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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  What a change from my 03 mercedes - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bobby - November 29 - 7:30 am

  Had an 03 Mercedes for 4 years. This car is smoother, quieter, more responsive, better overall driving dynamics and way much more reliable and better built. Only problem has been the proprietary transmission glitch everyone talks about.

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  Prius is worthy !!!!! - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By Dave Hewitt - November 29 - 4:47 am

  My second Prius......very happy w/car...I knew it didnt have blinding acceleration before I bought it....lots of leg room. Would highly recommend window tint and getting a windshield eyebrow tint installed...sun beats in at eye level....just the right size for around town driving...no problem on freeway going 75-80

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  Great Car - Bought Used - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By silver7577@aol.com - November 29 - 3:53 am

  Didnt know much about a hybrid before but now have a great respect for them. But not all hybrids are worth the money but this one is in this writers opinion. Love to jump in and run my errands and even take it on longer trips. (1st review) After having the car for nearly 3 yrs, cant say my opinion has changed much. Its still an awesome little car and as time goes on, and running into other Prius owners and drivers, their feelings are the same, we love the little cars. Gas mileage is great. Maintenance is very little. Other than oil and filter changes, I have replaced the small battery in it. But once in 8 yrs, who can complain?? I now have roughly 51K miles on it and before too long, I may look into replacing spark plugs and checking brakes, etc. However, as far as driving the car goes, I can not tell, it needs anything at this time. Tune ups are sometimes overlooked until plugs are badly burnt and cars are running very rough.

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  Brilliant vehicle - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Graham Eastman - November 29 - 12:50 am

  Brilliant vehicle...would not drive anything else...getting 4.3 easily on fuel economy (Aust. Figures). Thinking of buying new 2009 model. Absolute pleasure to travel in.

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  My First Toyota - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoLover - November 29 - 12:46 am

  I drove everything else. The Toyota drove bettter and handled better and had a bigger bed. Tons of power, smooth ride for a truck and great stance... The best part is the fact that with the TRD package I sit just as high as a stock 4x4 F-150! It took two weeks to find a blue 4x4 double cab with TRD in So Cal, but was worth the wait. First auto tranny Ive owned.

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  Awesome car! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Care - November 28 - 11:43 pm

  Love this car! Bought it used with 86000 miles, and it is now at 200100 miles and runs like a charm. Minor maintenance needed, spark plugs, fuel injector, tires and other things. I drive about 100+miles a day and I never hve to worry about breaking down. Take care of this car and it will take care of you! I love the sporty look it has and it is compact.

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  Rattle Trap - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Jim - November 28 - 11:34 pm

  Two reasons I will never buy another Toyota. 1. The Damn Car RATTLEs going down the road. The Dealer has not found this. The Car is crappy in my opinion. 2. They have made the car for the Japanese body. The American body is bigger. Take the lead from GM on this one. Mechanically the engine/transmission are excellent, but that still does not overcome the RATTLEing. I am going to runup the miles on this car, dump it and never buy another Toyota again. Oh yeah I would like the gal that have been used versus the miles remaining till empty - another take a hint from GM.

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  My experience: it is a junk car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Jason - November 28 - 8:13 pm

  I bought Toyota Camry in 1999. It ran ok in the first 5 years. Then I had to fix it at least twice a year (not including service or oil change). In average I spent $1500 on repair each year. I only drove 11000 miles and have changed most of stuff in the car already. Finally, I decided to sell this car. I really should have sold it earlier. I will never buy from Toyota anymore.

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  Purchased 7-3-11. Love RAV4! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By lovemyrav4 - November 28 - 4:22 pm

  I have owned my RAV4 for a week now. Left my comfy Tahoe LT and I am very happy with my purchase. Already took it on long road trip 1000 miles. The RAV4 was amazing!! Did not feel the bumps in the road. Very smooth. Easy to handle. Gas mileage was good. Visual clearance was excellent. No noticeable road noise. Lots of get up and go! The tailgate is NOT too heavy. I am a small person too! There is so much room back there. Also extra mini-trunk is a bonus. Drivers seat was a little hard after a few hours, but had pillow to help. Also steering wheel is like holding onto a metal bar, but also fixable! Back seat is very comfortable with lots of leg room. RAV4 is excellent!

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  So far, so good. - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lee - November 28 - 2:40 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Camry LE for the 2010 TCH. The 2003 was very quiet and smooth but the 2010 TCH beats it hands down. Love the Bluetooth and the upgraded audio. Fuel economy is exactly what Ive expected. According to the onboard computer, I averaged 34.1 mpg on my 1st tank of gas but I suspected that the tank was not 100% full. The 2nd tank of gas confirmed my suspicion as I averaged 38.5, according to the onboard computer and 38.7 according to my manual calculation. I expect the number will continue to improve as I learn to drive the car more efficiently.