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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  gald I got it - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Spot - November 21 - 4:46 pm

  Drives like a dream. Its so tight and well made. Tranny is smooth and engine is quiet.

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  Voodoo FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By wonderwidget - November 21 - 10:40 am

  Great truck, getting better mileage than EPA. Couldnt ask for more.

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  60 day review - Red SE - black interior - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By wyleecoyote - November 21 - 2:48 am

  If I knew the autostick was worthless, I would not have bothered with buying the SE. If you think the car will hold a gear or truly act upon what you are telling it, might as well forget it. The autostick is worthless. The only thing it is good for is the downshift from 6 to 4. If you try to use it for anything else, be prepared for a totally unpredictable car. Another huge gripe is any time you are driving and put it in autostick, 4th gear is the gear set. Sitting at a light and move the lever, you are set in 4th! Absolutely stupid setup. Dont buy it unless you never use it. Transmission in 6th will downshift for any small incline. Highway travel sucks on anything but flat terrain

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  Good entry level model - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Frosty1 - November 21 - 1:46 am

  I drive 500-600 miles a week and the gas mileage has been outstanding (37- 40 mpg highway) as long as a speed of 65-70 is maintained during highway driving. This saves about $10 a week in gas cost. Quieter and smoother ride versus a comparable Civic. Previously owned a 2004 Camry LE and the cabin noise is even less! Have seen numerous reviews (mostly with the S trim) citing rattles and other noises, but have yet to see any of these issues. Acceleration is a bit sluggish from a start, but what can you expect from a 1.8L engine. Overall a good commuter car.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Keri - November 21 - 1:00 am

  I have to say I was hesitant about buying this car. I liked the look of the car but the size worried me a bit. I am so glad I bought it. It has been reliable and really fun to drive. It is small and at times, I have had to sit in the back seat and I was cramped. However, I rarely do that. I dont care, the performance, gas mileage, the look, etc. make it well worth it. I love my car.

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  Liked my 2003 Better - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Anita - November 20 - 7:53 pm

  Overall a good, dependable vehicle. This is my 3rd 4Runner. I liked the interior of my earlier ones better. Manual controls were easier to manage while driving. I the exterior design is good.

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  4 Years And Still Going - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ucsb73 - November 20 - 3:05 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in Oct. 2007 and it continues to perform. It has had a couple of minor issues that were covered under warranty - water pump leak - that I didnt even notice. I dont put on a ton of miles (37K) and my driving is best described as mixed. I continue to get a year-round average of 37 mpg. The winter and wet weather of the Pacific Northwest slows the vehicle down as it fights elements, otherwise, Id say one could average closer to 39 mpg of mixed city/hwy driving. I paid $30K + taxes - about $2-3K more than V6 Camry with same features - leather, Bluetooth, navigation, power seats, sunroof, & heated mirrors. A solid car - comfortable and quiet.

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  2007 Highlander Hybrid First 500 Miles - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By hmcpeak - November 20 - 1:50 pm

  Getting 25 MPG and enjoying the car alot. Good power and quiet. Only mfg. problems so far is the one of the rear seats is locked in the up position preventing a flat cargo area. I am sure the dealer can fix it.

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  OK Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By TAMPA OWNER - November 20 - 5:46 am

  This car is fun to drive and handles well. I dont suggest pulling out in front of any cars, it does not have a lot of get up and go power. The look is good the ride is nice. I am only getting 30 mpg in city driving, would like to have seen a little better.

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  Long term relationship - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By IAM - November 20 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car since 1997, its reliability performance & style have all withstood the test of time. It rides today like it did 9 years ago.