileage and seating and it has the best sound system ever and a lot of speakers .

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  FAV - Family Assault Vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By CSE - August 29 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had the FJ for two days. In short, so far so good. The wife was chattering in my ear about getting a new car with space. We both like the looks and she said it was a tonka truck come to life. It drives VERY nice for a SUV, absorbs bumps quite well. The water resistent interior will come in handy with our 20 month old son who thinks throwing things that tend to leak is an olympic sport that he is determined to master. We went with the silver for a more neutral color to go with the tough looks of the car. Crawl around under this rig and you find serious off-road hardware. It inspires one to seek the roads less traveled, or just make your own roads.

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  Too Many Problems - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By kit3375 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but a problem since the second year of owenrship. The alternator has been replaced twice. Strut mounts replaced. (still makes awful noise) Axle had to be replaced. Leaks transmission fulid. Rotors replaced. Tires last no longer than a year. Had to disconnect alarm system because every time it rained the alarm would go off and we couldnt get it off. Its costing more to repair this car than what we paid for it. Dont ever buy CAMRY!!!!!!!

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  BEST IN ITS CLASS ! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dickerson - August 29 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT SUV. LOTS OF ROOM. FUN TO DRIVE.BEST IN ITS CLASS, THE BIG THREE CANT COME CLOSE TO IT.

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  Excellent vehicle! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By compcoprinting - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Super car! Fun to own and drive. Averages 50-55 mpg in warm weather and around 40 in winter(in the northeast). Starts well in frigid weather and handles well on snow and ice. Comfortable on long trips--easy on the back. Easy for handicapped individuals to enter and exit.