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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  97 Camry XLE best car ever - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Julie Murray - December 9 - 11:16 pm

  I cannot imagine having loved a car more than this one....19 years and 245,000 miles later, I wish I could keep it forever, but it is time for me to get a new car and pass this on to someone who really needs it and cant afford one!

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  Buy this car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jbblanch - December 9 - 7:13 am

  I needed a commuter car to replace ancient Cavalier. Got familiar with Toyotas when my wife got the Sienna ly. The Camry Standard was ideal for the commute (1 hr each way, so I wanted some room) and the pocket. Dont bother with the upgrade to LE, color matched mirrors arent worth the grand. Drives smooth as silk and has suprisingly good pick-up. Roomy back seat allows for the booster seat for my 2 year old without jamming his legs (Im 6ft and need the seat back). Nice headroom too.

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  Got to Love that Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By DGVL - December 8 - 3:46 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is everything they said it would be. My first gas tank gave 50 MPG. Its comfortable, has great pickup and is really fun to drive. I love the GPS system and although that was not a priority for me I am glad I have it and have used it several times. The voice recognition is sometimes a little unreliable but am finding a normal tone works best with it. One negative that Ive encountered is the paint job. I had a dent that had to be pulled out and repainted and was told by the repair facility that it has a very thin layer of paint. Driving in the first snow fall and going up a hill, as long as I kept it slow and steady I didnt have a problem

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  Exactly what I expected - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By nicetrk - December 8 - 3:46 pm

  sweet truck, no problems, and I have driven it 21,500 miles in 11 months! I not only tow, but also use my tundra as a 20k year commuter. I am getting 19-20 mpg hwy, 15-16 town, 9-12 towing. There isnt a rattle or squeak anywhere, love the power, radio, smooth ride, and handles better than anything from detroit. I can put 4 clients in it and feel proud, then tow all the toys. If Lexus made a truck, this would be it.

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  Love this thing! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nylorac - December 8 - 9:50 am

  By far and away, the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned. Well over 100K miles and the thing is still running like a top! All I have had to do is replace the battery. I just can get over how well made and reliable the 4Runner is. I will never own another vehicle. Now I see why the used ones are so hard to come by.

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  First Time Buyer of Non-American - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By quilter - December 8 - 2:23 am

  I debated whether to go with the Ford 500 or this. After driving both, there was no comparison, and although the XLS was significantly higher, I am glad I bought it. I have been a Ford/American car buyer for 35 years, and thought I would never change. But this car is super.

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  Best decision I ever made. - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Philip Judge - December 7 - 11:54 pm

  If you are looking for comfort and ease of handling, then I can think of no better vehicle to purchase.

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  My dream car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By krit1 - December 7 - 9:32 pm

  My 2008 Prius was totaled in a car accident and I got very little from my insurance co. So, I opted for a Ford Fiesta. Hated it from the start! Took it to the dealer twice for lunging and I hated the gear shift. A disaster!! I traded it in for a 2010 Prius with 50,000. I cant tell you the extraordinary difference. Its like trading up from a Datsun to a cutting-edge, super Eco dream car. It drives like velvet. The console is easy to navigate. The body is sporty, the interior spacious, as is the trunk. I cant think of anything negative other than my III model didnt come with a 6 changer CD player. But, the dealership will rectify it. I will never shop out of the Prius family.

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  My Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Sony - December 7 - 3:40 pm

  This is the best truck I have ever driven. The room inside the vehicle is amazing. Extremely durable. Worth every bit of money paid for. Drives like a luxury truck. I would have to say its quite fuel efficient. Handles very well on the snow. Overall the best vehicle I have ever driven.

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  Great SUV! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bully - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Ford Explorer prior to this 4Runner, and while it was a good SUV, it just isnt in the same class as the 4Runner. This is a great looking, well made SUV. There are no squeaks or rattles - the truck is tight, even after 50,000 miles. The steering is very responsive. While the engine is fine, more power would be appreciated (and is now offered by Toyota).