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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  Disappointed with throttle response - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By dbb - December 1 - 6:56 am

  I bought my Camry in January 2007. It now has 4200 miles. I like everything about it except low speed throttle response. From dead stop and cruising above 40 mph it is ok, but slowing down to 10-20 mph and needing sudden burst of acceleration to merge into hole in traffic, nothing happens for what seems like seconds when I put gas pedal down to floor. I become a traffic hazard. My wifes 1999 Toyota Sienna has always had consistant and powerful throttle response at any speed and situation, I want the same in this new car.

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  Excellent family TAXI - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Carlos-Puerto Rico - November 30 - 7:06 pm

  My Family TAXI. She came in to the family at the same time as my twins... she has held up with the mistreatment of the baby years, the toddler years of abuse going on to the abuse of two little 6 year energizer bunnies that use the van as their alternate toy chest, sleeping bed, fighting ring, fast food table, after the beach resting area, camping house, immagenary treasure hunt cave, space ship and who knows what else... but she keep on running and keeping my two precious gems and my Queen safe and my pockets free of mechanics hand picking. She just askes for regular maintenance and thats it.. exception, a small Power Steering oil leak that I will attend to asap.. plan to have her for at 15 ys

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  Ignore the snobby critics - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Justin M. Chase - November 30 - 5:05 pm

  To be honest, since this is a hybrid car and its main purpose is to get you from point A to Point B while cheap on gas, I am totally pleased with this car. I got even better mpg than the claims. Acceleration is not neck breaking however it isnt slow like critics claim. If you mash the gas it will scoot so Im not sure why anyone would buy a Prius to race it. This car is very nice and I know that whoever chooses this car will love it like I do. I am convinced that the magazine and internet critics that rag on this car probably drive Mercedes to work and I cant help but feel as if they are biased in their opinions toward this car. They gave a good review of the Ford Focus and when I drove the Focus SE, the transmission kept slipping from 1st to 2nd during the test drive (it was a new car). Anyways, if you like the idea of a hybrid and want to save money on your gasoline, this car is the smart choice. Like I already mentioned, I love this car.

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  Ignore the snobby critics - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Justin M. Chase - November 30 - 5:05 pm

  To be honest, since this is a hybrid car and its main purpose is to get you from point A to Point B while cheap on gas, I am totally pleased with this car. I got even better mpg than the claims. Acceleration is not neck breaking however it isnt slow like critics claim. If you mash the gas it will scoot so Im not sure why anyone would buy a Prius to race it. This car is very nice and I know that whoever chooses this car will love it like I do. I am convinced that the magazine and internet critics that rag on this car probably drive Mercedes to work and I cant help but feel as if they are biased in their opinions toward this car. They gave a good review of the Ford Focus and when I drove the Focus SE, the transmission kept slipping from 1st to 2nd during the test drive (it was a new car). Anyways, if you like the idea of a hybrid and want to save money on your gasoline, this car is the smart choice. Like I already mentioned, I love this car.

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  Beautiful Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By flybye - November 30 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this car about a month ago I absolutely love it. It is so much fun to drive, and it looks great. So far I have not had any problems and everything has been easy to use. Im still getting used to the dual transmission, but I found that if I drive in manual I get slightly better gas mileage.

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  Fun Drive! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Bluebonnet2 - November 29 - 8:40 pm

  Had the Prius 3 weeks and really enjoy driving it. Big change coming from a 4Runner SUV. Debated between Camry hybrid and Prius, but Prius was $3,000 less with more mpg. Waited 5 weeks to get it; still waiting on a couple of options to arrive for it. There is a lot more road noise than I expected on rough roads. Smooth roads are a quiet, excellent ride. Handles very well and parks so easily.

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  My 2nd Toyota! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By MzJeepDevil - November 29 - 10:50 am

  I traded in a 2003 Nissa Xterra Super Charge for a couple reasons: a. I wanted something with better gas mileage. b. I wanted a sunroof, with the same power as my super charge, plus I like the rear window being able to go down. c. The 06 4runners car insurance is cheaper. d. A full tank in the Xterra lasted me 4-5 days, a full tank in the 4runner last 14 days. wow eh?

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  I love this car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Ymoja - November 28 - 10:13 pm

  The most practical and reliable car Ive ever owned. In 13 years/153,000 miles, in addition to oil changes/fluid checks, the only repairs Ive had are: water pump replacement, timing belt replacement, front and rear brakes, and dash board light replacement. I love the manual locks and doors... less to break.

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  Good Price and Good Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By by McGeorge - November 28 - 9:33 pm

  I got the base standard 5 speed. I like my car. I have been very happy with this car so far and I enjoy driving it. I drive many different cars (rentals) and Im glad I picked this one. No buyer regrets.

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  Most Practical SUV You Can Cuy. - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Sixbee - November 28 - 9:23 pm

  Toyota has proven that they put a lot of thought into their design with every cubic inch of the inside being carefully thought out. Seat comfort is great, leg room is never an issue, even for a 58" adult in the 3rd row. 2nd row recline is much easier to operate than the competitors. The car handles exceptionally, even with 19" wheels in 6 to 8" of snow, with the snow button on it is hard to make the car lose control. Hands free controls and individual climate controls are a plus. I am convinced for the money and the quality of this vehicle, you wont find a better car. From its lower priced "rivals" from Kia & GM to overpriced imports such as Acura and Lexus, the Highlander is IT!