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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  2021 Toyota Sienna, forgotten winner - 2021 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert Osthues - June 21 - 3:17 pm

  Have an XLE with Nav, most comfortable car we have ever owned. and, it gets 40 mpg on highway, it is a hybrid, has all the safety/driver assist available, an excellent vehicle for those advancing in years, visibility is excellent, has all the warnings for being too close. Has more inside room than most SUVs, except suburbans. Love the car

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  Best Adventure Rig! - 1996 Toyota T100
  By Craig - December 4 - 8:14 pm

  i do a lot of exploring off the pavement and in the mountains where i live in the American West. The T100 is by far the best adventure truck that i have owned =) Big enough to comfortably seat 4 adults and 2 dogs; small enough to get into most places without much difficulty. i have had to replace many parts on it, however some of them were the originals that decided to finally give out after 20+ years and 360,000+ miles =)

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  Reasons I love this car. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Clay - November 9 - 10:08 am

  We bought our ‘95 Camry from a family member (the original owner) back in 2016. We have drove the wheels off of this car and she has reached almost 270k miles. It has the 2.2 4cyl and shes still going strong. I’m looking at buying another one but it has the 3.0 V6. If anybody has any details on that motor let me know. I’m kind of skeptical because I know the four-cylinder is unstoppable. Thanks.

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  loved my Echo - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Kevin Nolen - November 1 - 11:49 pm

  Bought a 2 door new in 2000. I put 290,000 on it before In was hit head on. I got 43 mpg overall with the manual and could squeeze 53 out of it on the highway. Original clutch and axles. It took a full on muscle car to get by me, (import type muscle), and got 35 mpg at an average of 87 miles an hour on one trip. Im buying a used one, 2002, tomorrow that has 160,000 on it for $1,400.00 and feel like Im stealing it. Book is $2,750.00

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  2001 Toyota Corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By JEP - May 24 - 8:21 pm

  Loved This Car!! Bought It Used And Have Had It 4 Years! It Has 360,000 Kms On It!! Great Car On Gas But Its Burning 4 Quarts Of Oil Every 5 Thousand Kms!

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  Best Car Ever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By ARH - March 20 - 8:55 am

  We bought our Echo brand-new in 2000 and still have it. In fact, even though it was hit recently and the damage was a total loss from the insurance companys point of view, were going to spend the money for the body work just so we can keep this baby for another 16 years. Like many others whove posted reviews here, I find the Echo super fun to drive (we have the stick shift), amazing on gas efficiency (41-43 mpg highway 36 stop and start around town), and love the interior design with the elevated seating. We have 96,500 on the engine and so far no repairs have been necessary just maintenance. Best car ever.

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  2010 Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By KRS - December 30 - 6:33 am

  Glad I waited to get the 2010 model! Extra gear, more pep than expected, little better exterior look. Smooth, quite ride. After driving a 2006 Accord Ex-L, the Camry doesnt handle as tightly as the Accord. But what you lose to handling, you more than gain back in quiet (very little road noise) comfort. Barcelona Red exterior is beautiful!

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  Great motor and reliable but Toyota quality poor. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dollarbill - December 29 - 11:18 pm

  Having owned this Truck 10 years it has been reliable and solid. Poor gas milage and plasticky interior, doors are Fisher Price plastic and cracking.. Roomy in double cab. Beware of Toyota and them not confessing their problems with cracking leaf Springs and rusty frames. Toyota hides until they are smoked out on the many suspension problems.. Still awaiting my reimbursement for fixing the broken recalled parts.. Will be going back to Ford soon enough. Customer service experience is abysmal and Toyota seems to be riding on the past quality..

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  two year owner - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By David Price - December 29 - 2:00 am

  we have enjoyed our 2001 Highlander for almost 50,000 miles ,other than the gas miliage it has been a enjoyable experance.

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  2004 sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By twp - December 29 - 2:00 am

  awesome ride and comfort, skip the fold down table, creates a lot of rattle noise , opt for full console, awd is terrific in the past 3 snow storms! do not forget to ask about gas tank recall, we are very pleased with this vehicle overall