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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  4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By no - December 11 - 6:06 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Good looking, fun to drive, reliable, excellent in snow, sand, & mud. Well built. Gets better gas mileage than some smaller vehicles.

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  03 Corolla LE (Toyota) - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JDEB - December 11 - 5:50 pm

  I almost purchased a Honda Civic, but decided to test drive the Corolla first - loved it instantly. Quieter and has a sporty look with a sedan feel inside. Try it!!!!

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  Wonderful dependable little car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By churro28 - December 11 - 2:40 pm

  Our Toyota Corolla has been the most reliable car we have ever owned. It has survived 2 accidents and still has always cost us very little in upkeep. It has reached 200,000 miles and is still going strong.

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  Quality is gone - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By PhxOwner - December 11 - 4:36 am

  I owned a 1997 Avalon XLS and it was perhaps the finest car Ive ever owned. Thats why I bought another one last year. What a disappointment. The transmission always hesitates before finding the right gear, there is a thumping noise coming from the trunk every time I go over a bump, but there is nothing in the trunk. The wind noise on the freeway is excessive. Rear visibility isnt very good. Cup holders dont hold standard cups. Toyota missed with this one.

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  Great car, GREAT gas mileage... - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By sliverit - December 11 - 1:42 am

  Ive been driving a GMC Sierra as of late, and getting 13-15 mpg, so I really needed something for my drive. I bought the 2013 Corolla S to commute across Phoenix. It drives really nicely. Tight, responsive steering, excellent braking, good acceleration (especially considering its a 1.8!) and a good looking car. Im 62" and the interior is a little tight for me, but its not too bad. I just drove to Idaho and back for a funeral, and I averaged 34 mpg. Long hours in the car arent super comfortable, but overall, for the money, its a great, zippy little car that gets excellent gas mileage and is pretty fun to drive. AND its a Toyota, so its gonna last! I would highly recommend one!

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By TC - December 11 - 12:36 am

  Toyota had it all with new style, kids love it (16, 14, and 9 years old), very Lexus feeling. Not perfect but does really well across the board, will hold its value.

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  Good All Around Buy! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Judy - December 10 - 7:13 pm

  Love it!! Only problems I have is where the gas latch is located, I have to open the door to pull it open. Also there is no key hole for the back door, you must have a keyless key chain so using duplicate keys are worthless. I wish the other doors were automatic like on the xle I believe I would get that style next just for that feature alone. When your hands are full, just push the button and it opens up. The rear door is very heavy to close.

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  Hot Little SUV - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By BAS - December 10 - 5:31 pm

  We were looking to replace wifes 2010 Ford Edge Ltd. (loved the car- Ext warranty run out) We decided not to go back to Ford as the Edge has design and structural flaws in the newer model. (first had experience through Sister-in-law - Ford could not fix) We looked at and test drove VW, Jeep, and did not like the looks of Mazda, Nissan, Chevy, and did not want the high-end models, BMW, Porsche, Jag. I had seen the Ch-R in reviews - So I suggested Toyota - WHAT? We have never owned a Toyota, Drove the Rav 4 (edge like and size) drove the 86 (too small) Drove the CH-R. Wife loved it (5-2") sporty 2 door look with 4 doors, hatchback, good gas mileage, and I (6-1") rode in the back seat without too many problems, comfy even. BUT - only comes in two trim level with virtually no extras. NO NAV - cant get it in the CH-R, Cloth Seats. BUT - Toyota dealer customized the car with two tone Leather (like the Rav 4) and Remote Start. Wife loves the car, Small, (easy to drive and park) Sporty (great design look) and Priced right (under 26000) We look forward to many years with this car.

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  Continue to be impressed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By SoCalMatrix - December 10 - 11:36 am

  Ive had my Matrix for almost nine months and my affection for it continues to grow. The Matrix is great for former SUV owners (such as myself) - it sits higher than your average sedan, and has a surprising amount of space. My first test drive sold me, as I found I had plenty of arm room and didnt feel cramped at all (unlike my test drive of a Mini Cooper, which felt almost cartoonish). But what really sold me is the styling - what a great looking car! My only disappointment is city MPG. Most of my driving is in stop-and-go city traffic, and I only get about 22 MPG. I chose the base model for fuel efficiency, but that aspect of the car has been slightly disappointing.

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  Like This Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By C&C - December 10 - 10:33 am

  My husband bought this car for commuting to his job -100 miles one way. He gets approximately 41 mpg. I drive a Honda Odyssey around town, but I enjoy getting my turn with the Prius occasionally. The car is very roomy and the navigation has been very easy to figure out. It seems to have plenty of pick-up when needed. I find driving the Prius to be a peaceful experience, much more relaxing than the internal combustion engine.