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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  Would Do It Again - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike S - June 24 - 9:30 am

  My wife and I just got our new Corolla and we love it. If I had one word to describe it the word would be value. We also have a 2002 Mazda Protege and we like it too but the Toyota seems to be superior in quality, ride, and mpg.

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  Love these things! - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Happy - June 24 - 3:53 am

  Did the research in 2002, bought a 1998 TLC with 54,000 miles on it from a dealer that picked it up off auction as a lease return. This is one fantastic vehicle. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts in this case. The engine is not powerful by todays standards, but quite adequate. The cabin space is not enormous, but very comfortable. It will go anywhere, out climb the Hummers, leave the jeeps in the gullies, etc. Handles snow and ice like a dream, even on 13% grades in the mountains. Locking differentials are a great option. Maintenance cost in minimal; I put a starter in at about 100,000 miles. Like it so much I bought a 2nd one in 2006. Keeping this one too, though.

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  Impressed - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By happy mom - June 23 - 11:56 am

  We were loyal gm buyers until we became tired of paying the repair bills. We decided to go for it and bought our 4Runner. I love it! It is so quiet on the road and is fun to drive, I am 510" and find it so comfortable. We have two boys that are still in booster and car seats and there is plenty of room. I am impressed by the gas mileage. I thought that it would be poor but it is better than my smaller GM suv. I could go on and on, I am glad we bought it!

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  Super nice ride! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By jph3006 - June 23 - 2:18 am

  After 600 miles, we are very happy with this Camry XLE, 2.5L 4 cylinder. This was our first Toyota, previously we had Hondas. We compared the Accord and Sonata and found them to be noisier and a little harder ride though both are more sporty. We specified cloths seats, and not leather, due to the hot Florida climate. We have the Convenience package, floor mats, and rear spoiler. The car is very quiet at highway speeds and the 4 cylinder engine has more than ample power.We are averaging 26 MPG city. The standard stereo sounds really nice within this quiet interior. We like the numerous chrome accents and with the spoiler, looks cool! This is a lot of car for the money, we recommend it!

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  Good car - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ali - June 22 - 12:20 am

  I bought 4Runner as an interim vehicle because I could not decide and I will keep this car. It is well made, drives like a dream and has room for everything. Toyota considered every detail.

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  Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By pftaylor - June 21 - 12:10 pm

  The Avalon Limited is the best kept secret Toyota has. It is truly deserving of its flagship position. Lexus quality abounds everywhere except with the medallion.

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  The Australian Model - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Justine - June 21 - 10:30 am

  I live in Melbourne Australia and thus own the Australian built V6 3.0 Altise Limited Edition which is the US XLE V6 version. This car drives like a baby and it has done only 45,000k (28,000 miles). I have no complaints apart from the knobs on the dash which makes it look rather cheap. The noise insulation is absolutely excellent! (not that it makes any noise of its own) Why cant Ford, GM and the rest build cars like this?

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  Long 4200 Mile Trip - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Dan - June 21 - 2:16 am

  Drove from AZ thru CO, KS to MO and then back thru AR, OK, and NM. Camped out in it a total of 6 nights. A blowup mattress will fit in back with the seats down and forward. Performed well in the CO mountains for the size of the engine. Able to maintain 65-70 mph on the 6-7% grades. Averaged 32- 33 mpg depending on the speed. Great for an AWD! Used the AC outlet to blowup the mattress, use my laptop, and charge our camera batteries. A definite plus! The seats were fairly comfortable for the long-hauls. An adjustable lumbar support would be nice. Has been reliable so far. The sunroof cover squeaked for awhile but the dealership fixed it. No really major complaints.

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  truck is great!!1 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By vinny - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive tried them all the sequoia is far and wide the best!!

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  I loved this car! - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By SPE - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great fun car! Fun to drive, easy to handle, comfortable, good gas mileage. It has very small blindspots. Protects driver well in a crash...believe me- I know.