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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  Lexus/Shmexus - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DocDzl - July 6 - 10:26 pm

  The TCH made me overcome my fears and doubts about Toyota dealers and my desire to get a small BMW, Volvo, Infiniti or non-hybrid Lexus. Exceptional features, mpg, build quality, all for thousands (in some cases--many thousands)less. Not a Bimmer, but enjoyable to drive, particularly with the standard traction/stability control.

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  My New Avalon Is Gr8! - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Danny G. - July 6 - 6:40 pm

  I first got into Toyota in my 2000 Avalon XLS. Then my 2003 Avalon XLS. In Oct.07, I bought a 08 Camry SE. I just traded it for my 09 Avalon Limited. I would ask why buy a bottom end Lexus, this high end Avalon is perfect. The room in it is exceptional and it has all the comfort features you could want from a luxury car. The price points of Toyota are exceptional and have better negotiations than Lexus by far. Toyota warranties are not as good as Lexus but then they dont break either. Toyota, thank you for making such a GR8 car! I love it.

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  Have some concerns! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Jessica - July 6 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my Corolla in May 2009, drove 6000 miles with no trouble. I drive short distances & overall was happy with this car. BUT last week the engine started to turn off in the middle of driving. It happened twice when I was going about 25 mph. I brought it to the dealer, they say nothing is wrong. It happened again at a red light, just turned off. I bought a new car to avoid repairs & wasted time, now I will be back at the dealership, no doubt to hear "nothing is wrong". I am very disappointed after all the hype Toyota & the Corolla get about being reliable. I would not recommend the 2009 model.

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  Great SUV...that I still call a car - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Craig - July 6 - 4:06 am

  Have been researching this vehicle for over 1 year. I put my name on the waiting list to get the car in Aug. of 2004. It was worth the wait. This is a fantastic SUV. I drive it mainly in the city, I usually fill it back up with about 4 gal. left in the tank, and have been averaging about 360 miles on a tank. The tank is 17.2gal. I have a lot of stop and go traffic with some hi- way time as well. Have also been using the air-conditioner heavily as lately it has been in the mid- 90s here. I expect to get better gas mileage when the days start to cool. Will be putting it throught ultimate test when I drive it from Indpls,In. to Colrado Sprinds Co. I feel like I am 16 again!

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  Start with the Backseat - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By leebabysimms - July 5 - 5:50 pm

  At 41.4 inches, the Toyota Corolla has more backseat legroom than almost any vehicle on the road — not compared to just compact cars, but even large luxury cars, mini-vans, and SUVs. Sit in the backseat of the Corolla, then sit in the backseat of any other car in its price range. If youre a tall person — or ever intent to transport tall people — other backseats feel like a penalty box. We first discovered the 11th generation Corolla sitting in the backseat, as we were passengers in an Uber taxi. In a moment, an auto mark I ignore (Corolla) climbed to the top of my list. The handsome looks, historic reliability, insane value, and 38+ MPG on the highway are all bonus. So happy.

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  Best truck Ive owned - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By thomas - July 5 - 12:53 pm

  I love this truck. My family and I can ride comfortably. I have 2 kids ages 1 and 2 so I have 2 car seats and my wife and I have plenty of room. It gets great gas mileage to be such a big truck. I drive 75 - 150 miles a day so that is very important to me. Im getting 20 miles to the gallon. It is extremely comfortable ride. I dont think I will ever get rid of this truck.

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  Great little car! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By marie - July 5 - 5:26 am

  I have researched all the cars in this class and I decided that I really liked the matrix better, it looked nice and has lots of room, we are a family of four that fit inside comfortably. Quiet ride and great handling and good on gas.

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  Highlander Bad - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By DK - July 5 - 5:06 am

  I bought this car based on Consumer Reports ratings. So far, the temp thermostat had to be replaced, I also had a wheel bearing replaced, and now I am told that a sequential humming is probably the differential - very costly. The car is herky-jerky and the interior leather looks more like vinyl. This is my last Toyota. DK

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  2006 Convert. - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Barry - July 5 - 4:36 am

  This is my 3rd convertible in 8 years and without a doubt the best. I went from a Chrysler Sebring to a SAAB 9-7. More room inside, better looking on the outside. Very quiet with top up, you forget that you are driving a convertible.

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  LOVE our new Highlander!! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Paul & Mary - July 5 - 4:06 am

  We have had our new Highlander for 1 week now and we LOVE it. It is a blast to drive and I feel safe inside it. If you are thinking about buying one dont hesitate just DO IT!!! You wont regret it.