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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  Awesome car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mackabee - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful design. Extremely quiet. Lexus like quality. Excellent thigh support. Great accelaration! (Exhilaration!) Black with Dark Stone leather interior, Navigation system. Nav system is very intuitive and very easy to use.

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  Great truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By howie - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the first truck that Ive owned and dont regret my decision to buy it. The double cab bed is a little small but adequate. I had a spray-in bed liner put in versus the drop-in shell that Toyota offers. I drove an Accord for several years and its taking me some time to get used to the difference in gas mileage.

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  Best on the road! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Pruguy - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Best ride, most comfortable, most reliable SUV on the road. It is true. I will never go back to GM or Ford. And I think it is the best looking SUV on the road. I am a believer. If you test drive one you will be also.

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  Gas Mileage for my 2009 Prius Touring - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By LeeAnn - June 18 - 5:40 am

  I just got my 2009 Toyota Prius Touring package 6 on Monday 19th. Im currently a little disappointed with the gas mileage, Ive only put 102 miles on the car at this point, & the cars screen indicates Im averaging 32.1 MPG. Hopefully this improves after Ive broken it in a little,

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  Great preactical design - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Pablo - June 18 - 2:23 am

  Toyota have done a superb job on this vehicle - good performance, reasonable economy, comfortable, fun to drive, not too big for around town, but roomy enough for long trips.

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  Awesome Roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Pat - June 17 - 7:33 pm

  I have had my 2002 MR2 for five months. I bought it used with 7500 miles. It is like brand new. Enough of my bragging. The car is wonderful and fun. It has extraordinary handling. It is plenty fast to get in and out of trouble. I have had zero problems with the car. If you want a fun convertible.... buy an MR2. Be ready for lots of compliments and queries as to what it is.

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  BEST CAR "EVER"!!! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By dwlund - June 16 - 4:34 pm

  I have always been a Toyota fan. Have had 2 Avalons, a Lexus, Highlander - and we presently have a Prius. For some unknown reason, I recently purchased a 2013 Nissan Altima with all the "bells and whistles"- a real mistake (see review under Nissan Altima)! To make a long story short, after 6000 miles I traded it in for a 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. I am blown away by this car. It is, by far, the BEST car I have ever owned. Beautiful, inside and out, a head-turner, GREAT gas mileage, OUTSTANDING quality, EXTREMELY quiet - I could go on and on! Toyota took a huge leap with this car - and, as all the reviewers say, they have themselves a winner!!!

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  My first, but not my last Toyota - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - June 16 - 6:20 am

  I have owned my truck for 1 week and I couldnt be happier. I traded in a 2006 Pathfinder LE for the Tacoma and it was the best decision I have ever made. The Nissan was not put together well and had rattles everywhere as well as a problem in the electrical system. The Tacoma seems to be built much tighter and better and has a great ride. It tows my boat without even knowing it it there. There is a slight rattle at 1100rpm in the passenger door but the dealership is going to take care if that quickly when I take it in for service. I would HIGHLY recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for a truck. It is simply put, A GREAT TRUCK!

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  Great value and safety features - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Janet Cunningham - June 16 - 6:15 am

  I really like this car! I am a single very small woman and I just leave the back seats folded. I have read that they have limited vision for passengers. My dealer is wonderful and the first 25000 miles of service is included. I am very happy with the standard safety features.

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  Reliability - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By bowserace - June 15 - 2:24 pm

  As with all the Toyotas I have had in the past, it starts. It will drive from Phoenix to Los Angeles on 1 tank of gas (>400 miles). I dont worry that it will break down and stop in the desert. It is a little rocket on the freeway and it goes plenty fast. I got past by a Yarus and I was going 100 mph. Does get 38 miles a gallon going 75 mph. Gets 28 miles per gallon in the city. Probably get over 250,000 miles before I give it to a family member.