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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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Brenda - October 24 - 7:42 pm

  I just bought a 2017 Toyota Canry and am in love with this car!!! Its the LE model but its loaded! Back-up camera, power seats, touch screen, Blue-tooth.... Awesome gas mileage. Im seeing 34 mpg. My old car used twice that. Could not be happier.

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  Great little car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By KC - October 24 - 9:03 am

  I went from a Ford Expedition to a Prius. I dont miss my SUV at all (except when doing big grocery shopping) and love driving my Prius. I have made my first payment just in fuel savings. I thought I would miss sitting up high on the road, but I have learned to really enjoy riding lower. The lowest fuel economy Ive gotten was right at 40mpg and I do a lot of highway miles, in addition to city driving. It rides nice on the highway (even pass people with ease) and is comfortable on road trips. My only complaint is that I seem to be a rock chip magnet sitting lower to the ground.

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  2006 highlander lim hybrid 4 wheel drive - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Happy customer - October 24 - 8:50 am

  The car is simply stated - fun to drive - very powerful - easy to pass cars on two lane roads -economical - comfortable - loves to pass gas stations - great conversation starter - plan on driving to Alaska from Florida towing camper and throughout USA. I am borrowing from Chevy - "See the USA in my highlander hybrid"

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  Best small SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Love my RAV4 - October 24 - 2:20 am

  This is my first Toyota. I love it so far. Been in Hyundais since 1990. This is definitely a SERIOUS step up. Much better quality, reliability, styling, MPG. Hope to drive the wheels off the thing. I usually keep vehicles for at least 10 years, so this one should be around for awhile.

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  Excellent gas! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By brandon - October 23 - 2:46 pm

  I got this car to knock around and get to work instead of driving my gas gulping 07 4runner. I am really impressed on how it rides and the styling of the corolla. I have the regular model and it has all of the features that the other models do except it does not have power windows. The engine is strong for a 1.8 liter and has ample pull with a smooth transmission. I love the color I got; its called Capri sea metallic which is a nice light green metallic and I have beige interior. The gas mileage is excellent. Im averaging 38 mpg

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  MPG Machine - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Bone11241124 - October 23 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased the car specifically for maxing out my mpg and its lived up to its billing. In the 3 months Ive been driving it I average 62 mpg city/53 mpg highway/58 mpg combined (well above the combined 47 mpg EPA rating). Comfort and styling are above average in my opinion. Overall power is below average... but I didnt buy this car for the power. Great commuter car as it has already saved me $200 in gas compared to my former vehicle (2005 Toyota 4runner). You can find alternate commuter cars at a better price but not with this much comfort/styling or getting this good of mileage!

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Driver - October 23 - 10:30 am

  Great Car. Bought used with 100K. I was kinda scared of high mileage, but reviews gave it an A grade so I took the risk and glad I did. Daily work driver and great on fuel, no problems... solid car still at 120K and 8 years old.

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  Simply done right - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - October 23 - 7:16 am

  Have owned my FJ for 1 year and have over 30k in that time. Have long daily commute and work in Atlanta, GA. I have had no issues with blind spots in Atlanta traffic or parking, or navigating narrow downtown roads. Great driving feedback from the vehicle allows you to know exactly where you are. On weekends, this vehicle is in N GA on a trout stream or working on family land hauling gear for clearing brush etc. Then it cleans up in a snap and heads back downtown to the office. Does exactly what a land cruiser should do.

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  STYLISH, ECONOMICAL & FUN TO DRIVE - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paulette Blackman - October 23 - 3:26 am

  After stating repeatedly that I would never buy a 4-cylinder, two-door car, I fell in love with the Toyota Camry Solara. Having a limited amount to spend and wanting something more econimical than my last car (a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE), I searched the internet, spoke to people and decided to test-drive the Solara (both the 4 & 6 cylinder models). Both my husband and I were more than satisfied with the pick-up and ride the 4-cylinder provided and purchased the car that same day. Although its difficult for an adult to climb into the back seat, the few occasions I have more than one passenger in the car doesnt warrant another two doors.

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  Love my Corolla XLE - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By rev4 - October 23 - 1:53 am

  This is a great car. I am extremely happy with this car. I think the "road feel" is just fine. Anyway, I think the car is top quality, nice exterior, wonderful interior, great gas mileage, pleasant to drive in all circumstances. I am very pleased with this purchase.