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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  nice - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By joe galassi - May 26 - 8:50 pm

  Very nice vehicle, rides great and comfortable. looks great

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  Excellent car - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By fazal haq - May 26 - 4:56 pm

  I have had this car for three months. It is the best decision I made. Its road handling, fuel economy, cabin noise are all great. The power is adequate. Excellent storage. Also, it had the best handling and ride quality among all the cars I test drove (Pilot/Mazda CX9).

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  My first car! - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By tineshaa - May 26 - 12:52 pm

  When I was a sophomore in high school I saved up $2200 and bought this car. When I bought it the dealership told me that the struts needed replaced. I had the car for 3 years. In that time, I replaced the struts, bushings, sway bar, had two brake jobs and bought 3 used tires to replace the ones it had. I pay for any luxuries in my life (this was a luxury to me) so I always bought the cheapest parts/labor. This may be why I kept having to get work done. Im now a college sophomore, and 3 weeks ago while drive from school to home (120 miles- 3hrs), I ran off the highway and rolled the car. My car looked horrible but it kept me safe. I came out with one little scratch. Everyone was amazed at it

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  Camry Shines in the Limelight Once Again - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Cheema - May 26 - 9:03 am

  Though I had to go through the headaches of waiting nearly a month for my Camry since I wanted it fully loaded, Ill tell you, it was worth the wait. Plenty of power that rocks, and the stereo system is slamming. Its enjoyable to listen to music and best of all, you have Camry reliabilty to back it all up. The 16" alloy wheels are pretty nice and the smart key has some drawbacks, such as not opening all passenger doors. Other than that, technology is mind blowing on this sedan and performance is incredible, with a smooth and comfortable ride.

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  Love my RAV - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Chrisa - May 26 - 4:46 am

  We love our new 2010 Rav4 limited. In spite of the recent Toyota recall, we would buy again as theyve handled the situation well so far. This car just drove better and had better visibility than the CRV which was our #2 contender.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Patti - May 25 - 6:30 pm

  I bought a 2006 Avalon because I had a 98 Avalon and loved it so much I didnt want to get a new one - but my husband wanted to get me a new car, so we got another Avalon. On relatively flat, freeway driving we get 33 - 35 mpg, much more than I thought we would get. We are very pleased with our car. I love the heated seats in the winter!

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  Best people hauler - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Robert - May 25 - 5:56 pm

  This car cannot be beat for comfort. It is a big improvement over the Camry. Great highway ride and economical, too. We looked at many brands but could find no equal anywhere near the price. It qualifies for the biggest clunker rebate making it a steal.

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  Better than ever! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Largir - May 25 - 5:46 pm

  Ive owned three previous Corollas and this is by far the best yet! Excellent workmanship, great comfort, sporty looks for a compact car.

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  First compact car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - May 25 - 3:26 pm

  The car is a real pleasure to drive. I drive 60+ miles a day and this car has performed well above my expectations. It accelerates well and has no problems at freeway speeds. A very solid car all around.

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  See me - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By David Wolfer - May 25 - 10:16 am

  The new tail light design makes the car visible and safe. My second prius. Like the changes to interior. Joy to drive