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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  Over 300K - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Jeffrey in Phoenix Arizona - April 27 - 3:35 am

  My 1999 Toyota Camry - 6 cyl - Manual Transmission - love the car - now has 302K miles on it. My last Toyota Camry, a 1987 had 387K miles before it got hit. I expect this one to go over 400K.

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  Over 300K - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Jeffrey in Phoenix Arizona - April 27 - 3:35 am

  My 1999 Toyota Camry - 6 cyl - Manual Transmission - love the car - now has 302K miles on it. My last Toyota Camry, a 1987 had 387K miles before it got hit. I expect this one to go over 400K.

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  Not bad at all! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Ruben M. - April 27 - 2:08 am

  Traded up from a 2009 Camry LE. Everything has been upgraded from since that model. The ride is smoother & quieter, interior much more roomier. infotainment system much better. Very pleased!

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  Would Recommend - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ryan Krug - April 26 - 10:56 pm

  If you want a vehicle that will last, this is the one for you.

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  Thumbs Up!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Tony - April 26 - 8:40 pm

  I just purchased the 03 Highlander about a month ago and it is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned (owning brand new 00 Grand Am and 03 Silverado prior). It had about 44,000 miles on the odometer and it still drives like new. We test drove an 02 Rendezvous with only 20,000 miles and still drove off with this vehicle. It is very quiet even on the windiest days. The gas mileage is consistently reading around 18 to 20 mpg, which for a midsize is pretty impressive. We bought this because we needed a familly vehicle with my wife delivering our first born a week later, and am totaly secure driving my family around in the Highlander.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By shar - April 26 - 6:40 pm

  I love this car. It drives so well. I had a small SUV, and it was difficult to drive. So all the storage capabilities of the SUV are in this Matrix, and yet it drives like a car and the gas mileage is like a car. All that see it are very impressed with the style. Its also a fun car to drive.

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  Great Car!!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Hcobeerman1 - April 26 - 6:13 am

  Awesome vehicle - Average MPG is around 48.5. Though mielage is better in city driving, still an excellent value. Sorry I waited so long in getting a Hybrid

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  Toyota is definitely moving forward - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Brian Chaney - April 26 - 3:03 am

  I love everything about this SUV. The fuel economy, the quiet smooth ride, the seating capacity, the quality of build. The only thing I think Toyota is missing is a little better turning performance around turns. Other than that I LOVE this car.

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  "Gypsy" - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rich - April 25 - 9:26 pm

  This car has it all. We call the "GPS" lady "Gypsy." Gypsy gets us anywhere. This car is space age, and built like a tank. It is so solid and smooth as silk to drive. Everything is easy to access, especially the convertibility of the cargo area. Everything fits! We will have this car forever. We feel very special to own such a vehicle. Keep up the good work Toyota engineers.

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  Dependability! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - April 25 - 8:20 pm

  This is a classic Toyota. Very reliable vehicle with decent features that make it practical and economical. Cant say enough good things about the truck.