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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  Toyota burned the midnight oil - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundyguy - August 12 - 8:36 am

  Well thought out vehicle, this is my second new Toyota and I am not disappointed. I looked at all the other great trucks out there, Ford, Dodge, GM, Nissan and the Tundra is what I chose. Its impressive that such a great quality truck is actually 100% made in the USA. Great job Toyota. I have the Limited Crewmax and this truck has got it all. Beautifully made vehicle, makes me not want to rough it up. If youre looking for a great SUV and a great truck all rolled up into one the Tundra Limited Is it.

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  Love it! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel Brookshire - August 12 - 2:10 am

  I looked at several cars, suvs and trucks. Mostly suvs and cars. After much research I chose between 2 cars. I wanted good fuel economy, a good ride, good quality with reliable service. And a good looking vehicle inside and out. And a few options. I choose the 20 16 Camry XLE over a 2015 Honda Accord Ex-L. The Camry was a little higher in purchase cost but gave me everything I was looking for in a car. I think it drives and rides great. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power and fuel economy. The interior and exterior are good looking. My only complaint was the lack a availability in the car I wanted with the options I wanted. I bought the XLE with sunroof and convenience package.

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  3 Options That You Will learn To Love... - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By mcribs - August 11 - 10:12 pm

  Eco , EV & Pwr... Having owned a 09 Prius before we purchased the new 11 model I really like the 3 driving modes offered in the current offering. The older Prius offered great MPG and was confortable but you had to live with the girl you brought to the dance...No longer. All 3 driving modes serve a purpose and heres how I use them: PWR- Sitting at a light and really need that extra umph? PWR mode makes the dash info bar light up and will suprise you (and the car next to you) as you are launched forward with full battery/gas power with very little peddle effort...One of the features I like the MOST about the new Prius. EV- Parking lots? Low speed situations A+ Eco- Max MPG Period 50+

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  JVS 99 Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jvj - August 11 - 7:33 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned in over 40 years of buying them. I like some of the other reviewers are sorry that Toyota has decided to discontinue this model. I would have bought another if this one ever quits on me. I like coupes and it really fills the bill for me. The 4 cylinder has been just fine. Good on gasoline and has been very dependable.

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  Corolla S Rocks! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Michelle - August 11 - 3:53 pm

  I picked up my 2007 Corolla S about 2 weeks ago, and my husband and I are Toyota converts! We love it. We especially enjoy thumbing our noses at the big oil companies! I find it very fun to drive, and I am a sports-car person. Ive even gotten double takes from Lexus drivers because it looks hot! We are looking forward to purchasing a brand new Camry in about 3 years to replace my husbands gas-guzzling F-150. This Corolla replaced another gas-guzzler, my Jeep Liberty. I love the look and quality of this vehicle. Theres not a squeak or rattle to be heard. I LOVE IT!

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  6 months and loving it - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By mike colvin - August 10 - 5:23 pm

  Economical, comfortable, and easy to get in and out for a smaller vehicle. For around town and highway driving the power is sufficient. I am happy with that since more power will sacrifice economy. The fold down seating allows for more hauling capability. It has roomy and comfortable back seating.Also the sound system is good. One thing I dont like is the clutch pedal has to be pushed all the way to the floor to start the vehicle.

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  Modestly Priced Rocket - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rhinoman - August 10 - 2:33 pm

  All I hoped it would be, except for quality of interior materials - hard plastic looks cheap. Leather does too, but it isnt a Lexus; you cant have it all without paying for it. But, oh, the acceleration! Add a K&N air filter and its even better. Mileage is great, and on 87 O to boot. Considered and drove the RDX, but that thirsty turbo 4 using premium just killed the deal. Too bad the MDX (the car we traded for the Rav4) was designed with the engine the RDX should have had. We have the optional pearl paint. Really looks great. The ride is better than our MDX had and this Rav4 is much more nimble.

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  So far so good - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By big fan - August 10 - 4:03 am

  The Sequoia is one of the best SUVs we have owned or test driven. Its a great vehicle and one of the smoothest rides. Its also a great looking car. The color of our Sequoia is Arctic Frost and it is one of the most beautiful colors ever. Its a creamy white with an irridescent pearl flakes in it. We had the headrest DVDs put in for our boys and they can both either watch the same or different movie or connect their gamecube. Its great for long trips. I will definitely keep the Sequoia in our family. We have gone from being Ford drivers to Toyota. Our next Toyota will be a Tundra for my husband.

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  Replacement tires are hard to find - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By D.J. - August 10 - 1:23 am

  We bought our Highlander Limited 4WD over 4 months ago and it is an excellent SUV. The only thing that we have problem is that this model is equipped with Toyo Open Country A 20 P245/55R19 103S tires which are almost impossible to find. We got two flat tires while parked at a garage a few weeks ago - one tire is repairable and the other one isnt since the nail is near the sidewall. No tire center has this specific tire in stock. One tire center quoted us $230 per tire while the dealer quoted us $300. Other than that, the whole family loves this new SUV.

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  love this car! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By kylee - August 9 - 11:30 pm

  I LOVE this car! From the rich leather interior and exterior classic looks; love the heated seats! The interior is so roomy and the trunk is large. I get so many compliments on this car; especially the color. Desert Sand Mica. I WILL buy another Avalon in the future. Although, not too soon, as in 4 years, I only have 20,000 miles on the odometer. If you are considering a new car purchase, I would greatly recommend ANY TOYOTA PURCHASE. The quality and reliability are 1st rate. This car also has the split-bench front seats and I love them.