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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  Surprise - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By iammead - May 19 - 5:36 pm

  Traded a Hyundai Santa Fe because of the gas prices. Stunned by the room in the back, better knee room than the Santa Fe. We were drawn by the looks and the Toyota reputation for high quality. Love to drive this car. No intimidation feeling on the highway around semis. No load road noise. Parking is wonderful. Control is like a larger car. Interior layout is brilliant. Simple 2000s style transportation.

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  Gently - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Japon - May 19 - 1:36 pm

  Driver seat armrest is short and uncomfortable. Long trips can be tiring, because the seat is not comfortable enough.

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  A Great Value SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike - May 19 - 5:26 am

  I traded my 2007 Camry LE because I wanted to get back in an SUV. I looked at 4Runners, Muranos, GMCs, and Volvos and was very close to buying the Infiniti FX35. My girlfriend suggested that I drive a Highlander, best advice Ive gotten in a while. I drove the Highlander and was hooked. I selected the Limited AWD, classic silver, sunroof, and black leather interior. The interior gives you maximum space for 4 or more passengers, a much greater value when compared to the FX35. It actually has an echo when the doors are closed, I kid you not! Easy and fun to drive and looks great at the curb. I added running boards and side moldings to complete the trim and glad I did.

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  2016 RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota are you thinking? - May 19 - 3:20 am

  We bought a 2016 RAV4 and are really disappointed in the headlights. It does not have auto lights. It does have running lights but the problem is at night the tail lights are not on. Who in Toyota came up with running lights. It is a safety issue and we are very disappointed. At this lievel of a car it should have auto lights. Toyota what are you thinking or are you thinking? Would not buy again.

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  1500 mile road tewst. - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By cowboy32 - May 18 - 7:33 pm

  An odd turn of events found me picking up my sons new TCH and delivering it to him in Miami Fl. I left OKC and drove out of Oklahom across Arkansas Clipped the corner of Tennessee and drove the whole North side of Mississippi. Finally after 651.2 miles I stopped in Alabama and filled up. It took 16.005 gallons which yielded a MPG of 40.6+ MPG. aT 1053 MILES i filled it again and still had 40.6+ mpg for the trip. All of this was at approx 72MPH. Once I entered Florida the traffic dictated that I should drive 75 or 75+ so I did. That run got 37.5 or so. Yes we did get 55 and 57 on a couple of controlled runs at low speed but as far as the real world of interstate driving is concerned 40 is OK.

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  Very impressive vehicle! - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By Christopher E. McClure - May 18 - 3:00 pm

  I have driven 4wd vehicles (SUV and trucks) for 47 years, and this is as capable as any of them. I got it because I had been driving a 4wd F-150 for ten years and it was time for something other than a pickup. I have driven the 4Runner in all types of conditions, from highway to snow and rugged off-road, and it has done an excellent job in all. When one drives an SUV, especially one designed for off-road use, one has to understand that it will not be a car. I rarely tow a trailer, but when I do, this one has more than enough capacity to do what I need.

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  Frustrated with NY Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Nathan - May 18 - 1:10 pm

  I have climate control issues that two dealerships have been unable to remedy. The AC only works on the top two settings. One dealership told me there wasnt a problem, another dealer said $650.00 would replace a component. The car has 44,000.00 miles. Now the dealer says I need to get an alignment. My first and last Toyota.

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Franklyn - May 18 - 10:00 am

  fantastic car. I have a green MR2 turbo. i am fine with the performance of it - its perfect for me. Sure, storage is almost nonexistent, but its ok for me, since I am the only 1 driving it most of the time. This car is very easy to care for. Less washing time! Its perfect! Funnnn to drive!

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  Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By gesfire - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Good quality,good ride, very spacious and comfortable

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  Not much to complain about - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By icangelat03 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the first convertible available at the dealership after finally seeing it in Chicago. Couldnt be happier with it. My first convertible, and in comparison with others I have seen/driven, a wonderful ride, with minimal shakes. Many wonderful comments recieved on the styling of the car, in addition to all the looks out on the road.