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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  2007 Car of the Year - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Angie - January 2 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car because I knew it would be reliable transportation for many years. Its a great value for the money. Gets good gas mileage. Its dependable and economical, yet sporty. Interior is very nice. Controls are all in perfect spots for driving convenience.

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  Cute and dependable - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Iris - January 2 - 3:10 am

  I bought this car used in January, and I have been extremely happy with it! I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations. I regularly got around 38-42 mpg during the huge Cleveland snowstorms we had in February, and that was even with letting my car run idle for 10-15 minutes to heat it up and get all the snow off. The ABS was a godsend in those storms too. I love how solid and roomy it feels for an economy car. I did test drive the non "S" version, and the doors didnt feel as solid, which is what prompted me to go with the "S". I live in an apartment and have to park on the street, so its easy maneuverability and folding side mirrors are great too.

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  Classy Ride - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By gigit - January 2 - 1:15 am

  I owned a 2011 Mazda 3, and my husband leased a 2010 4 door Yaris Sedan. We traded in the Yaris for a new lease on a Corolla. My husband now drives the 3 because its financed and not leased as he puts a ton of miles on, and because my work commute is shorter I got the Corolla. My model has a moon roof, wood trimmed interior, heated seats, and other bells & whistles. Everyone says how much better the 3 performs, but I disagree, its only a slight difference. I LOVED my 3, but I also love my Corolla. I also find the two tone beige interior of the Corolla to be nicer than the all black interior of the 3. The Corolla is a classy ride - mini Camry! The Yaris was a lousy car. Drove like a tin can

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  Awesome car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By USMCMOM - January 1 - 9:00 pm

  We test drove this car and I fell in love with it. This car is just totally awesome. I am averaging about 45 miles/gal. I like the looks I get when driving it. The inside is roomy, my 6 ft, 1 in. hubby fits in the back with plenty of leg room. I have never looked forward to driving a car as much as I do this one.

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  What more could a soccer mom want? - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Timothy - January 1 - 7:50 pm

  This is the most practical and stylish vehicle I have owned. I refuse to drive a mini van; this was well worth the increased price. I can comfortably haul five kids for hours having them watch the big screen DVD in comfort. It is easy to drive and not expensive to maintain.

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  Realiable, boring, and cant handle. - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By asiancarssmile - January 1 - 3:40 pm

  bought my corolla used in 2011. It had only 42k because a grandma used to own it. The gas mileage was amazing, and the acceleration was alright. The brakes didnt react well and locked up easily. I crashed because the car was too light, causing it loose control on a small swerve at about 55 mph. It hit a wall and flipped upside down. Both airbags deployed and the seat belt held on to me well. I had only scratches from glass and minor back trauma. It saved my life but it may have caused the accident as well.

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  Excellent SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By WMLA - January 1 - 1:10 pm

  I couldnt be more happy with my choice. The 4Runner rides so well. It is so quiet and smooth and "Lexus like." It seems like a luxury SUV. No problems. Best car/SUV I have ever had. No issues, problems or complaints. Engine is very powerful. Maybe, they can make it even more powerful and with even better gas mileage. Heres hoping for miracle technology.

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  Still feels unique - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Kat Ann - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, the smooth ride, shut down at stop lights, quiet but quick acceleration. I average 40 mpg. Toyota should say mileage will improve as car breaks in. In tough weather, mileage drops slightly in relation to use of defrost/air co. and unlike other hybrids does not shut off at stop lights! I came up a very ]steep hill w 6" snow and moving slowly I rode to the top without a problem. Narrow tires are stable in snow, not in mud. Would I buy it again? Definitely.

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  99 Avalon - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By rocketdun - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had to replace the O2 sensors and several related components. The front struts and strut towers. According to the dealer they were not warrant or extended warranty items. They were replaced about 50,000. I can understand the struts, but not the towers also. This vehicle has a huge rear seat, and a huge trunk, the trunk is big enough to carry lots of cargo

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  cool - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By viñas - January 1 - 10:00 am

  its a grait car