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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  Unhappy - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By dissapointed - January 13 - 10:26 pm

  This car was great at first. As the years and miles add up more and more stuff breaks. I had to replace the transmission this year due to internal failures which will not be reimbursed. All in all, a POOR CHOICE OF CAR. I will never buy a Toyota again.

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  Great midsized sedan! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Pete Stephenson - January 13 - 3:20 pm

  After my 1992 Mercedes 300D turbodiesel got totalled, I was in the market for a reliable, spacious midsized sedan. After much research and test-driving, I settled on the 2006 Camry LE. Ive been impressed by how quiet and smoothly it drives -- it gets eerie sometimes as it seems like youre floating rather than driving. Acceleration and pep from the 4-cylinder engine is more than adequate for my driving needs. Cloth interior feels far more luxurious than I expected. Fit, finish, and quality of all parts is excellent, as is the comfort and roominess. My familys owned Toyotas before, and weve been impressed by their durability, reliability, and safety. The 2006 Camry is no exception.

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  My car has 341000 miles - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Myriam - January 13 - 2:13 pm

  Happy that my Corolla has 341000 miles and runs well. I absolutely love my Corolla!

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  Cherry 03 V8 4Runner LTD - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Patrick McHugh - January 13 - 12:53 pm

  4Runner well built in Japan, plenty of power with V8 engine, 5,000lbs towing, scrupulously maintained, mobile 1 oil changed every 3,000 miles. Very low mileage as owner working outside of country half time since purchase. Performed very well on cross country trip. A pleasure to drive, interior in perfect condition, has nav system, am/fm. Perfect size to negotiate narrow road and trails. Any bigger vehicle loses utility. Back country vehicle of choice, beats out rangerover, hummer, etc.

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  Super Sweet 07 Camry SE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Shawyn - January 13 - 7:46 am

  I was super lucky to come across a 2007 in Super White. My Camry has the optional sunroof but doesnt have the optional JBL stereo system which looking back is definitely an option to have because of Bluetooth. I have a really long commute and the ride is awesome even with the Stiffer Sport Shocks and springs. Braking cam be improved with changing the pads and rotors, diy project coming soon. Overall this is a great purchase at $9,000 -$10,000 with 100,000 miles. The details are in the options so take great care in choosing correctly.

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  Reliable, efficient but... - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By ToyoTa_ta - January 13 - 5:50 am

  This a great economy car. I consistently get around 30 mpg on 50/50 highway city drive. The reliability has been excellent so far. The ride is where this vehicle is lacking a lot. Maybe the goal was to make the car with stiff suspension to look and handle more sporty. The result is rough ride with clearly pronounced and annoying bumps - "haystack wagon" as somebody else called it. My other car is Huyndai Elantra and believe me the difference in ride quality is huge.

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  So Happy I Bought This Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toni - January 13 - 12:23 am

  Initially, I looked at the 05-07 Toyota Corollas, but once I test drove the Yaris, I was impressed by the sporty and comfortable driving experience. In my search for this car, I read posts from other owners, and now I am happy to add my very favorable opinion on this car. The purchase of this car is one of my best spending decisions, and likely to be yours once you decide on the model (sport/standard), color and transmission (auto/manual). Overall, it was the multiple tests drives of this car that convinced me to buy a new Yaris instead of the used Corolla.

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  Solid performer - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Brian Kissel - January 12 - 10:52 pm

  Very economical, ecological, spacious car. Definitely a trade-off in the "fun to drive" category, but it does what it was built to do very well.

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bugslab - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  Wow. This car is wonderful. I cannot believe what they have done to 2007 Camry. The new look has gotten rid of the family "Grandma" look. Its fun to drive and I feel safe driving it. If you have not driven one yet.....it time you do!

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  New RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Richard Bruce - January 12 - 7:07 pm

  Consumers Reports gives this car a "Recommended" and I totally agree. Although it is not on par with a $50k luxury SUV, it is a good, solid, comfortable car. For the money, I think you would have a hard time finding anything comparable. Ive only put 500 miles on the car since I bought it, but it seems to handle very well, and has plenty of pep for freeway driving and passing. If the long-term reliability meets Toyotas legendary standard, then it will be one heck of a great buy.500