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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  Gas saver - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian - May 1 - 6:40 pm

  Love this car, first tank from dealer, got 401 miles, wasnt sure how many gal they had put in, but with a 11.1 gal tank I knew I was close to 40 mpg. Let the last bar start flashing before I filled tank, drove 5 miles while it flashed, stuffed 10.6 gal in the tank and took off, I work a midnight shift which is an advantage with traffic, as in I rarely have to stop. 100 mile round trip, lite traffic, and this tank I did not use this A.C. keep that in mind, kept it as close to speed limit as possible, very rare to go over 70 mph, this car love to go 60 mph, anyway I made one tire pressure adjustment from 29 lbs (dealer) to 35 lbs. Drove the 10.6 gals for 449 miles for 42.3 mpg. Love it!

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  Wish I could buy a new one - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By veconomos - April 30 - 4:53 pm

  Last week my bf was using my Camry on interstate 81 and was rear ended by some nut who came upon him doing about 90 mph. The Camry then spun off the road and hit a tree. It was totally demolished from every angle but he was able to get out and walk away with only some bruises. The back end was hit so hard that the gas tank should have exploded (had a full tank of gas) but it never did. That was the best car ever. I had it four years, inherited it from my Mom who had it five years. I had to replace the radiator and the exhaust and that was it. The car never failed me, was great to drive, and got at LEAST 40 mpg. I am looking for another one, dont care if it is old. It was better than new.

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  Our 2nd Camry is still a winner. - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By highmelocity - April 30 - 12:56 pm

  Terrific, reliable car. We first had a 1990 Camry V6LE, which was sweet beyond reason, so when it came time to trade up, we bought a 2000 Camry CE (budget was a bit tight!). Its still the reliable, top-of-the-line, quality car we know & expect. Its not quite as sporty as our 90 was, and is definitely frumpier, but it still performs like a Toyota should. We also really wondered how it would be to drive a 4-cyl after having had the V6. No worries! Weve taken her on several road trips, over mountains/passes, highways, you name it, and she delivers kick when you need it. Plenty of energy and decent gas mileage, to boot. Child safety seats work in this car, but are _difficult_ to install.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Convertible - April 30 - 11:30 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive, very smooth and very quiet. When the top is up it doesnt even feel like a convertible. My only complaint is the small back window but you get used to it.

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  Great Van that Keeps on Running - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By tfisch100 - April 30 - 8:08 am

  We bought this van at the end of the 2003 model because we liked the interior better than the newer 2004 model that was being sold. Weve put 144,000 niles on it and see no reason to buy something new. The repair history has been great. Weve used it to transport soccer teams, drywall, furniture and babies. We installed a 2 inch receivr on the rear and use it to tow light trailers on a regular basis.

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  Best bang for the Buck!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By t8nda - April 29 - 9:33 pm

  I looked around for 3 months before buying my Tundra. I went with the Limited version because it would have cost more money to add the same features to an SR5. The build quality is Top Notch. The engine has plenty of power. I towed a large trailer 350+ miles and had to look in the rearview mirror to rimind myself I was even towing something. I am extremely satisfied.

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  2017 highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Larry williams - April 29 - 7:50 pm

  Very nice car. Rides incredibly smooth. Quiet

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  I dont love it - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mar1454 - April 29 - 7:40 pm

  I love the styling, the ride is smooth, plenty of back seat space for guests -- BUT -- the blind spots are horrible and there is a slight hesitation on acceleration on the highway.

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  Tech Car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Happy Owner - April 29 - 3:50 pm

  This car is fully loaded. What a pleasure to drive. The six speed transmission is smooth and the engine is powerful and responsive. A large GPS control screen is activated when the engine starts. Cool air, heat, Bluetooth phone, CD/radio and cruise contol all from the steering location. The dash is clean and smooth when all control doors are closed.

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  Toyota 1994 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By kprotheroe - April 29 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car for in town and off road! This SUV has had virtually NO problems with it since bought in 1994. A very reliable truck.