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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  16 year old very satisfied - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jacob - August 15 - 1:02 pm

  My grandpa bought me a Toyota Tacoma, the year of 2006 and its very reliable, it isnt comfortable in the backseats because I got extended cab ,but it works for me and another passenger, its incredible on gas mileage and Im blessed to have such a nice truck

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  sports cars - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Helene Adler - August 15 - 12:13 pm

  I love the cars performance. It rides easy and can stop quickly. The style is very sporty without being too small. It also has to the back of the Lexis

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  Good Celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Zero - August 15 - 10:00 am

  great car all around needs one impovement which is better seats

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  99 SLE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CiVOL Engineer - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for about 2 weeks and I like it more each time I get to drive it (it is my wifes to drive). We were really only looking at 99-01 Accord EX-VL cars until I noticed this on a local lot (certified). One drive made me forget about the Hondas. Smoother ride, better leather, and better styling than the Accord.

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  1997 Toyota 4 Runner - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By T-H - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota 4 Runner is the best vehicle that I have ever owned and I am Quite certain that I will never own anything different.

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  Worlds worst seats!! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By APH - August 15 - 8:46 am

  I must say that overall Im quite happy with my Prius-look, performance, gas mileage-but what the heck was Toyota thinking with those seats?! I eagerly took my brand new Prius on a 200 mile r/t roadtrip (one I do every month) to upstate NY. About 1/2 hr into my ride my back started hurting and my tailbone began throbbing. By the time I got back home that evening, I was in serious agony! I cant believe Toyota put so much attention into the technology-bluetooth, reverse cameras, smart key, the entire hybrid system-and the seats were just a mere afterthought! No lumbar support? Really???? Now Im in the market for some seats that dont feel like rocks so I can tolerate my 80 mile r/t commute!

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  I love my minivan! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Kaitlynsmumma - August 14 - 11:23 pm

  I was one of those people who thought I would NEVER buy a minivan. After a lot of thought we decided to buy the 8 passenger LE model. I LOVE IT. It is so fun to drive. It doesnt feel like a van, it drives like a small car. I love having the space to carry groceries, strollers and everything else that kids need in the car. It is so comfortable for long road trips, and there is plenty of room so everyone is comfortable and not sitting on top of each other. We have plenty of room for our growing family. Im so glad we bought our minivan!

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  Good... Not Great - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ChairmanoftheBored - August 14 - 6:16 pm

  When I was looking for a new car I fell for the Toyota hype since Id never owned one and figured itd be a safe bet - while it has some redeeming features its pretty underwhelming overall. Mine suffers from the tranny slip (or "flare") on the 3-4 upshift when cold, build quality is good but nothing like the Toyota-hype I was expecting, as it has its share of squeaks and rattles just like a 10 year old Chevy. Power is great, but tranny hesitates when the gas is floored, kinda like its asking its driver "are you REALLY sure you wanna do that?" Watch out for torque steer as its quite prominent too - again, not expected in a Toyota. Not a bad car mind you, but overall a disappointment.

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  LOVE my Celica!! So sad I have to give her away :( - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By pharmstud91 - August 14 - 2:12 pm

  I bought from a private seller in 2005 and I could not be any happier with it. It had 27,000 miles then and has 117,000 miles now with absolutely no mechanical issues whatsoever. The only money spent on this car is oil changes, tires, and the fuel gage detector (wasnt expensive). Gets amazing gas mileage but definitely struggles to get up to speed and up hills which is to be expected from a 4-cylinder. Handling is perfect, could turn a U-turn on a dime, and super fun to drive. There is definitely a lack of space if you want to fit more than 2.5 people in there. I am 6 tall though and have had no issues besides ducking down due to it being so close to the ground. Great car!!!

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  As Advertised And More - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By bob in ohio - August 14 - 1:00 pm

  This car looks great. Smooth ride. Plenty of power. No you do not have to plug it in. Do not relly know its a hybrid from power. Inside it is more roomy than it looks like from the outside. Very comfortable, and I am not a small guy. The mileage jumps even more after about the first 1500 miles, the break-in period. I just drove round trip 353 miles, including much city driving. I averaged 50.2 miles per gallon, with A/C on. Reliable, as in any Toyota. Cannot go wrong with this car.