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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  One Nice Ride - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By MAXAMILLION - August 15 - 2:50 pm

  Nice Suv, Perfect for my wife and 2 children and hauling the team where ever I need to when asked 6cl is great nice power

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  Echo life - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Angry Qt - August 15 - 1:40 pm

  This week I ended my affair with my 2000 Toyota Echo due to a collision, the car was totaled. It sustained front and rear damage and left me completely umharmed. By far this is the best car I have ever owned and I would recommend this car to anyone wanting a reliable car that is good on gas. Unfortunately I only owned the car for a year, but in that year the only repair I had were replacing the O2 sensor and the funny check engine light problem that was simply foxed by pulling a fuse out for 30 secs.

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  April 2005 fun with Toyota - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Carole J. - August 15 - 12:06 pm

  Im a grandmother that wanted something safe and comfortable to drive for me and my grandchildren. My husband and I did a lot of research before buying a new van. We are more than satisfied with our new Toyota Sienna! We have taken trips with our children and grandchildren and its a delight on a trip too. I tell everyone driving it is like a dream. I like the safety features with the child seats. Everything is conveniently placed around the drivers seat. I especially like the mirror that lets me peek at the kids while driving without having to turn my head. Lots of storage room for all kinds of things. The automatic sliding side door has been a real treat for this grandmother too!

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  Entune connection - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By ham73 - August 14 - 9:06 pm

  Pleasure to drive. Handles beautifully on the road. Driving comfort is very important to me and the 2012 Camry is outstanding in that department Previous Camry was 6 cyl. and this one a 4. Do not miss the extra power The 4 cyl. gives me all I want or need.

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  Glad I Got 3.3 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Great Car - August 14 - 8:43 pm

  This is a great car for the money, Feul economy for the size and power of engine is great. If you want to speed take out of overdrive and the shifting is great, I avg. 26 + mpg. A/C is quiet and car rides great Im glad I got this car Its sporty and fun to drive and very powerfull and fast. I feel safe and have plenty of room and trunk is large with folding seats. I got a great deal and very happy.

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  Switched from Honda to Toyota - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By D MacDonald - August 14 - 7:04 pm

  1. Toyota has slightly higher reliability 2. Better sound system. 3. Honda has ugly cheap tiny sounding speakers mounted at left/right front corners of windshield. 4. Toyota better price. 5.Toyota dealers much easier to deal with. 6. Been with Honda for 28 years, time to try the "other guys".

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  My New Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Denise - August 14 - 12:23 pm

  Over all I think this is a very good buy. I am saving tons of money on gas already. I drive an hour+ each way to and from work so this has been wonderful. Even though the freeway I use has no carpool lane, the savings makes a big difference. Everyone asks questions about my car everywhere I go, and Im so happy to show them all the goodies on it. I would love everyone to own at least one hybrid.

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  Really pleased - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By AndrewE - August 14 - 6:46 am

  Test drove this and Subaru Forester. Rav4 was miles ahead in comfort. Dealer was easy to work with and lease deal was better than any competition. Have driven 5000 mi. 3 things stand out to me a) it has good pickup for a 4 cyl, and corners really well. b) I am getting @28 mpg on average, not just highway, on some long trips I get 30. c) cabin features are real nice; decent stereo, lots of ergonomic storage. Biggest negative is high road noise at higher speeds. Changing out the OEM tires is probably first place to start. second negative is how many times Toyota keeps contacting me to ask about my experience(@ 20 emails and 2-3 phone calls). They should just focus on building cars.

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  Love this car - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By lo - August 14 - 4:43 am

  I have always wanted one and when I got rid of my echo I decided to go ahead and buy a rav4. I am 56 and I love it. The inside is roomy the radio does sound like its wheezing when the ipod is hooked up but oh well. I love this car and wouldnt trade it for anything. The lights in the trunk dont bother me and my seats do fold completely flat.

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  Simply Beautiful - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Powrbruh - August 14 - 1:43 am

  I went to view the 2006 model last night and I am so so glad I didnt purchase the 2005 model. I like the 2006 so much better. The new 18-inch wheels are awesome. The meter gauges are brighter and I love the black-wood trim. Also, the new front grill is nice too. Very nice. Give the vehicle a whole new look. My only complaint would be the little plastic coverings around the fog lights. They seem a bit cheap. Overall, I am very pleased with the new look and will be purchasing one.