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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  Best SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By e jeffreys - May 18 - 5:26 am

  Best SUV we ever owned. Rides like a luxury car, handles cargo like a Surburban. Excellent performance and perfect reliability.

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  Go Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By James Ray - May 17 - 4:46 pm

  This is a great car for most everything. Commuting, hauling stuff and packing the family for a road trip. It gets great mileage and its a great choice for conserving gas.

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  High Ender - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Gary Anderson - May 17 - 9:01 am

  Quality throughout entire vehicle. Should maintain value for years to come.

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  Fun & Practical all in one - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By bob - May 17 - 6:40 am

  I bought the XLE loaded except for the 3.5 engine, which after test driving, I discovered I did not need. The new 2.5 plus the 6 spd AT is much more responsive than my 04 LE. Car is fun to drive, spacious even in the back seats, comfortable, & has great big trunk. I like the fog lights, keyless entry. Leather interior is luxurious. Seems to have all of the extras found on a late model Lexus, which I also test drove, except the little "L" on the front. I can get gas mileage 10% in excess of its rating.

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  Step Down SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By mikec - May 17 - 5:46 am

  Had my RAV4 for 1 week and am pleased with the vehicle. I bought this car for my wife who has been driving a Yukon for the 4 years. Traded down to a smaller SUV due to mileage. Initial mileage for local driving at 21 MPG for the V6. I like the Bluetooth, JBL sound system is nice. Overall my wife is happy with the car.

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  Strong - 2016 Toyota Tundra
  By Craig - May 16 - 3:03 pm

  I drove a F350 7.3 for 12 years and traded for a Tundra limited 5.7 4x4. I am very impressed so far. Very nice very strong, poor gas mileage @14, but it can run on 85 or 87 fuel. So far I could not be happier.

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  Best truck I have owned - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By david gallatin - May 16 - 9:36 am

  I have owned a total of 5 trucks from Ford, Chevy and Dodge. This is my first Toyota. Absolutely no comparison, The Tundra is the best so far by a long shot. I tow a 5600lb trailer with this vehicle, It performs far better than the 99 ford F150 that I had previously , Even though the Ford had a bigger engine and supposedly more horsepower.

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  Toyota fan - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - May 16 - 4:13 am

  My wife and I bought this car new and have put over 60,000 miles on it with absolutely no mechanical problems. Only scheduled maintenace performed. I get over 30 mpg on the 4 cyl and I am very happy with the gas mileage since fuel costs are out the roof. This car is not for enthusiasts who love the driving experience, but for a family or as a commuter, it cant be beat.

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  Super Solara SLE Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jayare - May 15 - 5:13 pm

  Great: interior appointments, ease of top operation, air conditioning, styling is awesome, sat radio, riding comfort, acceleration, quietness, rear seat space/comfort, trunk space, running lights, steering wheel audio controls, brakes, price, Toyota reliability and quality control, half the price of a Lexus coupe yet looks a lot like one, VSC a great safety add Good: fuel economy, cup storage Not so good: rear visibility through small window and large rear pillars make for obscure parking (suggest a back-up camera as original equipment); cant use an automated car wash; no side panel protection - easy to pick up dings Overall: outstandingly fun to drive and own

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  great SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By photini - May 15 - 4:06 pm

  Toyota did a great thing with the redesign, it drives like a car but preforms like an SUV, had no trouble in the snow with it