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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  Fit to a T - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary Footman - April 30 - 8:16 am

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  Amazing Vehicle! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris J. - April 29 - 11:23 pm

  The Toyota RAV4 is an amazing vehicle. The ride is smooth and quiet, it hugs the road, is fun to drive, has amazing interior styling. I LOVE it! The best car I have owned yet by far!

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  Excellent Toyota, you did it again - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By hector garcia - April 29 - 10:06 pm

  My 06 Solara now has 16,250.00 miles on it today as it sits on my driveway. I purchased it on 06/03/05 and have not made a single trip to the dealership yet, not even a bulb. The engine still sounds like day one, cant even tell its even running, thats what all my passengers say. Very little if any road noise at all. Im a repeat satisfied customer. Once again, thank you Toyota. It just cost me 100.00 now in maintenance since I bought it.

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  2003 Toyota Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By usnavyvetmissouri - April 29 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota and the best so far. 33+ mpg on highway (at 70+), 30 mpg daily driving, quiet, low insurance rates, great handling and no mechanical problems at all. Best headlights Ive had on a car. Will run with the Lexuses and BMWs all day (until they stop for gas). Unless youre into drag racing, I cant imagine a better package. This car is doing as well as my 76 Corolla, which went 250k miles with only one problem: a clutch slave cylinder at 110k, and this car has no clutch!

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  Great Improvements - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By boatinglabs - April 29 - 3:26 pm

  Having owned a 04 Sequoia Limited, I was interested to see what they would improve. I surely had some complaints with my 04, but still loved it. First, they have brightened up the interior and all switches are well displayed at night. Second, the dreaded third row seats. I couldnt stand folding or removing the seats. They have simplified that with the third row laying flat with a touch of a button. Third, if you were in the third row you were locked in until somebody let you out. Now you just step on a release on the back of the second row and the seat slides forward and you are out. The interior has been upgraded to be first class.

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  Awesome - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Raymond - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love it! Its the only vehicle i will ever drive!

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  Avalon Troubles - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By hat7e - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a few, but significant problems with the avalon. The transmission needed to be replaced after 3 years, 80,000 miles. Which unfortnately came after warranty coverage. The problem has now come back requiring complete replacement again. Otherwise the car has run great, great highway cruising. If you can find one is good shape I would recommend buying one. I think my problem is atypical.

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  Love my 2000 Sienna - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By SiennaLover - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Im telling you I love this minivan! Sure, I have no kids...but let me tell you I sure do get a lot of use out of this thing. I feel safe in it and I can haul practically anything I need to. Picking up people at the airport has never been so easy!

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  Proceed on the current route - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By W. Mason - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the navigation system. During a 3 minute demo to a VP at my office, while just sitting in the parking lot, had him saying hed never buy another car without it. During first long trip, S to N across PA, my son and I never turned on the radio or CD once. It was just so much fun to see how it worked and how quickly it recalculates routes if you decide on a little detour.

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  Not a Happy Camper - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By disappointed - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I finally broke down and bought a Toyota after hearing the glowing reviews from all the owners. What a mistake. I thought that I was buying a reliable car. However, the day after I bought the car, it wouldnt start. The battery was dead. I checked and couldnt find any electrical item on. The dealer towed it and replaced the battery. They couldnt find anything wrong either. The rest of the problems were minor compared to this, but I expected zero defects from the way everyone rants about Toyota. As soon as I find a gullible buyer, Im unloading this trash.