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:

• 

  Amazing Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JW Larson - March 24 - 11:16 am

  Went from an 06 Jeep GC LTD with Hemi and was very apprehensive about the change. After 2 days, I realized I had nothing to worry about. This is an amazing vehicle. Im very glad I switched. And there is significant gas savings per month. So many features, I cant even begin to know where to start. The ride is like floating on air. On top of that, they are holding their value very well. A big thing to consider, too, is maintenance and repairs when they come up. Toyota has had 7 years to learn the hybrid system.

• 

  WOW!!! This is nice - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By marv - March 24 - 12:06 am

  After looking at the upper end American suvs and Lexus GX and LX 470s, this suv just seemed to stand out. It has the complete package for me. Its (the limited model) style, comfort, quality, sound system, size and quietness all seemed to outshine the others. Im averaging 15.1 MPG around town with the V8 and 18.4 on the freeway. My wifes Jeep Liberty (3.7L) only averages 14.3 in town! So far an outstanding SUV.

• 

  196,000 Miles... Time to buy another used Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Go Toyota - March 23 - 11:07 pm

  If you change the oil, keep it tuned and do the very basics of car care...this thing runs and runs and runs. Bought this unloved Camry at an estate auction well below blue book because it had been wrecked. Had 17k on it when we bought it. Repairs were all original Toyota parts according to the local Toyota dealer. 196,000 miles later despite the abuse of one of our young male drivers and we have yet to replace any parts on the car other than brakes and tires. Were giving the car away to someone who needs reliable transportation. At 196K the engine is not using oil and the compression all checks good. I bought another Camry LE (2010) with 28K on it for the very fact that we know that these cars go the distance if you do the basic maintenance. You get a nice sedan that makes your bucks go a very long way.

• 

  love this truck - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By alex - March 23 - 5:47 pm

  Wont ever drive anything else but a Toyota Tacoma or 4 runner again!

• 

  Great CAR - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By themahn - March 23 - 4:33 am

  The car is great car over all , most people like to complain too much.There is no perfect car.I have own 4 Toyotas and the 4 Toyotas together had less problems than the Dodge I had. I would recommend the Camary any day .

• 

  05 SEV6 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Hjm - March 23 - 3:46 am

  V6 SE, quiet and smooth ride. Springs and frame are adequately stiffer, yet still absorbs the bumps. Engine power is a little low for 3.3L. Reasonable fuel economy. Seat comfort and ergonomics are perfect. 5-speed automatic transmission seamless transtion but takes a while to adapt to the drivers habit. Throttle by wire can get a little touchy sometimes. Factory Options get expensive really quick. Dual exhaust would make much sportier look. Toyota build, Lexus quality and style.

• 

  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Jim and Cindy - March 23 - 12:06 am

  We have had this car for only three weeks but have over 2,300 miles already. MPG has been consistently over 52 and as high as 54.6. We would highly recommend this car.

• 

  As Good as it possibly gets...!!! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By UknowU want1 - March 22 - 10:03 pm

  I have had 3 jeeps previously & found them to be quite capable. However after some treks to "Big Sky" country, in severe weather, & pulling a trailer, I can say hands down NOTHING rides this smooth, is THIS capable, while being THIS much fun to drive ! When I go a long distance it is only upon egress one realizes that "Hey, Im in a truck... who knew ! Get all the bells & whistles though, the headrest DVDs are a crowd pleaser, with the 110v outlet & a playstation 2 its also a VERY quiet ride... sans all of the "Are we there yets?"

• 

  Corolla ce great value - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By bob - March 22 - 9:16 pm

  In driving all the cars in this class, this car seemed to offer the most for the money.

• 

  Avalon 2006 XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jhvelez - March 22 - 8:56 am

  The car is very quiet, handles well, no strange noises or anything disturbing. The only concern is the trip range that sometimes would not adjust when tank is filed.