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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  save the planet & your cash - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ron - December 3 - 5:30 pm

  Who ever thought that being green would be this easy?! My 04 Prius is sexy looking and fun to drive. I get combined ~45mpg and the car is roomy and comfortable.

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  Our third Highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Sders - December 3 - 10:25 am

  Our third Highlander! They just keep getting better and better. My only complaint is the complexity of the electronics. We shall probably get used to that, too.

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  Sweet!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff - December 3 - 6:36 am

  The car is very surprising. I had a 99 Malibu with a 6 cyl. The Camry will leave it sitting. Good acceleration and much better gas mileage. Malibu 24mpg Camry 34mpg. Pretty comfy on long trips. very quiet. I tented the windows and installed in channel rain guards. Hated cracking the window and getting soaked. But it really looks sharp now. Lots of these on the road in SC. I got the car on the 39 month lease. I may buy the car. If not I will get another just like it. My opinion, best car on the road.

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  Highlander is the only car for me! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Second Time Owner - December 3 - 5:03 am

  Have a 2002 Highlander and we put 283K miles on it. The A/C went out. Thought we would buy a different car, but nothing else satisfied us. So, we bought a 2013 Highlander with only 30K miles. Plenty of cargo space, plenty of head/leg room. Handles great. Wouldnt know its only a 4cyl. Fuel mileage is much better than advertised. We are getting average of 25.5 combined. Love the Highlander.

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  no worries - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By happytoyotaguy - December 2 - 4:46 pm

  By far and away, the most reliable vehicle i have ever owned... at 100,000 miles its just getting broken in... the a/c and heater work almost too well... with toyota quality there are no worries

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  Best Van Yet - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Donal Kaehler - December 2 - 4:10 pm

  We have owned a Toyota van which we traded for a used Previa at 210,000 miles (my son still drives it) and finally this Sienna. This is our favorite van and we have taken several cross country trips as well as winters in Wisconsin. I have never felt safer in any car Ive owned. We have not had any mechanical failures and enjoy great service support staff. This is our 8th Toyota vehicle and I cant see us buying any other make (except my Porsche of course).

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  MY FIRST CAR IS FAB! GREAT PRICE GREAT FEATURES - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Abhi - December 2 - 3:37 pm

  Value for money from worlds best selling manufacturer

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  Great Value, Great Looks - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Snowball - December 2 - 12:56 pm

  Even though I got the 4 cycl. it has a lot of pick-up, but still has great gas mileage. I love the looks of it,inside and out. Perfect size for a carseat and two big dogs! Smooth ride too.

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  Japanese WorkHorse - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Thai4Ever - December 2 - 1:50 am

  I got the truck at 75,000 miles. It blew a head gasket at 238,000 miles. I had the engine rebuilt for $3,300 with new clutch in 2007. I have 271,000 miles on it now. Minor problem was o2 sensor, catalytic converter, and seat belt buckle. I have driven this truck in soft nc obx sand, and red Clay in Northapton county. Its hard to get stuck. Ive never been stuck. Its is a classic workhorse. Awesome truck. My kids grew up in it, but now the extended cab is too small. Sorry to see her go. This a a truck you can push the limits. That means challenge it, drive it till it falls apart.

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  Great, inexpensive fun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mikes Likes - December 1 - 6:36 am

  It gets attention. You notice people looking at you. Mine has the auto clutch and I just love it. Its quite quick enough also, with strick steering on a dime with great control. I could never get my wife on a Harley so when we looked at this car & it had the auto-clutch and we test drove it, we were hooked. So far absolutely no troubles. Its a great toy for us to just go. If your wanting to haul stuff, buy a pickup. theres very little storage, maybe a couple of duffle bags is all youre going to get in it.