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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  Ex-Jeep owner - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Love my Toyota - May 12 - 9:26 pm

  Love my Toyota. Used to own 4 Jeep Grand Cherokees over the years, but quality and customer service deteriorated over the years. Purchased a Lexus GX 470 for the wife and loved it. Purchased a Highlander for myself. Nice how that works huh? After 47,000, no issues, just changed the engine oil every 5,000 miles, transmission fluid and tires. I will stick with the Toyota family of cars/trucks for good.

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  Whatamistake - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Whatamistake - May 12 - 2:13 pm

  I owned a 07 Mitsubishi Endeavor and traded with this vehicle for more seating capacity. I thought Toyota is dependable but I was wrong. Something is draining the battery AND brakes travels longer at first stop. I freaked out when it feels my vehicle will not stop. Dreaded when I come back to my vehicle and wondering if it will start. NHTSA has many reports in regards to my brake issue. Toyota have not recall this vehicle and hope it will soon.

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  AWESOME!!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Lindsey - May 12 - 1:50 pm

  I am very happy with this car. It drives so smooth and comfortable. Very reliable and fun. Nice and roomy! I feel very safe too!

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  Classy/reliable and fun to drive - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Daryl Lynn Ehrler - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  I have had Toyota Camrys for 15 years.. They are "bar none" the best riding mid size sedan on the road.. Not only do they look impressive, but ride the same way.. Great handling in snow, stops smooth even when its last minute/bumper to bumper.. Only needs basic maintenance; tires, brakes, changing fluids, etc... And the gas mileage after 10 years is still awesome, even with running the air-conditioning thru the summer..I have always felt safe and knew my car was dependable when other "high-end" or American cars were sitting on the side of the road waiting to be towed.. Both my husband & I have owned Toyotas for 20 years, and will continue to purchase more.. Test drive one.. YOU WILL BUY IT!

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  Unbelieveable - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Comm MD - May 11 - 5:13 pm

  Ive had 17 vehicles so far at the age of 28. From 1967 to 2004 and chevy to toyota this car is quite impressive. At first you may be taken by the overall exterior design, but once you get in this car everything changes. Its like a computer on wheels and has every accessory youll ever need. The interactive display is amazing with the navigation and integrated phone system. Plus the added bonus of seeing what engine is running and what MPG your getting at any specific point in time while your driving. Its interesting to know that your gas engine is off whenever your coasting, braking, or in stop and go traffic. You have got to test drive this car to get the feel of it.I guarantee youll buy

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  Very rugged and sturdy - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jim1947 - May 11 - 2:27 pm

  Its a 2011, I can only say so much, ask me in 10 years, but in a few thousand miles, it has tackled all sorts of big snow storms, it has pulled out a few larger vehicles, it warms up quick, you just feel like your driving in a very sturdy truck, but much smoother. I keep pressing the issue in how much it can do, and it has not failed yet, done some off roading, I have the 4X4 with the off road pkg, that does make a difference, between work and not owning it for years yet, my off roading has been limited, its quiet on freeway unless your over 75 and sometimes if a strong wind is hitting you from another direction, the radio is good

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  First time Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jack - May 11 - 2:13 pm

  Great handling in traffic and parking. Nice acceleration. Handles smaller than it looks. The wife loves driving it also, since I installed side rails. The blind spots are what they are, you adjust to it. I drove a pickup and I am used to using the side mirrors. I seem to have more a problem gauging traffic with the passenger side mirror than with any other vehicle that I have driven in the past.

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  Toyotas best kept secret - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Massar - May 11 - 12:40 am

  We bought this van brand-new as soon as the new 2004s came out. Traded from our Honda Odyssey. The Sienna is far more comfortable, quieter and more fuel efficient than the Honda. It drives and handles like a Lexus RX 330, gets around 23 mpg city and 29 highway, (loaded at 75 mph). We have over 95,000 miles on it now, and have done nothing but routine service. One set of brakes and one set of tires. Amazing that this vehicle will do everything that the big SUVs will do and still get such great mpg. When I see the big SUVs at the pump complaining I just smile. It may not look as fancy on the outside, but it does all it is asked to do with style. for a lot less.

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  Toyota just a nice ride - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By deecoop - May 10 - 3:46 am

  Just purchased the Camry 3 days ago and Im in love already. I have the 4 cyI but somehow it feels like a v6. The interior is simple but looks real clean.

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  Good Looking, Reliable, Thrifty Car! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Richmond, VA - May 10 - 1:43 am

  This is my fourth Toyota, and my third Camry. The 2009 LE is beautiful, reliable, and a pleasure to drive. I have gotten 26 MPG on combined city and hwy driving, and I am very pleased with this number. Though I would like a little more pickup when accelerating, and I decided to add the side body molding to avoid dings, everything else is wonderful. I would not drive anything else!