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:

• 

  Love my new VENZA!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Dorie - December 19 - 1:53 pm

  We had to replace my 2006 Toyota Sienna that was totaled in a car accident. I didnt really need another van as my children are grown up, but enjoyed the feel of being higher up that a van provided. The Venza was a great compromise between a low car and another van. I love the way it drives and the interior is so roomy!! While gas mileage will not be as good as a 4-cylinder, it is actually a little bit better than my 3.3L V-6 Sienna. I absolutely love the center console and all the room it provides. I really miss having memory seats, turn signal indicators on the side mirrors, and auto-dimming side mirrors as well. Overall, I am very pleased with my new purchase!!

• 

  great truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By commuter - December 19 - 11:53 am

  Great Truck!! GOOD PERFORMANCE!! NO COMPLAINTS!!!!

• 

  Great car for the money. - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Peter Nugent - December 19 - 8:17 am

  It has all the luxury of a luxury car though without a luxury label... with reasonable price. Comfortable and luxurious feeling. My wife loves it. One improvement suggestion: Though the vehicle has BSM (blindside management system), the car frame obstructs the view of front sides. This makes it difficult to glance at obstacles when starting moving forward.

• 

  Great Economy Car with a Nice Look too! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Nicole - December 18 - 3:26 pm

  Yaris Sedan was a good choice. Nice trunk space and enough room in backseat for 2 kids. Ive averaged 36.5 to 38.5 miles per gallon. Handles very well around corners etc. Although it does handle well, it is somewhat fussy to keep straight on road due to tight handling performance. I purchased this car with electric everything. Overall, I would purchase one again.

• 

  Love this car! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By sunrise - December 18 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car used almost 4 years ago and it has been a dream to own. Reliable, fun to drive, economical. I have not had to put a penny into this car, except for regular maintenance, tires, brakes, oil change, battery.I will own this car until it has 500,000 miles on it!

• 

  Great car? - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Harold Stark - December 18 - 1:28 am

  This car has been one of our all time favorites and we are now in our 70s. Very comfortable on long or short trips.

• 

  Excellent Economy Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By BZ - December 17 - 6:26 pm

  I currently have a 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited and wanted an alternate vehicle in order to minimize the number of miles on the RAV, and also to commute with better MPG. I picked up the 2008 Corolla in the LE edition, with faux wood trim, multi-CD changer, rearview mirror interior lights et al. I have rented this vehicle on extended prior occasions. The 2008 automatic gets BETTER MPG than the 2010 auto, has a more logically-planned interior with more storage points, and seats with better lateral support. The interior is quiet, the ride comfortable, view excellent out all windows (as opposed to the 2010 Corolla with its high waist). For a "commuter appliance" you pretty much cant do better.

• 

  chick magnet speed machine - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By youngnfast - December 17 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. the shifting is easy, the top can be taken up or down in a flash. It is great car and i cant drive it enough. I get a lot of compliments and head turns. You get a lot more than you pay for with this car!

• 

  Need one - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Mike F. - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend has a Prius and i love to drive the car. Not that great if u like to go 0-60 in 6sec. but otherwise the the car is perfect. Who REALLY needs to drive a 6 ton SUV with 300hp, anyway? The speed limit is only 65 and unless u are driving 200miles away going faster doesnt get u to the mall much faster anyway. My only gripe is that altho i want to buy one for myself i cant because it costs 20grand +tax+insuranse costs. How the hell is a college student (with out the assistance of Mommy and Daddy like most rich brats) supposed to get a new one?! Im soooo jealous, i steal my girlfriends car all the time,lol.

• 

  Best Truck For The Money! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By RunnerLovr - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my car for a 4Runner over a year ago and absolutely love it. Could use a little more power, but other than that, its perfect. I have a 3" lift and a rear locker and havent had any other SUV keep up with me. Will buy another one!