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:

• 

  Great Deal - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Karen D - November 22 - 8:40 pm

  I went from an Expedition to the Camry Hybrid. Most of my friends said that I would regret not getting a hybrid SUV. Wrong! This car is fun, easy to handle, easy to park, sleek and gets great mileage. I bought one that is loaded and in red - you should see the looks that I get when driving! I should have done this a long time ago!

• 

  NeeCees Cruiser - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By NeeCee - November 22 - 8:16 pm

  I work out of my automobiles and had driven a Honda CRV for the past 5 years. It was time for a new vehicle and I had decided to buy another Honda. The night before I went to buy it I was on the computer researching cars and read the reports on the FJ Cruiser. I decided to go and give it a test drive that next morning. Thank goodness I did. I knew the minute I drove it this was the SUV for me. I love it! I have only had it for a short time but it feels safe and I love the way it handles. Oh, did I tell you how great I think it looks?

• 

  Tundra!! Built in the USA - 2016 Toyota Tundra
  By Aj - November 22 - 10:47 am

  If you want a true American built truck and built by Americans then your only choice is the Tundra. Great truck. No regrets for buying. Find the right dealer though because I probably paid more then I should have.

• 

  3rd Toyota, many other cars..TCH is BEST - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lextarheel - November 22 - 6:16 am

  Driving TCH for about 6 weeks. No problems so far. A couple times, because its so quiet, Ive gotten out w/o cutting off the power. It beeps to remind me though saying "key not detected" when I try to lock it up.

• 

  Its all that was promised & more - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By karen s - November 21 - 9:36 pm

  My 06 prius is a joy to drive. I get consistently at least 52 mpg to the amazement of the dealer. At first my husband drove with a little heavier foot -- & averaged only 45 mpg but now we are tied in our challenge of raising the numbers (while still keeping up with traffic).

• 

  Awesome! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Allison - November 21 - 7:16 pm

  I love love love my Yaris, it is my first brand new car, and the smartest decision Ive made in a while. Its super fun to drive, super cheap to fill up at the pump. I love that people will stop and check it out when Im out.

• 

  Coulda had a V8 and did !!! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Poway and Lovin it - November 21 - 3:40 pm

  Test drove many SUVS in the mid size position and the 4runner came out on top. Great fit and finish by comparison to others. Plenty of power with the V-8 for sure... V-6 probably would do OK as I do not tow but wow!!!...is it smooth...got it loaded w/o 3rd row seats and DVD entertainment set as the dogs dont need it. Love the interactive Navigation system and the Bluetooth works great...much needed hands free capability brings civility.

• 

  Great Car - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By cking7 - November 21 - 2:37 pm

  Great car and customer service. I am having trouble with the Bluetooth connection to my phone. It worked for the first 3 weeks and abruptly stopped. Took car back and no one seems to figure out what happened or fix it.

• 

  One Sexy Convertible! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fyremn1 - November 21 - 11:36 am

  I am 63" 260 lbs and very comfortable in this car. I researched and test drove other models and found this one to very accommodating for my long legs. I can definitely see driving long distances. Everyone who sees this "Pearl White" beauty has to compliment me. They especially love the color and the fact that it is a convertible. Good job Toyota! You got a real "head-turner!"

• 

  great car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fliptop - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Though I own a 4-cyl, automatic, the car gave me in excess of 35-mpg at 75 mph on a trip to Ny from Fla. Very comfortable, with 550 miles between fillups. the car is giving me about 30 mpg in everyday use. Im 61", so I need the legroom of a midsize.