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:

• 

  My fave auto ever - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Jfritz - July 5 - 3:47 am

  This is a 2002 Toyota Camery xle with everything on it that was available. Only one owner, great service, never a cigarette, records in glove box. 78,001 miles today. Owned Mercedes, Lexus, + "all new autos" for 45+ yrs. Camery XLE my favorite!!! For comfort, safety, weight, handling, room, look, etc. great 1st or second car.

• 

  Cheap Car, But Not a Cheap Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By DavidinWisconsin - July 4 - 7:56 pm

  I tried all the small fuel sipper cars before buying a Yaris Sedan. The price/performance/features won the battle for my dollar. Although the Yaris is a very inexpensive auto, it is by no means cheaply made. Im totally enjoying it!

• 

  Sorry to let it go! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ToyotaLover - July 4 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased a 2007 Avalon new in the spring of 2007. This was our first Toyota. It was a great car. The back seat had a limousine feel to it. Got great gas mileage. Never had a problem with it. Because of the safety issue with the accelerator we sold it. I would definitely buy another Toyota but will wait until the dust settles.

• 

  From 2 supercharged SUVs to a hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Heinz - July 4 - 6:16 pm

  I have always been into big horspower, performance cars. I finally realized it was insane to only get 12 -14 mpg. using premium fuel @ close to $3.00 a gallon in California. I laughed at this litte car until I drove one. It flys, it is very well designed with lots of interior room and more space age electronic features than I can currently understand. The mileage is a bit less than claimed at about 45 mpg. I think its great.

• 

  Moms toy - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By MOM`S TOY - July 4 - 3:13 pm

  I love my SUV, smooth ride and spacy cabin especially 2nd row seating. It looks like a Lexus and rides better than a Lexus.

• 

  Tacoma - not up to Toyota standards - 2018 Toyota Tacoma
  By KARSONKID - July 4 - 10:55 am

  Bought my first Toyota, for the most part, because evryone always told me how great they are from a quality standpoint. I was not impressed. I would say some of the things I mention were engineering and build quality issues. Got rid of it after 15 months. Issues - Engine Squeak when warm - I was told this is normal, Heater controls were very hard to turn, Noise from under dash on passenger side - fixed, Had to have transmission reprogrammed for shifting issue - better but hurt performance. My new Grand Cherokee with a HEMI gets the same mileage.

• 

  This vehicle does what it is supposed to do - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert Tankersley - July 4 - 9:22 am

  The Corolla does exactly what it is supposed to do. It is economical and yet does not look or feel or behave as a "cheap" car.

• 

  No comfort at all-go with a Pathfinder - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By 1mustanglover - July 4 - 7:46 am

  I bought a 4runner and Im disappointed. The seats are very hard and cramped, you feel every bump in the road and the braking is abrupt. Way stiffer of a ride and i would recommend the Pathfinder any day. Also the 3rd row seat is useless, there is virtually no leg room at all.

• 

  Great Car! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Krystal - July 4 - 5:30 am

  This car is tops! I got an ECHO in 2001 for Christmas, Ive never had a problem with it (other than a recall in 2006). Starts up in bad weather and is a great car for teens. Cheap to maintain and the gas mileage is wonderful. I drove from Madison to Chicago and back (~350miles) and still had 1/4 tank of gas left! Very roomy, especially the trunk. People are always surprised how much room is in that small of a car. Extremely reliable and REALLY fun to drive (5 speed manual)!

• 

  Great choice for midsize SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Ben - July 4 - 12:26 am

  This SUV drives like a car but has cargo like an SUV. Smooth on the road and I have the 4 cyl 2wd model that gets great gas mileage for an SUV. Handles great.