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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  My First 1,000 Miles in Venza - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By freesmart1 - February 6 - 3:39 pm

  I just went over 1,000.00 miles on my 2014 Venza XLE FWD V6 after owning the car for 20 days. The most impressive thing about this vehicle is the 3.5 L V6. It is powerful, relatively quiet and works seamlessly with the 6 speed automatic transmission. I am averaging just over 20 mpg in mostly city driving thus far. I have observed up to 30 mpg on the computer in short highway trips traveling at 60 and 70 mph. (Hopefully these figures will improve even further as the engine gets fully broken in). The only negative that I need to write about is the jarring ride on rough pavement. Toyota must do a better job tuning the suspension to complement the 20 in. wheels. I like the roomy cabin.

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  2007 Toyota Camry CE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jimmy - February 6 - 4:03 am

  This is a great car. I love the 4 cylinder engine. It gets great mileage, and runs great. I also have several American cars that are fairly new. This car is ten years ahead of those.

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  Great!! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By chaviux007 - February 6 - 2:50 am

  Ive only had it for a little more than six months and its been a great car. Love the performance even though it has 171,000 miles it has its details. Probably the owners that had had it before didnt take care of it so Im just doing some fixings on the suspension system and the interior, but the engine hasnt given me any problems at all. Great car.

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  A real Winner - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Doc 10is - February 5 - 11:16 pm

  Excellent; V6 engine, easy wash interior, comfortable seating, concept car looks, good value, side airbags, FJammer radio, large dials and Toyota history. All this adds up to a real winner. The FJ should win many awards in the next few months.

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  Another great car - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By pontoon - February 5 - 8:37 pm

  Had 2010 Mercedes GLK350. Traded for Venza and so glad we did! This suv and I call suv as it is closer to suv than wagon by a big margin. Is a great automobile. Smooth ride, great construction and space that exceeded our expectations. The v-6 performs wonderfully, shifts smooth and ride meets all expectations. We had now for about 3 months with no problems, mileage on road about 26-29 mpg, not bad. (note at least this auto has a spare tire the Glk 350 had just a air pump-no spare tire. We got the LIMITED version of Venza and so glad we did, many many improvements with top notch equipment. We did not want to spend extra money on Limited, but after using features would not do with out.

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  Dont wait! - 2018 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lyndon Creager - February 5 - 1:13 pm

  The only thing that I did not like about my new Sequoia is waiting so long!

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  Very versatile - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Thomas Howe - February 5 - 11:40 am

  This car was a great all round vehicle. Had great power for a four banger. The power surge felt great after 600 RPMs, enabling the driver to pass lickety-split. The boxy design took getting used to, but grew to love it. The 6 speed tranny was notchy, but I grew accustomed to it. Very good gas mileage considering the power, lower 30s on road. Great reliability. Had a ton of room when back seat was down, and the back was easy to clean, cause it was plastic instead of carpeted. Seats very comfy, even on long trips. Only reason I got rid of it was because of high payments and I needed an AWD vehicle. Still miss it.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Scott - February 5 - 5:26 am

  So far I love this car. I downsized from a full size truck and was not sure if I would like it due to the size difference. But the money saved in gas says it all. This car is fun to drive. Even with a 1.8 under the hood it has a quick start. There is room for a family of 4 to fit. My son is 6 foot 2 inches and still has leg room when sitting behind me. Car has great cargo room. I love the fact the rear glass opens separately from the hatchback door if you need to haul something over 8 feet in length. I have only had this car for a week so I will be doing a follow up review in a few months.

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  beautifull green mica Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By vik - February 5 - 3:26 am

  easy to drive, it floats & has good visibility and safety features. smart key is convenient when shopping especially for quick entry into car & trunk seat has the comfort extension for tall, long legged persons giving extra knee support and its air conditioning is cool for hot summer driving

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  What else can I ask for? - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By New Toyota Lover - February 4 - 9:50 pm

  Bought mine during the Presidents Day sale at $17400 after the $500 rebate with the Pkg #2 & the 6-CD system. Ample rear seat space. Im 511". When I sit in the back, at least 2" b/w my knees and the bk of the front seat. The ride comfort is sacrificed by the sports tuned suspension for better cornering. I was able to keep up with my friends Mustang at a sharp turning exit ramp while the other cars just gradually became smaller on my rear-view mirror. I expected more from the premium 6-speaker stereo though. The old 4-speaker stereo in my 03 Camry sounds a lot better. You will love the versalite cargo space, trust me! Other cool features incld. 110V outlet, tire pressure monitor.