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:

• 

  Lots of car for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By mp - June 17 - 6:33 pm

  Beautiful ride and nice and quiet. I added the VSC and moon roof. My former car was a 2002 Concorde LXI and so far the Avalon is far superior in every way. Taking long drives is a pleasant experience. I also have gottem almost 31 mpg on interstate trips.

• 

  04 Sienna LE 7-passenger - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jrobey747 - June 17 - 5:21 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased a used 04 Sienna w/122,000 miles on it. I didnt think twice about buying this Sienna because of Toyotas reliabilty (we also own a 02 Camry w/175,000 miles on it). The model we got is the LE 7-passenger w/leather interior. It is a very comfortable vehicle to ride in and fun to drive, even though its a minivan. Other than some slight vibration in the dash the Sienna drives like new, very smooth and quiet. My wife loves the right rear sliding door that opens w/a push of a button. Although, I have heard of many instances when the chain breaks in that power sliding door being a costly repair (over $1400 I believe). We love the minivan life!

• 

  An excellent little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By GaS - June 17 - 3:10 pm

  Pro: 38-42MPG, peppy, looks like a million bucks, comfortable ride, Toyota reliablity, lots of room (esp trunk). Con: really poor stock tires, squeaks and rattles, no variable wipers, no telescoping steering wheel, butter-soft paint and windshield. I love this car. Its economical, has a strong engine, and is very stylish (IMO). Since everyone gushes over new cars, Ill say that the OEM tires are complete JUNK, the paint is so soft you need 3M protector on within the first 50 miles, the windsheild looks sandblasted after 8000 miles, and I have various small squeaks and rattles here and there. That said, those problems are not nearly enough for me to not love this car.

• 

  SAVED MY LIFE - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By miracl - June 17 - 2:40 pm

  I financed this car with my Mom in early April, it was my second car. One morning after I picked up my friend for school, I was smashed/tBoned by a 2012 Yukon that was going 70 and ran a red light, at a 45 mph zone, my car was sent flying into another car. This car was TOTALED. No roof, no doors, blown up tires, and no seats. I WALKED away with a scratched up face from hitting my window on impact, but I had NO broken bones, my best friend had 7, and is WALKING with a broken pelvis/hip. Doctors/Witnesses said they have no idea how we survived this accident, if it wasnt for this camry, we would have been dead, Thank you Toyota, You SAVE lives. Get this car for your kid parents its a lifesavef

• 

  Love My Camry - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Veronica - June 17 - 1:16 pm

  I purchased my 92 Camry XLE third-hand from an elderly couple. This is my second Camry, and I love it. I havent had to put any money into this car except for scheduled maintenance and annual touch up painting. I have 111,000 miles on the odometer and hope to get to 200,000 or 20 years old, whichever comes first! My only complaint about the car is that it has a moon roof that takes up head space and makes it a little "short" for me. Im 511". Other than that, I couldnt ask for better performance or reliability.

• 

  Love my little "beep beep"! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By smokefan - June 17 - 5:02 am

  In 2007, I totaled out my 2000 Dodge Neon (good little car, too) and my brother and his wife gave me their 1999 Rav 4 L to drive. At first, it was a rocky relationship b/c I couldnt drive a standard...but once I got the hang of it, I learned two things: Standards are way more fun and this little truck is one of the best investments you could ever make! The truck had around 80K when I got it and Ive put another 100K on it. The only thing Ive had to do is replace the timing belt, which is an item you can expect to replace after time anyway. Other than diligent oil & fluid changes, Ive not had to put any money into the "beep beep" and I think shell stay in my family for years to come!

• 

  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By ROE ODONNELL - June 17 - 2:34 am

  This is my second Prius. The first one was a 2006 model 2. It was a great car and I sold it with 137,000 miles. The 2016 model is so much better in every way: handling, technology, 20% better fuel economy, comfort. I especially like the self parking, the intelligent cruise control, and the lane warning system. I recommend this vehicle highly.

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TDADDY - June 16 - 11:56 pm

  Its a great truck with a good deal of power, room, and comfort, im very happy with the purchase.

• 

  Best Little Wagon - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By LongTermHappyOwner - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  had this reliable and peppy wagon for ten years; no major defects or problems; easy to park; good visibility; good loading capacity; good leg room in back; upholstery wears well; std stereo mediocre; gas mileage appx 26-28 city; 28-30 freeway; would have bought another but dont make anymore; drivers seat and headrest are comfortable for my neck and frame (56").

• 

  Oh what a feeling - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By 2 many suvs - June 16 - 10:30 am

  Bought this vehicle exactly 3 days ago and have put 300 miles on it. It is a wonderful car. Good acceleration, very comfortable ride and I love the gas mileage. My wife and I drive over 2600 miles a month with kids, commuting and misc. activities. This will drop our fuel consumption in half in no time. We are averaging 37.5 mpg on the first tank. It can only get better as we get used to it.