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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  A great minivan - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By MyFirstMiniVan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased a new 2011 Sienna Limited with Advanced Tech Pkg. Previous vehicle was gas-guzzling Lexus SUV. We really like all the options and technology it has to offer. Drove the 2011 Odyssey but for the $ we could get a lot more Sienna and a great family hauler that is noticeably quieter. The drivers seat could use some work with the headrest. At 63" I find it difficult to get comfortable and Toyota made a huge mistake with that awful faux wood on the dash.

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  Awesome - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim Burgess - May 21 - 10:23 pm

  It is the truck that all guys would have designed themselves. Power, towing, 4x4 and stopping... and so far reliable. I DO NOT want service. To me that means it is broke!

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  Love my new 08 Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Remard C - May 21 - 9:20 pm

  I needed to replace my 2000 Grand Am for daily travel to work. Because of the rising gas prices I wanted to look at a hybrid. I chose the 2008 Camry because of the incentives Toyota was offering, Toyotas reliability, and because I was really impressed with the design of the car (internal and external. I also have a 2 year old daughter and the Camry is one of the safest cars on the road. After driving the car for a couple weeks I know I made an excellent decision.

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  The car to Buy - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Beth - May 21 - 12:50 pm

  I traded an 06 Camry for this 07 hybrid and have never beey sorry. It started in the coldest of weather and even though I commute round trip 100 miles per day (i.e., mostly interstate driving), I rarely get less than 46 mpg highway and have many times reached 65-78 mpg in city driving (my hubby once got a tank avg. reading of 95 mpg in the city). Coupled with Toyotas now-notorious reliability, ahh. Ill never, never, NEVER back to so-called domestic makes after this experience. Ive got my cell phone blue-toothed so I can have hands-free conversations, love the cars "smart key" also.

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  A lot of " bang" for not too many Bucks. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Karl Meier - May 21 - 8:10 am

  Sleek looking car inside & out. Styling should not become "dated" for many years. Road noise is much lower than youd expect for a car costing a lot less than $65K. Rider comfort is lacking almost nothing with the ventilated seats and rear seat back adjustment. And the leg room in the rear is almost equal to a full sized Deville. The ride is a bit on the "soft" side and could be "tightned" a bit. The old American idea of driving your living room down the highway as the epitome of luxury has hopfully passed. Two customers of mine have just bought Avalons and they are as pleased with their choice as I am. Toyota has a luxury car here with a "not quite" a luxury price

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dinhcara - May 20 - 7:50 pm

  This is my first Toyota, but not my first micro vehicle. Ive owned an 850 Fiat coupe, as well as a Renault 4CV. They were a blast to drive, and probably the reason that I was not intimidated by light-weight small cars. Those cars were much lighter than this one. Oh sure, it can be a little twitchy in the corners and on the hi-way when theres a big cross wind. And the engine, though very competent, is no Z-28 302. But for "Fun to Drive", this one is right up there. The electric power steering just feels right. It has the optional 15" tires, just to let you know. It has a secure feeling, probably due to the long wheelbase for its size. People sit up high -- nothing claustrophobic.

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  I love this car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Lora - May 20 - 12:54 pm

  I really love this car i have it in white and the inside is beige color . I really love this car . The price is aliitle bit much but overall nice car .

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  camry le auto. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By gfield50 - May 20 - 12:00 pm

  Love the car. great mileage. great ride, quiet, nice looking. looks more expensive than it is.

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  Outstanding Quality - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Patricia Kappenhagen - May 20 - 10:06 am

  I have less than 3,000 miles on my car but driving it from Texas to Florida was a great experience for my husband and me. The quality and handling of the vehicle is superb in all categories.

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  A fun ride! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Steve - May 20 - 5:26 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle in the Spring of this year and it is the best vehicle purchase we have ever made. The car gets fantastic gas mileage, fits 4 easily (5 in a pinch), and really has a devoted fan club following. I am 6 3" tall and I fit in the front and back seats without any problems. I thought we might find the car lacking in power, but even in that area I was pleasantly surprised. All in all this car is a wonderfully driving and exceptionally good value given how well it holds its resale value and the great gas mileage. I find myself trying to squeeze every MPG I can out of the tank. Truthfully you will love this car and will wonder why you waited so long to get one!