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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  Fantastic Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By YarisLover - October 18 - 6:53 pm

  I dont have anything new to add to all the positive reviews. I like just about everything in the car. Sound system with proper settings pumps out great sound. Raised seating. Soft but solid steering. Smooth ride. Raised seating . Great visibility.

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  Hybrid excellence - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By NJpriusdriver - October 18 - 4:40 pm

  I love my new Prius. I am amazed at the build quality and performance of this frugal hybrid. I am averaging 47 mpg. This factor alone made it a must have. It is a smooth, quiet, comfortable ride!

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  Great Value, Good Looking SUV - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By charles beckmann - October 18 - 2:25 pm

  Have only driven 1,000 miles with our new Highlander, but we love everything about this car.

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  Livin large for little dough - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Ken - October 18 - 10:16 am

  3 months and 7000 miles have passed and this van has impressed me. On a family trip from NY to FL with 5 people, 400 lbs of luggage and driving 70-80 mph we averaged 25 mpg! It was like flying. Very quiet and comfortable. Turns and parks like a sedan. At 230 hp this van chews-up onramps like nothing Ive driven in 25 years. It is the Lexus of mini-vans. Hey, theyre not just for soccer moms anymore!

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  What EVERYBODY should be driving - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Anna - October 18 - 7:46 am

  AMAZING car. I drive more on the gas conservative-side and I get 39 mpg in the CITY (yes, thats for the full tank of gas, not just one trip)! If I remember correctly I got about 45 mpg highway with no effort. My mom has a Corolla and there really isnt a substantial difference in interior space, nor trunk space. I like the new dashboard and how it is positioned in the middle; its more visible and allows for more visibility out the windshield. I recommend this car to anyone who has a family of 4 or less, looking to save money on gas, like to be comfortable, and have all the reliability you could ask for from Toyota. What are you waiting for?!

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  Outstanding Truck - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By docsweat - October 17 - 10:48 pm

  I just bought a used 06 4Runner Ltd. I love it. Smooth ride on pavement. Went off road and it did great-and I put it through terrain/trails that would break a crossover and strand many other SUVs. The pavement ride is far smoother than any serious 4x4 I have owned or driven, including a jeep CJ-5 Willys, Cherokees, pickups, Blazers and Broncos. The bells and whistles on the limited model make it a real joy and comfort for driver and passengers, especially if they are a family. Comfort on and off road is truly amazing. Toyota cured the two biggest gripes I had about my 98 4Runner-weak engine and too small gas tank. Also made cup holders that dont block the air vents.

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By josh - October 17 - 9:46 am

  Obviously the best in its class. Its the happiest Ive ever been with a car purchase.

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By indianadad - October 16 - 10:31 pm

  We bought this car 9 days ago and have managed to put about 500 miles on it with a long Spring Break weekend included. So far we are averaging about 23 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, so it is beating my gas mileage expectations for choosing the 4 cylinder. This is a pretty powerful 4 cylinder, so it performs very well - even with it packed with family and luggage. If you test drive one, you will be pleased. There is a little bit of noise at low gears, but the 6 speed makes it pretty quiet afterwards. This base model has everything I actually use on a car, so we are happy. The interior is very pleasant and the looks outside are very sharp, especially with all of the chrome. Good buy!

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  Get a CAMRY - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By F.Irasos - October 16 - 7:23 pm

  I have been driving this car (SE V6) for the past 10 days and so far I love it. Everyone who sees it thinks it is a Lexus. The ride is smooth, comfortable, and fun. I got the leather sport package with JBL sound system and it is great. Why spend 5 - 10 K more for a Lexus when you get this awesome car for much less without sacrificing anything.

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  Simply unbelievable SUV! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By SPD1136 - October 16 - 6:36 pm

  This thing is the best vehicle I have ever had, hands down. I have had it for only a little over a month now and I still look for any excuse to drive it. I am amazed how tightly built this vehicle is. I had an 01 Explorer Eddie Bauer before this and there is no comparison. Extremely quiet, incredible power, great features. I am a Toyota owner for life now.