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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  Nice Ride - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By John B. - January 15 - 7:33 pm

  A really good ride for an SUV. Great MPG, average about 25-26, and plenty of power for a 4 cylinder. Lots of room in front and back seats. Lots of cargo space and storage areas. Great value for all you get with base model.

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  Donnas Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Donna Knight - January 15 - 6:56 pm

  Bought used, good deal, great car, nothing but regular maintenance required. Feels very safe, excellent ride, fun to drive. Love the V6 engine, good pickup on the highway.

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  The best and the most affordable SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alpha - January 15 - 6:53 pm

  I have driven quite few different SUVs. Toyota 4Runner is definitely the only SUV that offers affordability, comfort, safety, and absolute pleasure to drive. The interior is very well designed withall regularly used controls right at your reach. The trunk space is more than enough, especially with back seats folded. The exterior design is catchy and cozy so no matter whether youre a man or a woman driving you always look good in it and feel even better! As for driving performance during winter season, this car is just excellent, assuming youre a responsible and experienced driver. A very good buy -the best buy!

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  EXCELLENT - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By JK - January 15 - 10:50 am

  This is by far the best car that I have ever owned - the reliability is superb, the economy is excellent and the design is fantastic. The car is comfortable and all instrumentation is easy to reach and use. We bought this car new 5 years ago and have experienced no mechanical problems - it is made to go a lot of miles cheaply, plus it is very fun to drive. The handling is comparable to more expensive cars, which provides a lot of satisfaction. It almost seems like nothing on this car will ever break. Insurance is also inexpensive. Highly recommended - mine is not for sale, but you can find another used one.

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  Worth the Wait - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ulev - January 15 - 8:53 am

  Despite a disappointing experience with my first hybrid (Highlander Hybrid) that resulted in a measly 22 mpg which I sold after some months of use. I still believed in the concept and did my DD on the new 2010. I was not disappointed! I have yet to fill up the 11+ gal tank! The puter indicates a 56.7 mpg!!! I will manually calculate after my first fill up just to make sure these unbelievable (I am a natural cynic) numbers are for real... Handling is not up to a Bimmer...but so what...it is made to be a transport vehicle, a modern version of the 60s VW bug. My most favorite feature is the SPEED button...which can be pressed at any time to get an accelerative RUSH then back to Eco mode.

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  1ST - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By artieh - January 15 - 7:56 am

  First rate vehicle. Fun to drive, easy to care for. Quite quiet for a convertible. A little difficult to get out of the back seat. Rear visibilty could be better. Overall a great car.

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  2016 Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By David Allyn - January 14 - 9:23 pm

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wittrup - January 14 - 6:53 pm

  Ive owned my Camry Hybrid for 15 months. It is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. It is so quiet, handles great, roomy passenger space and not a single complaint. I have made 3 trips from Corvallis, OR to Bozeman, MT averaging 39-41 mpg, which includes drives thru mountain passes and typical speeds of 75 mph, 3 people in the car and loaded with baggage. In my first year, I have saved $800 in gas compared to my previous car (1997 Volvo wagon) in just the first year. Overall, I am getting about 37.5 mpg. In winter weather, the mileage drops within the city to about 34-35 mpg. The Camry Hybrid has plenty of power and acceleration. I easily pass cars going up steep hills.

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  Our Second Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By drjohn - January 14 - 6:43 pm

  Whats to say. We have two Priui (plural?). Each averages 45+ mpg overall. Costs $14 to fill up for over a weeks worth of driving. A friends SUV costs him $76 three times a week!

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  rdtoyota - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By RD - January 14 - 9:26 am

  The quality of this vehicle is immediately recognizable, fit and finish, attention to detail and materials are superior. Handling is responsive and IÂ’m impressed with the performance of the 6cly engine. This is my first Toyota and I am confident it wont be my last.