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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  Great little car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By wolfgang - March 3 - 8:10 am

  I decided to go with a Yaris after driving a Camaro for 13 years. I love this car! It is peppy enough and sticks to the curves just fine. I am also 62" and a large guy and I have plenty of room, in fact this car has more room than my Camaro. The back seat also has plenty of room for me to sit comfortably. I am also averaging 37 MPG and that is a mix of city and highway driving. I would highly recommend this car. Go out and get on the Yaris bandwagon!

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By DON - March 3 - 7:36 am

  Shopped it!! This is the Best in its Class plus some!!!

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  Always good to go! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By frog - March 2 - 11:46 pm

  Just back from our first road trip to taos, all kinds of weather, rain, snow, ice everything. car performed beautifully as expected....fuel mileage ave. 34 mpg..interior was comfortable

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  Satisfaction - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jayne - March 2 - 10:26 pm

  This is my second Prius and I have totally satisfied with both vehicles. No problems of any sort (except one flat tire which was the fault of a big bolt left in the road). Most of my driving in this car is local, less than 4 or 5 miles per trip. However, I drove to Chicago (avg 56 mpg) and to New Jersey (avg 54 mpg). There have been no shakes, no noises, no problems. The quality of these cars is impressive by itself, but the clean emissions make it outstanding.

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  15 years and counting! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave S. - March 1 - 8:25 pm

  I never thought I would ever keep a car this long but my Avalon still checks almost every box. It continues to be the roomy, quiet and comfortable vehicle that I purchased new in 2000. Had a few (not major) maintenance issues in the eighth and tenth year. Since then reliability has been remarkable. And its exterior remains relatively bright and clean even though my old house has no garage or carport. I do wash it weekly and regularly change the oil. My two complaints are that the MPG has declined to 18 MPG in city driving. 24 MPG highway. And although the air conditioning has always worked great, it makes a short whistling sound every 15-20 minutes. Its annoying. This has gone on for over five years and Toyota cannot seem to figure out what to do to correct it.

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  Excellent Highway Cruiser - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By mark - March 1 - 8:13 pm

  I have the LE V6. The engine is super smooth, quiet, and powerful. Camry rides very well for its price range, and is very comfortable. More more comfortable and better riding than Honda Accord and Nissan Maxima. Handling is average (soft suspension keeps it from handling super well). Since comfort is more important than performance, I dont mind the so-so handling. Interior fit and finish is good, exterior fit and finish is good. Nice looking body. A great car for long highway trips. The softer than average ride is very comfortable, even on less than ideal roads. With cruise control, it will maintain a comfortable 70 MPH in style. Overall, I love this car and feel its a great buy.

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  Happy in a Camry - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Nort Josephson - March 1 - 5:50 pm

  Its a very comfortable smooth driving car. The gas mileage is approximately half of what I got in the Prius, but I knew that when I bought it. The safety features are very good. The moon roof will probably never be used but you cant get the car without it. I really miss the rear window windshield wiper. I dont see why the headlights dont automatically come on with the windshield wipers. All in all Im very satisfied.

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  My 09 Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By longhoferj - March 1 - 4:43 pm

  Bought mine about 10 days ago, and have driven over 200 miles and still have 2/3 of a tank. I had an 08 RAV4 and I loved it but the gas was killing me, made the painful decision to trade before the value went down. My dealer got me into a loaded model which is nice. Love the bluetooth, works perfect with my Razor. Got the premium sound system which was satellite ready but required extra 500.00 to upgrade. I think at this price point it should have Sirius standard. Im still figuring out how to use some of the toys but already love it. I think when I break it in it will get about 40 a gallon. Moon roof, nav all work great. If you want to save money on gas and ride in style you cant beat it

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  Best Car had to Date - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Michele - March 1 - 11:03 am

  Just bought my Camry with 78,000 miles. I get better gas mileage with this car than I did with any new vehicle I have bought. I also have a newer Ford Taurus, and it doesnt come close to the mileage. The get up and go is much much better than the Taurus also. It is a quiet and easy ride. I would have preferred a seat that would lower and raise but otherwise okay. The placement of the clock is not very convenient to other passengers and armreast could be raised a little to make it more comfortable. Other than these minor things, I think I made a great choice and will probably buy Toyota again.

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  So much fun - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By luvmatrix - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Gas mileage is better than my 2000 ford focus that i traded in. I love the whole look of the matrix. Thats what sold me more than anything. I am a new mom, but didnt want the minivan yet. This is a small sporty car with great hauling abilities. I can put two strollers in the hatch and still have room for some groceries. It has lots of compartments, great for moms with tissues, wipes, and toys.