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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  Reliable but lacking - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By prodriver82 - July 18 - 1:08 pm

  I bought a 2009 Toyota Camry in November 2011 as a replacement for a 2005 Chevy Trail Blazer with 126,000 miles & we had for 6 years. At first, we liked the Camry. Took the car on at least one long distance monthly trip. Every month for a year. But even before we made it to 7 months, we were looking for a SUV platform vehicle to replace the Camry. The Camry is what it is. Solid transportation. It just wasnt our cup of tea. If your considering a Camry to purchase, steer more towards the SE or the XLE versions. You will be happier.

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  Amazing ride. - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dennis S. - July 18 - 11:25 am

  Be sure it fits your lifestyle.

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  Toyota Quality - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By LB - July 18 - 5:23 am

  The 2WD Tacoma has been a great truck and I plan to keep it forever as a work truck (landscaping, hauling, etc.).

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  New 2016 Prius is better then ever - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Shawiak - July 18 - 3:52 am

  First, if you never have owned a Prius the 2016 is a great vehicle. If you are coming from an earlier edition the 2016 has many improvements. I would upgrade to a Model Four. My 2012 is a Model 2 and I think it is worth the extra money to get the options. Many improvements including build quality can be seen. The changes in the suspension do make a difference. The materials inside are greatly improved. I dont think they feel cheaply made. The only negative feedback I would give between the 2016 and the previous generation is drive sits lower in the car and the car feels lower in the from. Once you scrape the front end/ bumper you will understand. As a iPhone user the ability to charge an Android based phone is useless to me. The seats in the 2016 feel more supportive than those in my 2012. This car is for people are interested in getting good MPGs. I am a former Nissan Leaf (2013) and BMW I3 (2014) owner. So far I can say I am very happy with my purhase.

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  37 Miles to the gallon - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By pwrbrain78 - July 17 - 9:53 pm

  I am very analytical and chose my Yaris based on reviews and talking with Toyota employees and a lot of research. I have found the car to be extremely well built and have literally had no problems with it, (knock on wood). The warranty just ran out so we will see if it does stand the test of time. I was driving quite far everyday and driving about 70/30 highway and getting (even w/ the A/C on) about 36-37 mpg with the Yaris and its an automatic. I am a bit of a lead foot too. So I would recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable, efficient and cost effective car. Keep it maintained and it should last no problem.

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  Excellent and fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Richard - July 17 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased my 05 Prius couple of weeks ago and Im already getting excellent gas milage. With 5 people and a/c blasting, Im getting over 49 mpg. The car has less than 800 miles and cant wait for the break in period to be over to see what gas milage I can squeeze out of the car.

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  This is such an awesome car!!! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By teen boy LovesSE v6 - July 17 - 8:03 pm

  I got this car at 14 (early start). I love it so far, it is like so sporty and all my friends think it is the bomb! It is a great v6 and will outrun all the cars in its class! (My mom knows!) The only thing I would change is the seat fabric. I wish it were leather . The reliability is so great.

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  Rented ford yaris for road trip - 2016 Toyota Yaris
  By Michael - July 17 - 7:53 pm

  If you are driving this car more than 20-30 min. at a time, then you are going to be hurting! Last weekend I drove to Kansas from Colorado and back in a day, and it was killing me. After driving the car for 5 hours and a little over 400 miles I was limping at the gas station. 300 miles later I got out to walk around and was limping from the pain of my foot the entire time. I switched out with the co-driver and she said after just driving for an hour her leg and thigh was killing her. The foot peddle is small and really hard to keep at the right speed, there is no cruse control and the speed gauge goes in increments of 10 so you dont know how fast you are going. Having to keep looking at the speed gauge every 10 seconds to see that you are speeding or not makes this unsafe because YOU ARE NOT WATCHING THE ROAD! which makes this an unsafe car to drive even in the city. When we finally got back to Colorado I could barley walk to the front door of our house and 3 days later my foot still hurts.

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  I love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By cheers - July 17 - 4:50 pm

  I have had my Prius for almost a year and cant say enough great things about it. My only problem is that my husband, a salesman who is on the road almost all day, has decided that he should be the one to drive the Prius. Amazing since he has always been the type of male whos identity is wrapped up in the kind of car he drives. Now he gets off on all the money he is saving. It is substantial since his last car got between 11 and 13 mpg. In the summer, we consistently get between 55-60 mpg, which drops down to 50-52 mpg in the winter. It is fun to drive and has plenty of pep. Best car we have ever owned.

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  Love what it does for me - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Bradley Jordan - July 17 - 3:53 pm

  I just bought my RAV4 yesterday. I was reluctant to buy it as a RAV4 had been labeled a girls car but the style and look have changed my mind. My gas mileage is actully better than my 2000 Civic right now. I plan on filling up at a quarter of a tank instead at the true empty. I am quite happy with it. Love the storage bins under the floor. I will propbly drive this car into the ground like my CIvic and Camry. I would definitely recommend it. I got tinted windows and the luggage rack.