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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  Camry # 3 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jim Zeunik - September 6 - 7:16 pm

  Our 3rd Camry. We still drive our 96 which has 204,000 miles on it. Cant beat the reliability, quality of design and body integrity.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jay - September 6 - 4:43 pm

  After months of research I purchased the 4Runner, and couldnt be happier. The look, feel, and quality of the vehicle is exceptional. This is not a haul your family around SUV (get a highlander if you need that). This is a true, rugged, go anywhere, drive over anything SUV. Ride quality is exceptional for a truck based SUV, gas mileage is very good as well. Resale value is through the roof, and if you opt not to trade in after your term is up, you can get 200k miles easy. Short of driving it off a cliff, it just might outlast you. Can be a little tough getting in/out for taller people, but this is an off road truck, not a minivan.

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  Fun, reliable, and kid friendly too. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Karla - September 6 - 10:40 am

  This is my second Toyota. I am a loyal Toyota fan, and I expect that this vehicle will be my kids car in 10 years when they learn to drive. I have taken this vehicle on several long distance trips and have had no problems. The trunk space is great, it fit luggage for three adults and two kids - simply amazing! The gas mileage is pretty good and the ride is smooth. The tires are something that will be replaced soon, they dont provide much traction for the variety of weather that our region has. Overall, this vehicle is economical, maintenance free (so far), and most importantly fun to drive. I wish I would have gotten the "S" version... but maybe next time.

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  Deteriorating rubber on window seals - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Toni - September 6 - 3:05 am

  roll down back windows and check for streaking on the Windows. I have had my Camry for 5 months and have had trouble with both back windows. Toyota is rufusing to fix this under the warranty because I had the windows tinted and altering the Windows nullifies the warranty. Toyota actually tried to blame the company that tinted the Windows. So I got a statement from the window tinting company that Toyota is wrong and the reason the Windows are malfunctioning is because of defective rubber seals installed at the factory by the manufacturers. Shame on Toyota.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sam - September 5 - 11:00 pm

  I am very happy with my Yaris. Toyota makes the best car. I have a car that will not only save me gas but also will last for a long time because it is a Toyota:-) Very nice looking interior.

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  Great Car Fun to Drive - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shawn - September 5 - 10:43 pm

  Bought the SE V6 5-speed manual brand new in Dec 98, shipped from the factory, arriving in Jan 99. Still enjoy driving it 11 years later. Regular maintenance is all that has been needed - the total cost of ownership cannot be beat. It is a sporty car that has an actual usable backseat and large trunk. At 153,000 miles, Im sure it has many more miles left.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Sarah - September 5 - 10:20 pm

  This car has been in my family for almost 8 years now and is still going strong. It rides and drives wonderfully, and the only problem weve had with it was with the automatic choke a couple years ago; we took it to our local Toyota dealer and had it fixed. The mileage is pretty good (about 23/city and 28/highway) for a car of its age. It has withstood rough roads and has over 170,000 miles on it (taken one trip to Disney World (16-ish hours total) and one trip to Savannah, GA (18-ish hours total) and was driven several miles to work and back most of the time with no problems). All in all, this car is a downright champion.

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  Real 4x4 with car manners, quality built - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sam in Maine - September 5 - 9:36 pm

  Just purchased after researching and comparing several makes, ranging from VW Toureg, Volvo, even Mercedes. Tried the FJ Cruiser, love the retro look, but no room in back for kids, let alone adults. Already own an 03 Tundra, and since then am a converted fan of Toyota;never have to do more than routine maintenance on these cars, very tightly built. I also considered Highlander Hybrid, but need towing capacity the 4-Runner affords, and I am an old school fan of fully framed vehicles if you are going to tow. I will let my wife purchase a hybrid for her next car. Enviro and fuel econ. important to me, but not the only factor, since I drive only 8K/year. 4-Runner is classy & good value.

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  I Love My Little Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Adam - September 5 - 7:26 pm

  Great truck. I havent had one problem with the engine. In 4 years i have gotten in a few fender benders and broken windshield, but have not had to touch the engine. I get 23 MPG religiously. I have moved dirt bikes, furniture, and a piano!

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  better than before - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David - September 5 - 3:41 pm

  Had my 2016 TRD Sport (Inferno) for about a month now. Returning from the dealer with cruise set at 55 the onboard computer registered 27mpg. At first I thought this was too good to be true so I went to the gas station to refill and the numbers were right on. Since that time with mostly around town driving I am averaging 21.3. I traded a 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport in on this and it is quieter, faster and much more comfortable. They do tend to be priced higher but I am hoping the resale value remains high as before. I love this truck.