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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  Love this car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Kb - October 1 - 5:43 am

  This car has been a pleasure to own. I have had no problems with it. Would definitely buy again.

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  Camry - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Buffalo Driver - October 1 - 5:10 am

  I bought it 4 years ago with 58K. Now it has 103+K. I had front suspension problems, drive axles as well. I replaced those the very same year, now the noise is coming back. I had to flush and clean the engine to get rid of smoke coming out of exhaust at cold starts. Otherwise it is fine. I am thinking about replacement but not sure if I will go with Camry again.

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  I Love to Drive...THIS CAR! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By KBP - September 30 - 10:13 pm

  The most fun I have had in a long time. Finally sold my "oil tanker" SUV for something more fun and maneuver. The 3 point turns are back in my repetoire of driving. Yes, I at times I miss the cargo space. But again "at times".

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  Toyotas baby Camry - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By whcc90069 - September 30 - 8:00 pm

  We bought the latest corolla generation back in October 2008. The new corolla is much, much roomier than before. Theres plenty of power and yet this car still averaged about 27 mpg in the city and about 38 mpg on the freeway. Kinks usually need to be worked on with the first year of most new car designs. Our car certainly had a few problems... The radios volume control would get stuck sometimes. The radio display works most of the time. The interior trunk release mechanism worked even less of the time. Fortunately, these three items are covered under warranty for the new owner. We sold this car not long ago in order to get the new prius for even better mileage.

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  Desert Toy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Navigator - September 30 - 4:32 pm

  Best Toyota Tacoma Yet.

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  Great Gas Saver! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By luvhybrid1122 - September 29 - 9:20 pm

  Get my 2009 Camry hybrid from web dealer, they delivered to my house to sign paper work. Mine has all available options from Toyota. MSRP over $31500, but the interior still has lot of cheap plastic, wonder that XLE may have better interior. The other car in my house is 2002-3 MB E320. I definitely love the hybrid better for outstanding mileage, its Bluetooth, navigation. The gas warning light on when about 13 gallons burned. So I fill gas around every 13 gallons with around 500 miles. Average 38.46 MPG. The car only delivers 300 miles with same amount premium gas. Not bad!

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  Solid - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By the rock - September 29 - 5:33 pm

  Bought the demo with 8k miles on it for mama. She is completely satisfied and so am I. 33 mpg on the highway if you can believe that. That overall has been the most pleasant surprise. Considered the Lexus but why pay 10-15k more? This has all the features without the increase in price. The 08 is sleeker than the 11 and looks sharper.

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  Mediocre - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joseph - September 29 - 2:43 pm

  Have had for 2 months and about 8k miles. Ok at best.. I too felt really great the first weeks but the flaws are beginning to reveal themselves. Notwithstanding the issues toyota is dealing with right now I have found the quality of this vehicle lacking in several areas. It is decent basic transportation but not much more.

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  I love it! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve - September 29 - 11:00 am

  This is my second 4Runner. I just traded in my 2000 4Runner SR5 for this used 2007 Sport model. I loved the 2000 model and it was reliable but I had to trade it in after having a catalytic converter issue. This 2007 Sport model is great. The ride is much smoother than the 2000. The seats are more comfortable. Great stereo. Really like all the compartments and the MP3 connection. Still love the sunroof and the rear window that goes down. This SUV is solidly built with no rattles. Was originally looking for a black model but got the Mica Gray instead after seeing it. This 2007 model confirms my belief that Toyota makes the best cars at the best prices. I will drive them forever!

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  A wonderful, fun to drive sedan - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By BerniePA22 - September 29 - 1:36 am

  Owning my corolla just a few weeks - Im so glad I didnt go out of the Toyota lineup of cars and miss owning this gem of a vehicle. You cant beat the refined nature of this car with any other make and model in the same price range. It gets up and goes without a hitch, merges into traffic effortlessly, and its easy on the wallet when it comes to gas! Toyota has hit a home run with the new redesign (in my humble opinion!)