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 Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By RBERG - August 14 - 10:26 am

  Its Fun and easy to enjoy. Yes it rides like a truck but than thats what it is. Only wish it had better access to the rear windows, the back of the rear seat folds up so when its time to clean the windows, it makes it hard to get at.

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  Amazing - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Andrew - August 14 - 7:33 am

  Before buying a Yaris I did a ton of research on comparable cars and came to the conclusion that the Yaris Sedan was the best bang for the buck. I have not been disappointed. I love this car! Toyota was also offering 0% financing, so it was an even better deal. Comfortable and quiet (for the price), amazing gas mileage, and Toyota reliability. I couldnt be happier. In my opinion, the Yaris Sedan is the best car in its class... and I have looked at tons of other cars for comparison. I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

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  Our Reaction - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By was - August 14 - 6:36 am

  A reliable, common-sense vehicle, as expected from Toyota. Everything works well, but dont expect sporty feel or experience.

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  Our Reaction - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By was - August 14 - 6:20 am

  A reliable, common-sense vehicle, as expected from Toyota. Everything works well, but dont expect sporty feel or experience.

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  2014 Camry XLE - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Michael Beresford - August 14 - 5:47 am

  Style, dependable, affordable, great mileage. Awesome vehicle. Love it!

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  99 Avalon Review - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By 1999Toyota Avalon - August 14 - 2:40 am

  This 99 Toyota Avalon has been a joy to own. I purchased it with 29,000 miles. In the 1 1/2 years that I have owned this vehicle I have experienced a wonderful ride, no problems and great to handle. I am very satisfied with my Toyota.

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  Now is the time to buy it! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By fuerte20 - August 13 - 5:03 pm

  I just replaced my 03 V8 4Runner Limited with an 08 Highlander Limited AWD. Smooth engine, great design; a lot more family features and creature comforts than the 4Runner. Very comfortable, steering and accelerator are softer than 4Runner, brakes are tighter. Nearly same storage capacity; rides more like a car. Worried about the beautifully shaped sheet metal doors in parking lots. Wheels are 19- inch; tires will be expensive to replace. Captains chairs in second row are neat; third row stows flat--dont even know its there. Keyless entry/start/stop is awesome. The vehicle feels well made with heavy doors, plenty of safety features. Also tested 09 RAV4, which is a great little brother...

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  Second Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By rarope2 - August 13 - 4:40 pm

  I found this model much improved over the previous 2001 Camry that I traded in. The interior design has a richer feel and is much more user friendly. The most notable improvements are the redesigned dash, not only are the dials improved but the new dash has a dull finish which does not reflect back into the yes. This model also comes with day time running lights as standard equipment. The car also seems larger, has more torque and improved gas mileage and a much better standard stero system.

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  Excellent ride fully loaded - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Dale Kelly - August 13 - 4:26 pm

  Excellent ride when fully loaded with 7 adults. Instruments easy to read. Great headlights. Well designed interior with lots of storage. Drove the Honda but much quieter ride in the Sienna.

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  I just keep buying Camrys - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Rlichard Plastino - August 13 - 12:37 pm

  Comfort, reliability and quiet are what I want from a car and the Camry does all three. This is a replacement for a 2011 Camry which I gave to my son. I didnt even test drive the 2017. The 2017 is even quieter than the 2011; otherwise it is the same great car as the 2011.