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:

• 

  Corolla creams the competition - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By steve - February 26 - 7:32 pm

  Smooth , Quiet, Safe and Reliable for a low priced car...Lowest price top safety pick plus around....Car rocks for price after discount and rebates

• 

  2010 Camry Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Daniel - February 26 - 7:30 pm

  We decided to go with the hybrid instead of the LE because of the 12-13 difference in city MPG. A sizable difference. So far we have not had to use the AC, and the MPG readout on the dash encourages you to drive with a soft pedal. So far, with 3 minor road trips and city use, we have averaged 39-40 MPG. 55-68 MPH on the road, and easy city driving. Unless the computer readout is bogus, the mileage is fantastic. Soft pedaling really helps, if that doesnt bother you. The power is there if you need it. Usual Toyota quality... smooth, quiet, comfortable. Great car, so far.

• 

  I truly love my Pruis! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lina - February 26 - 10:46 am

  We bought 2010 Pruis II two weeks ago and we love it. The fuel efficiency is 49.5 miles per gallon. As you drive a little more you will figure out how to even get more MPG. The exterior and interior design are awesome. It is roomy, comfortable, high tech, and driving is great. It comes with 7 airbags including knee. It is easy to handle and control on the road. Quality is great comparing to similar cars available on the market. It also offer great options like bluetooth, assisted parking, backup camera, and navigation, etc. Toyota has done a great job!!!

• 

  Great deal - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By brandon - February 26 - 9:20 am

  took on a road trip the day after buying. it has plenty of room, power and comfort.

• 

  I love my Camry wagon even tho its old - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By MizMaryT - February 26 - 8:26 am

  My Camry wagon has been in my family for 12 years, its the most dependable car we own - thats more dependable than a 4-Runner, a Volvo S-70 and a Pathfinder - all 3 of which have problems with the engin sensors. My wagon is too old to have engine sensors - I dont think computers were even invented back in 95 ;-) They just dont make cars now like they used to!

• 

  Ricky Rocks - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mileagequeen - February 26 - 4:10 am

  We have become Toyota Camry and Honda Accord lovers driving used high mileage models from 1992-1994. (All 4 bangers with attitude.) This V6 is a real treat. The Mileage Queen has put 55,000 miles on "Ricky" since Sept 06 (you read it correctly). No problems to date with all service as scheduled. We are trying to do oil changes at 2500 intervals. Difficult to get it off the road that often so are considering switching to synthetic. Fun to drive, scary fast when needed and all options except NAV and XM on this XLE. She chose the XLE over the SE because she was going to do soooo many miles and she is glad she did. Would buy another one today.

• 

  2008 Highlander Limited - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - February 25 - 3:46 pm

  Highlander 2008 is a great car. I am averaging 19.2 MPG around town. Have had no problems with the vehicle. I definitely would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Especially a full size SUV with 19.2 MPG around town.

• 

  It doesnt get any better than this - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Rich - February 24 - 9:46 pm

  This truck is awesome. I pored over every truck out there looking for the right one for me. Once I got to the Tundra, the search was over. Only had it for 2 weeks now, but what a wonderful 2 weeks its been. Im getting 17 mpg in mostly city driving, which I think is incredible. And its got all the power Ill ever need right when I need it. Everyone looks when I roll by, especially people driving those "other" trucks. Like McDonalds, Im lovin it!!

• 

  High Marks for the Tundra! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By esox64 - February 24 - 11:43 am

  This is one solid built truck! A few weeks ago, I loaded the following items into the bed of my Tundra: 15 rolls of sod, twenty (40 lb) bags of top soil, and two (50 lb) bags of pea gravel and easily hauled everything home in one trip! The dual hitch plugs on the back of the truck and the extending side mirrors are great features when towing my boat all over the Midwest. The transmission on my Tundra is real smooth & quiet and I had no problems with it while towing a boat through the steep & twisting hills of eastern Kentucky.

• 

  Solid - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ABennett - February 24 - 11:22 am

  166,000 miles and nothing has EVER gone wrong with the engine. All I have ever done is change the oil every 4,000 miles. Great car if it fits your needs.