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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  Great Mileage, Powerful, Unique - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By micweb - February 21 - 10:00 am

  The engine in this car is hot. It out accelerates the Ford Focus ZX3 (130 hp engine) I used to have, and gets 38 mpg vs the 25 mpg the ZX3 automatic got. The airconditioner is plenty cold. The ride is smooth and quiet up to 80mph. The suspension is more like a sports car - compliant but firm, with grippy tires (the 175s stick pretty darn good). The only quality control issue is a tiny wind whistle on the drivers side at high speeds - otherwise, famous Toyota quality at a bargain price.

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  2007 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By shenderson - February 21 - 6:10 am

  This is the best minivan I have have ever driven hands down. The power is unreal. We found this Limited to handle like a sports car. It corners very well. It is not tipsy feeling like the older Caravan or even an 08 Uplander. We are very happy with our purchase.

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  Incredible - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Rugby in Texas - February 21 - 5:56 am

  I have had this car for close to 10 years, and there is nothing better. Could use more horsepower, but it works. I just got in my first accident. I totalled the other car. I connected the battery cable and I was off with some physical damage on the car but still in great driving condition, This car is a security blanket, superbly reliable. I will never get rid of it.

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  Man I love this truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By jss5724 - February 20 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this truck last year after my wife and I bought a house. I needed to get rid of my car payment and needed a cheap, reliable truck, so this fit the bill. Got it for $2800 with 145K, bald tires, and a dented bumper. I changed out some of the parts that would likely leave me stranded (battery, starter, cables, alt.) after my starter went bad. I changed ALL fluids, cleaned it up and now I feel like I have a new best friend. The bed has enough room to hold all of the supplies I need to keep me busy doing yardwork all day. My wife is a doctor now and I have the opportunity to have a REALLY nice car, but I continue to drive "the old goat" anywhere and everywhere. Thanks Toyota!

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  Wonderful vehicle for our family - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By dorenescar - February 20 - 11:07 pm

  We traded in our 10 Highlander Hybrid for an 11, and despite having friends think we were crazy, we are delighted with the improvements. The mileage is truly 28 plus, and the vehicle feels easier to drive. The interior is much improved, though still some features that look cheap. The nav and back up camera are much improved, and the split row in the third seat is great for us. The sound system sounds better too! The ride is smooth and quiet, and our kids are very comfortable in the midsection. We love this vehicle, more than the first one, and find it to be great on trips, in the city, and be a great all around vehicle.

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  Best Value, Quality, Performance - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By yngturk - February 20 - 7:38 pm

  This is my wifes second Camry Hybrid. She loves the gas mileage, reliability, driveability and comfort. Not a single problem with either of her Camrys. And they hold their value like crazy!

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  Solid vehicle - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Win - February 20 - 7:58 am

  We purchase this vehicle two months ago... Smooth ride and very comfortable seats for long rides. Gas mileage is great, average over 38 mpg on the highway. Car is not a speed demon, nor does it has all the bells and whistles, but it does have great safety features.

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  good basic car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By revfiddle - February 19 - 11:22 am

  We have had this car since new, and its been great. No repairs necessary.

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  red - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jungle - February 19 - 8:56 am

  The Camry Solara Convertible is pure pleasure to drive. I have owned it for just over 4 months. It is very comfortable. It fits me perfectly. It doesn,t take long to put the top up or down. Friends and neighbors are impressed with the appearance and the ride. I am having much fun owning it.

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  A Quiet Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Munawar Mahmood - February 19 - 8:13 am

  The first thing you notice when you drive the car is the cockpit like view of the road, the second thing you notice is how quiet the car is. The mileage is good, Im getting 26-27 mpg and I just bought the car. Its very comfortable. Road handling is excellent, very roomy and comfortable. I just wished it had more power.