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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  Disappointing - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Richmond - August 9 - 2:53 pm

  Disappointing car considering cost; transmission seems confused at times; poor dash layout; mediocre fuel economy; paint chips easily; overall, not much better than my 99 Camry.

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By swhitts - August 9 - 12:53 pm

  Excellent choice - 4WD systems are excellent for snow and off-road. Comfort and driving dynamics continue to impress. Even after just short of 1yr ownership it still amazes me how competent and sure footed it drives. Ive owned Jeep and Ford previously - there is no comparison. I ride in friends 05 Explorer and 05 G. Cherokee and now wonder what they were thinking...the 4 Runner is that great. As long as you are comfortable with the "odd" seating position and not getting cash on the hood like a domestic - you cant make a better choice for a mid-size SUV.

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  06 Toyota Camry sport - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By lljpence - August 9 - 10:43 am

  The panic button on the remote is poorly placed and to sensitive to touch. It goes off frequently when any other keys on the ring hit the button. This is very annoying. The car doesnt have much pick up when pulling out in tight traffic situations.

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  Dealing with it. - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By George - August 9 - 7:36 am

  As far as compact cars go this one was it for us. The steering wheel ought to be telescopic and we get 25-28 mpg in town vs 32. I personally dont like to drive it much unless Im taking it up to red line or @ 100 mph in 3rd gear. Im 511" & 215lb so getting out my wallet is even a hassle... thats to be expected though. Seats are way more comfortable than the Civic, at least for my semi-fat rear-end. We have the leather seats but they need to have heat as an option. Heater ducts need to point at our feet vs behind them. Too much wind & noise inside with rear windows rolled down. It would be nice to turn off the headlights when I wanted. We just wanted the most bang for the buck & reliability.

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  Simply the best! Range Rover crusher - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By calapanero - August 9 - 4:43 am

  They dont make great vehicles anymore... this is a classic that will be handed on to the next generation. Handling is super and gets you anywhere. My grandfather had the very first one back in Asia and it is still running... Toyota please keep making great vehicles... All my cars are made by Toyota... Last bought was a Lexus gs another classic car in the making. Land cruiser owners enjoy and always think safety.

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  2014 a big ride improvement - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By beaverfood - August 9 - 4:20 am

  The 2014 rides much better than the 2010. I had an SR5 DoubleCab, and moved up a notch to the Limited CrewMax. I like the dual temperature controls, which are no longer available on the SR5.

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  I love ❤️ the van and so does my grandkids! - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By Scheryl Warner - August 9 - 3:47 am

  You will fall In love 😍 with it. Everything about it.

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  96 Camry Collectors Edition Going Strong - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Carl - August 8 - 7:50 pm

  This car is meant to keep going. I have now put over 255,000 miles on the car and it still runs very well. The car is very comfortable for the driver and for up to 4 passengers (both long and short trips). 188hp very peppy for a mid-sized car. The exterior looks are phenomenal, basically a Lexus in Camry clothes. Interior has held up very well for 12 year old leather. Even with todays fancier features (nav, heated mirrors, etc) I would buy this car again in a heart beat. Camry (Cam-Mou-ri = Crown in japanese) is the gem of the Toyota lineup. I am very pleased with the long life, high miles, and literally NO maintenance of this vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By gsbanks - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love my Echo! I previously had a Dodge Pickup. I wanted something that got great gas mileage and also had a little bit of room. Echo was a great alternative to to the more expensive Hybrids. I never get less than 39 miles to the gallon (although I always use 93 octane gas). Echo is also very safe. I had an accident on the interstate in May where I was going about 40mph and hit the car in front of me (it was a 5 car accordian crash and I was the last one). The car abaorbed all the blow and I wasnt hurt or sore at all. I will soon be testing my Echo out when I drive it to Alaska in January. I have lived there before and think it will do well.

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  good second family car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By chando - August 8 - 2:00 am

  great for hauling kids and gears around town but bit busy on the engine when push hard, so far so good