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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  8 yrs of comfort, speed, reliability - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Peter - September 11 - 5:20 pm

  After years we still love our efficient, fast, luxurious, super comfortable silent, low maintenance Toyota Avalon 2001 XL. Were both demanding drivers, but it puts up with our abuse, even jumping a tree trunk in front of the car in a snow storm and still coming out of it without wrecking. After 134,00 miles we finally are replacing original struts and shocks. A minor thing is that the check engine light comes on and off off late with an error code that may point to something related to the oil valve. At this moment the light is off though. Probably the new age of sensors comes with that kind of electronic oversensitivity.

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  Bills Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Bill Rogers - September 11 - 3:20 pm

  My 1st experience with a Toyota minivan has been an exceptional experience. I selected the CE model based solely on economics (Im one of those fixed-income Seniors). The ride is luxury sedan-like; the horsepower is more responsive than I imagined it could be, the fit and trim is exceptional (no flaws could be detected, and Im anal about detail!) the rear fold away seat is a great help to an old foggy and when its up, my wife loves the convenience of storing the groceries back there in the well.

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  Lux auto - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By T. Katz - September 11 - 10:30 am

  I love it! But the passenger side on mine doesnt have an electric seat control! Bummer. Also, the overall length is about 12 inches too long. I keep driving over curbs. Otherwise, I am thrilled. Do worry about the lack of a spare tire, and hope I dont have a blow-out on some desert road.

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  2016 RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Allen Brady - September 10 - 11:48 pm

  Anyone that believes in Toyota, like I do, and wants a small crossover SUV

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  Big, Comfortable Van, dont call it mini. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By banerz - September 10 - 8:40 pm

  We purchased this VAN (its no mini) to upgrade from my 04 Corolla (loved it) as expecting family to grow soon. It is huge!! Very comfy for passengers, but very vague for the driver! Rolls during cornering with soft tuned suspension and soft brakes. Interior is very quiet. Great for cargo haul - has shopping hooks for grocery. Folding console in first row gives driver mobility inside the van. Gas mileage is 20-22 in town; Toyotas great build quality, but wish was slightly smaller and more engaging. Need to adjust to its gas guzzling habit during pick up. Toyota give a Hybrid option to help its pickup without compromising mileage.

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  BEST 4X4 - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By ALEX - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Toyota 4Runner best suv on market.

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  JUST DRIVE IT!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By JAREK - September 10 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST SUV EVER. LOOKS GREAT AND DRIVES EVEN BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jrmulch - September 10 - 7:26 am

  Quiet, comfortable, reliable, good on long trips for driver and passengers. Interior items such as sun shade mirrors, tape player have been problematic. Power roof extremely reliable concerning leaks, operation, etc. Gas mileage in town not good but acceptable. The best large car I have ever owned.

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  YaY For Yaris!!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris fan!!!! - September 9 - 8:56 pm

  Ive owned a Yaris for two years now, just upgraded to a 2009. I love it. There is so much space in the back seat, friends never complain, storage everywhere, I love the center console area , cup holders positioned perfectly. AMAZING gas mileage. Low cost maint. Because the car is so light weight it takes off quick even when getting on the free way. So no complaints about power. For the price its worth it. The value of the car held on great. Its a great Car. Compare it to other cars similar to it and it stands out in price, style, comfort, and reliability.

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  2007 Prius Hatchback - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Veteranyi - September 9 - 7:36 pm

  Very satisfied with the handling and maneuverability. Peppier than I expected when required to pass another vehicle. Gasoline economy (so far averaging 56.5 MPG) is an excellent byproduct for basically an environmentally friendly vehicle.