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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  I love this car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By auburnfan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my first Toyota of any kind, a Camry. I love driving this car, because it handles so well. I love the quiet engine. This car is a must have for anyone looking for a dependable, smooth, and comfortable ride. I havent had the car for a very long time, but I can say it is a car I look forward to driving.

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  Now this is what I call style - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Trina - November 3 - 6:53 am

  I have had my Toyota for under 30 days, I had been looking for a smaller SUV for over a year and had test drove everything from the Cadillac SRX to the Acura MDX, and at the end I finally narrowed down my options to the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander without a doubt has proven to not only be a more spacious vehicle, the new body style is awesome, looks almost like the 08 Lexus LX570. It has a sound ride not to mention how many mpg I get in the city (15-17) and (18-19) on the freeway. My kids absolutely love it and I love the fact that the 1st oil change isnt until 5000 miles.

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  Great looking, fun to drive, and very reliable - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By sellisd77 - November 2 - 4:24 pm

  I purchased my 12 Tacoma in December of 11 with the Sports upgrade package and ETune system. With 24k miles to date, I havent had even the slightest of issues and Ive put it through quite a bit. Blue Tooth hooks up to my iPhone in seconds. The stereo and sub are awesome. 4x4 cuts through mud and snow without hesitation. Gas mileage is average if you dont have a lead foot. Still enjoy driving it. Handles exceptionally well for a pick-up and acceleration is surprising. Everything feels tight and well placed for easy adjustments and/or after market additions. The bed liner is great and storage will surprise you. Ive had GMs all my life and I wont go back.

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  First one in town! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By M.K. - November 2 - 1:30 pm

  Waited six months, but first week is great!!! 1000 miles in 9 days! 26 miles on road with air.

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  Great Van!! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Lynn - November 1 - 9:13 pm

  We purchased our 2000 Sienna about a year ago. It now has 112000 miles on it and runs great! We have not had any major problems, other than replacing brake pads. It drives very good, like a car, and its roomy, the seats are very comfortable. It seems very solid and well built. I dont worry about reliability at all- its a Toyota!! Great gas mileage for something bigger. Very easy to get in and out of with kids ! Very smooth ride. You just cannot beat Toyotas for reliability!!

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  Awesome RAV - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen S. - November 1 - 6:55 pm

  I loved her, but I need the more advanced help available on newer RAV.

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  60,000 miles and going strong - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike S. - November 1 - 1:20 pm

  The car is a technological marvel in a very practical package. Bought new, its been very reliable for 60,000 miles. Its no sports car, but is faster than it seems because the CVT is so smooth that your speed builds without your noticing it. Lifetime avg. 49.9 mpg driving smoothly, 53 mpg at steady 65, with or without the AC running. Not quite so comfortable or quiet as our old Camry, but still very good. Build quality is very impressive. No problems to date. Definitely the best car Ive ever owned. Love the hatchback layout. Theres lots of room, but the rear seat is too narrow for three across unless one is a child.

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  Great car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By toyota3000 - October 30 - 11:03 pm

  I traded a Yaris in for the Camry, lost about 8-10 MPG, but the 3.5 is a great engine. If you want mileage, get the Yaris or Corolla. If you want the Camry, AT LEAST get the 2.5 four. Great power and very quiet engine.

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  Letjohns Love of her Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Letjohn - October 30 - 10:46 pm

  I love this truck!! It is spacious, butter-smooth transmission, GREAT LOOKING! I purchased the Limited edition in black with tan leather interior. I got all the bells and whistles. I will have this truck forever!

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Happy buyer - October 30 - 6:13 pm

  We are very happy with our decision to buy a Prius. It was an expensive jump up in cost for our limited budget, but it will be worth it. They have a great resale value and that helps a lot. The electric steering is reassuringly precise and solid; I love it that way. The car is tight and has a very solid feeling. Lots of room + lots of cargo potential. The rear seats are a breeze to flip down, even from the back end of the car. Its built on the Camry chassis!