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 my Corolla - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By jen - September 15 - 5:00 am

  My Corolla drives great, I made a great choice in buying one. I plan to keep it as long as it will last, I have a feeling that will be a long time. Toyota does not play around when building their vehicles. Everything seems to be tuned to perfection.

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  New Owner - 300 mile review - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Fischman2 - September 14 - 7:00 am

  Well, I just got the car a few days ago and I have already put over 300 miles on the car. I got approximately 27.4 MPG on the first tank. Fun to drive, very comfortable.

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  no teething problems - a followup - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By captain - September 13 - 6:30 pm

  Generally a big no-no to buy a truly new car - better to wait awhile and let the mfgr. work out the bugs? After 4 months and 10000 miles I would tell you that this does not apply if that car happens to be a Toyota. No problems at all of any sort - just an insanely quick (it will outrun almost everything else on the road), comfortable/quiet car (think Lexus), and all at some equally ludricrous mpg. Averaging 27 mpg at a 70/30 highway/city mix. This is a BIG car! Funny thing is, that although I live in a big city, just dont see any Avalons on the road and very few on the dealer lots. No matter, if you are looking at larger 4 door sedans, the Avalon is a must drive and a superior value.

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  Love it! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Ml Mccarthy - September 13 - 1:36 pm

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  Primary driver - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By herb - September 13 - 10:16 am

  Overall, its a fun car to drive. It looks sharp, a step above the other cars, with cool head and tail lights, stylish body and room for 4 adults.

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  Excellent Used Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By dadjazz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car as a school commute vehicle for my son. It had 70,000 miles at purchase. It now has 105,000 miles with only a small strut mount problem that cost a couple of hundred bucks to fix. Excellent reliable transportation.

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  Best Damn Rig I Have Ever Owned - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By PugPapa - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Great comfort, better sterio than in my home, on or off road, it has never let me down!

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  Does almost everything quite well - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Abraham3 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I like it, recommend it, would buy another. Matrix is 4-dr, Corolla hatchback . F seating is quite comfortable. Upright position gives good vis cept to rear where windows taper. No difficulty finding comfortable seating position (60" - leggy). R leg & seat room large for car this size. Long trips quite possible. Cargo volume and features excellent - 2 usable nets, tie-down rings and tie-down straps std. R deck hard ribbed plastic. 60/40 R seats fold flush & match deck. Will hold a stack of 8 2x4s with hatch closed. The 1.8L, DOHC Corolla engine is nearly perfect - excellent power curve. Surprising acceleration. Five spd manual is excellent.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Lover - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Toyota have really put together a fine car here. I drove the 2002 Prius and, as other Prius drivers have found, that the 2001 - 2003 Prius lacked in a few areas. Well Toyota listened to these complaints and redesigned the 2004 Prius to meet and excede everyone expectations. I am very pleased with the preformance of the 2004 Prius and look forward to seeing what Toyota will come out with next.

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  Car of the year! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By felger5 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Car is SUPER QUIET. Seating position is excellent,with excellent view of road.Car has adequate power.Excellent response to wheel. Excellent suspension.Rear window takes a bit of getting use to as to visibility.Toyota engineers are incredible! Get one if you can. You wont be sorry.High quality throughout.Cant wait to drive it again. It is my wifes car. I drive a 2002 Camry V6, also fabulous!