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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  The Best Money Can Buy - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By jaysun - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Im now a believer in the Toyota legend. I bought my Land Cruiser with 47K miles on it, and it feels like it just came off the assembly line. Not a whistle, squeak, rattle, bump, or other phantom noise or vibration to be heard--and this is over springtime roads in New Hampshire. The fuel economy isnt the greatest but its more than a fair price to pay for the quality and stability youre getting in this vehicle. For all you hear about them, I doubt the Hummer H2s are really this well engineered and built. And all this for several thousand less than I would have paid for a brand-new 4Runner!

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By hood - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling. Low on torque but once revs build has great power. Superb ride, just the right balance between performance yet maintains decent ride quality. Outstanding brakes. Those looking for a fun, nimble car will not be disappointed. Gets about 29-30mpg on the freeway.

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  Everything But the Paint... - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SilverSolara - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car. I love the fact I can hang wih BMWs, MBs, Lexii, and not feel embarassed. Smooth ride, refined exterior lines, quick punch with a manual tranny & 200HP engine, and hasnt given me problems through 51K. No rattles, thumps, bumps, or left-ward leaning.

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  The egg wasnt rotten after all. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Poetesca - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Corolla 7 months ago, and have constantly experienced the rotten egg smell a few other reviewers have also complained of. After some persistance, I finally got an explanation: they coat the catalytic converter with sulfer, which makes that awful odor while the car is being broken in (the manger I spoke with said this lasted for about 5,000 miles). I did research and it makes sense, and now although Im not thrilled with the smell the car emits once in a while, I couldnt be happier with the car, itself. Its cute, classy, fun to drive, and has some really convenient and fun features.

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  Cant believe its the Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By dvd135 - August 16 - 8:26 pm

  I remember driving 2002 Camry and thinking this car is garbage, so unsure it felt in every turn, almost like walking on stilts. 2016 Camry is an actual, honest, fun to drive car, car you want to seriously break speed limits in. And I am talking about 4 cylinder SE. Switch it to Sport mode, be ready to use steering wheel paddles and it wants to run circles around other cars. Almost everything is done right in this car - commanding position, noise control, very decent speakers, quality stock tires, good enough headlights, materials, interior design, ergonomics, plenty of space in the back, and all that for $20K - terrific value. Negatives include how it looks outside, definitely in the back of its class, the seats could have been bigger for longer drives and ride is pretty jarring on bad roads (at least in SE). Overall, the pluses easily outweigh the minuses given how fun to drive this little car. When I was test driving 2015 Accord LX I was thinking "what a decent car for 20K". When I am driving Camry I am thinking "what a fun car for 20K". It reminds me the old BMW 3 series - harsh harsh ride, but you want to flog it.

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  I Love It! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Happy RAV - August 16 - 3:20 pm

  I could not be happier. The RAV build quality and handling are tops. I have used it in limited off-road situations, and it has performed decently. For the money, you get a lot of features. Once that 4 cylinder hit 3000 rpm, it goes like a rocket! I am 63" tall and I do not feel cramped at all. I did have to take off the handles above the door on the inside, I hit my head on them sometimes. Overall, I am happy everytime I start this vehicle.

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  My 2006 Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sam Bonasoro - August 15 - 6:53 pm

  I am very happy with the car overall. There are two areas that I would like to see improved. First of all, I would have liked the car to have more power. I think a car with more horsepower as an option with dual exhaust would reach more of your client base. The other issue is lack of sight out of the real window. In addition to the small window size the permanent headrests block too much of the vision through the rear window. I had even gone to the dealership to see if they could be removed and they said they were permanent. I am totally unhappy with the poor vision and if I had thought about it, I wouldnt have purchased the car. Fit, finish, handling and design is great.

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  2008 Toyota Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota 4everVB - August 15 - 2:06 pm

  We have been driving Toyotas since 1990. They are the most dependable vehicles in this planet! We still drive our 1998 4 runner and have never had any problems! We traded in our 2006 Tacoma for the 2008 Sequoia because it rides like a luxury car. We feel safe in it will all the airbags! This is the way to go! I love what Toyota does for me and my family!

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  Leased it, loved it, bought it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By icehorses - August 15 - 1:16 pm

  I leased my Prius and at the end of the three years opted to buy it. No problems whatsoever, just change the oil, rotate the tires, and youre good to go. I average between 52-55 MPG (combined city/highway), it sips gas. When I first leased it I read up on how to drive a Prius to get the most effective gas mileage, coasting and avoiding rapid acceleration definitely helps to optimize your fuel economy. Im tall and I find it to be a very comfortable vehicle with plenty of headroom and pleasant interior. If you need to have a lot of power and acceleration at your fingertips, this isnt the vehicle for you. If you appreciate a quiet ride and phenomenal gas mileage, then it just might be!

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  Prius is #1! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sandy - August 15 - 11:46 am

  I had a 2004 Prius for the last two years and it was great. Now I bought a 2006 and its even better! Aside from the great mileage, the backseat passengers are very comfortable and it holds LOTS of stuff! Its so relaxing when the motor goes off for periods of time. Its a great car!