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:

• 

  Gonna get me a new one! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Novia - April 9 - 11:56 am

  I bought my 01 GT a few years ago and I know what everyone is talking about when they said its a head turner. Mine was a preowned car so there are a lot of aftermarket things that were already on the car. I originally wanted a gts but for the options on this one and the price, I couldnt go wrong. I am now thinking im going to upgrade a year or whatever and get a GTS. Theres a great one Im looking at with the whole body kit! Im hugely disappointed that they will no longer be making Celicas here in the states!

• 

  I love my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jaws - April 9 - 9:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Acura RL, crazy huh, for the mpg, but was concerned about handling and quality-I love to drive. The Prius offers surprisingly good handling, cornering, and acceleration. Its very peppy, and has deceivng speed "feel", so you have to keep glancing at speedometer. Quality in and out is outstanding. Im 6 ft-180 lbs, and the driver seat is extremely comfortable and supportive, even without power adjustment. Other seating is also comfortable, with plenty or room. Cargo space is limited, but split fold-down rear seats compensate. There are several other storage areas not initially evident-and I dont mean cup holders. Im averaging 48 mpg on 50/50 local/highway driving.

• 

  Love this van - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By cammie - April 8 - 11:36 am

  On a whim, I decided to see about upgrading our 2007 XLE with limited features to a fully loaded 2009 XLE. We lucked out and got a good deal on both the new van and a trade in. There are minor differences to performance which is nice. However,the upgrades are amazing and so worth it. I am loving my van. And the gas mileage is better on the new van than the 2007.

• 

  My 1st Camry - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By vminghelli - April 8 - 5:42 am

  I picked the Camry SE over other sedans in its class after driving the Fusion, Charger, and the Malibu. The reason I picked the Camry was based on options and price. Our has just about every option except the v6. It has the moon roof, leather, nav and rear back up camera. The sticker was 27,000 and some change but the dealer took off 3,000 right off the bat. So for 24Gs we got a sporty car with paddle shifters that is fun to drive. The 4 banger feels much bigger and shifts smooth. Car feels and rides like a $40,000 lux sedan. The car rides very well and is quite on the highway. It is the first Toyota we have owned and I can say it wont be the last. Sorry Ford.

• 

  Great little suv - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By nancy - April 8 - 5:20 am

  I like everything about the rav 4 very comfortable nice looking and easy to drive. Lots of space and storage galore.

• 

  Absolutely Red - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dadeo - April 8 - 2:20 am

  Car is for my wife. She wanted quiet, comfortable, sporty and spacious. Not an easy combination for a convrt under $30K. Tested: Sebring V6, Mustang V6 & VW Eos converts. Solara has best combination of space, features and price. This was 4th and last car we drove. She knew she wanted it at only 30 seconds into the test drive. Pluses 1. Top that does NOT fold down into fairly roomy trunk. You wont have to rearrange the contents of the trunk to put the top down. Ever. 2. Practically no engine and wind noise 3. Comfortable rear seating (true but hard to believe) 4. Solid comfortable ride & handling 5. Excelent ergos and cockpit for driver & front passenger 6. Peppy engine No Minuses

• 

  real tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By charlie - April 7 - 8:43 pm

  excellent truck with traditional toyota quality...good economy for a full size truck and PLENTY of power and torque; I expect to keep this truck for a good while (my fourth toyota)...my 93 corolla has 310K on it and STILL gets 40 mpg........why go anywhere else ?

• 

  Yaris is a new car for less money! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ROBIN - April 7 - 8:40 pm

  I love our Yaris! It is great on gas and my 5 speed manual is fun to drive. I bought this car for my daughter who will be driving in another year. In the meantime I am driving it. Yaris has just enough room for my family of four and one family pet (our fifth person).

• 

  Unbelievable for the price - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Carole - April 7 - 5:16 am

  Ive had my Toyota Echo for about 3 years now and still just absolutely love it. Ive had no mechanical problems. I especially love the interior design. And the gas mileage is awesome. I also like the way the car sits a little higher than most cars... protects the muffler. Its such a perfect little car, I wouldnt hestitate to buy it again.

• 

  Crazy about it! - 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By quipepeo - April 6 - 6:08 pm

  I am averaging 30.2 mpg and just as surprised with the performance of this Hybrid. I spend a lot of time researching six- and seven-passenger SUVs to drive 26,000+ miles per year. I am convinced I made the right choice. The car offers the perfect balance of power/fuel economy, space/size and luxury/utility. The interior of this Limited version is very attractive without seeming opulent or grandiose. I love the car for its comfort and handling but most importantly for the confidence it seems to inspire while driving. Its a sense of feeling at peace.