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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  One of the best Ive ever owned. - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Barbara Lestician - March 26 - 4:13 am

  It handles with the conditions of the roads. When it was icy and slippery it holds the road great. Performance over all is excellent.

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  Never thought Id get one... - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By peterfletcher - March 26 - 1:09 am

  Honestly, Ive had over 70+ vehicles since I was 16 years old and never thought Id get a Prius of all things! Leased it for work and already its paying for itself. Pay half at the pump and going twice as far. At the gas station is where this car makes the most sense. I also realize why Prius drivers are so annoying to be behind.. its because they are trying to keep in ECO mode all the time! I just drive it like a regular car and Im still getting 44 mpg with mixed driving. I am 62" and 238 lbs., so the seat was not made for me. I had to go to an upholstery shop to build up the seat bottom foam and side bolsters. Much much better afterward and no more neck pain. Crummy seats, but great car.

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  Average SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By BILL - March 25 - 10:33 pm

  Disappointed in the ride - a little rough - feel every bump in the road - not kid friendly - Toyota makes you pay extra for safety ex. side curtain air bags - not an option, its a step up to a more expensive vehicle - Ill trade this car in for a Murano soon.

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  Cool ride - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By chip - March 25 - 1:43 am

  Wow, after owning a BMW that kept having all kinds of little annoying problems, this car fills the bill for me.

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  Really Like my New Rav4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Hoehn - March 24 - 11:46 pm

  Good Practical Vehicle. Not Flashy. Solid.

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  Wish I stayed with Honda - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Typo - March 24 - 10:20 pm

  Disappointed after 7 months. Interior plastic trim is already breaking and seems to scuff easily. 2 major repairs (sunroof rattling & seat height adjustment would not hold). Seat is still not working correctly. Sound system not great. No rear dome light, no glove box light or lock, no lights on visor mirrors. Cloth upholstery is a dirt magnet (unless you buy Toyotas protection package). Wipers dont work when theres frost on the window, until the car warms up. I bought this to replace my gas guzzling Honda mini van. Corolla = about 30 MPG with mixed freeway and street driving which I consider very good. Wish Id stuck with Honda. Had looked at the Fit. More bang for the buck.

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  Mostly a great SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bluejulie - March 24 - 10:00 am

  My favorite vehicle ever, especially the redesign. Great acceleration, looks, drive, handling. Quality interior.

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  Wonderful SUV - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4rj - March 24 - 5:20 am

  This SR5 4R has been the best and most reliable SUV. It is very capable off road and handles good on road. The weak V6 does not make it the quickest vehicle, but it is adequate if you keep the rpms high when power is needed. It is driven regularly in the Colorado mountains and handles great in snow and rough roads. I purchased it used with 47K on it and now I have 150K on it with no major problems. I will probably keep this vehicle until around 200K as it is showing no signs of problems and seems extremely reliable. I do have a mysterious rattle high up in the dash on the passenger side which people cannot find without removing the dash for $500.

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  Riding High - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Toolman - March 23 - 11:46 pm

  My wife is 55" tall, Im 64", we both experience good visibility and comfort from the front bucket seats. The 2.4L 4cyl. engine gives good fuel economy and adequate power. Our Highlander is Vintage Gold, which is a great color!

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  200,000+ miles and still going strong - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By emilylwallace - March 23 - 7:24 pm

  This car has been in my family since its original purchase in 2000. The car was passed onto me in 2008 with 150,000 miles on it. It still drives like the day it was purchased. The interior cabin is dead quiet and the ride is incredibly smooth. It is fantastic for road trips, it gets about 30 mpg on the highway using regular fuel. It accelerates well for a car of its size. It handles well in snow, as long as you drive accordingly. It is incredibly reliable, it starts up right away every morning (even when it is 5 degrees outside). Also, the sound system is fantastic.