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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  Better Than Ever - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Musicman - January 29 - 9:20 pm

  Toyota owner from way back... Very pleased with my new purchase.... I owned a 2002 Toyota Tacoma and there is no comparison. Its like they created an entirely new vehicle. I surprised the folks at toyota didnt create a new model, thats how different this Tacoma is!

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  Favorite Car! ... and Ive owned many! - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By John B - January 29 - 1:25 pm

  Prior to purchase, I owned a 2013 Lincoln MKZ 3.0L V6 and 2012 Ford Explorer XLT. We had two children, then added a third. I had not viewed the Sport Edition (SE) YouTube rap commercial created by Toyota, but this is not necessary prior to purchase. On the Toyota/Carmax Lot, we were immediately attracted to the Sport Edition (SE) with black leather interior. We did not want a DVD system so our kids could constantly demand we play a movie for them. 6 months after purchase, we absolutely love it. I traded in my Lincoln with no regrets. Im a total minivan convert and fight my wife over driving it verses driving my Explorer. I wish Minivans looked cooler, but this is the coolest they come. Only criticism is that the SE model on our lot was the only one available, and the exterior was in red. I would have preferred another color. :)

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - January 29 - 1:20 pm

  Its a rare and wonderful thing to find a small SUV being "over-engined", but this thing fits the bill. And to pay almost no penalty at the gas pump is icing on the cake. It has a few quirks, but every dip into that lovely V6 and 5 speed automatic manages to temporarily erase them. The most annoying thing so far was the typical current Toyota trend of having no choice of options: ALL V6 Sport AWD models in our 4 state area come optioned exactly the same way...Period. Other than that, the car has excellent chassis dynamics, a truly superior drivetrain, good highway stability, and its fairly quiet to boot. Almost perfect for its intended market. Front seat travel sacrificed for rear room.

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  Best care I ever drove - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By P Van Allen - January 29 - 8:20 am

  I didnt plan to buy a car that day in August 2006 in Dublin, California. I just wanted to look at a Prius. There sat a gorgeous Jasper green Camry Hybrid. "Camry hybrid? Wow!" I thought. It was larger than the Prius, and about the same price comparably equipped. I have been getting 40 MPG, both city and hwy, pretty consistently since I drove it off the lot. Some gas, like Shell, doesnt go as far. I think some of these people kvetching in these other reviews just didnt bother to learn how to drive a hybrid. It is an art!

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  Buy it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - January 28 - 10:00 pm

  So far so good. Ive owned the Camry for only 2 weeks and both my wife and I love it. This purchase completes the 4th Toyota we now own in the family. We love the Camry and all of its appointments and it drives as nice as they say. I researched this car to death and found for the money, it by far was the correct choice. All in all Id buy again in an minute.

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  Safety - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Richie - January 28 - 12:50 pm

  My wife was recently in an accident she was hit from behind very badly, she wound up with only a couple bruises from hitting her head on the ceiling of the van, but my 2 year old son who was in his car seat on the passenger side in the second row had nothing happen to him, not a scratch, the whole back was demolished to the point the car is going to be destroyed, but from where my son was sitting to the front of the car everything was o.k, Toyota said they have a thing called a crumple zone apparently it works, the rear crumpled so the rest of the car stays in tact. Needless to say we are buying another one with the insurance money.

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  Outstanding Truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Marcy - January 28 - 6:36 am

  All of my cowboy friends laughed at me for buying a Toyota. They arent laughing anymore when I showed them my features, towing package, mileage. Once they sit in the roomy backseat they love it! I love my Tundra. :) And yes girls do drive trucks!!!

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  Excellent gas saver - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Alex - January 27 - 10:20 pm

  I got this car as a commuter and I am happy with my purchase. Impressive 29+ mpg on mostly city driving is great. The engine is also very potent. I test drove Honda Civic and Corolla feels the same.

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  Awesome Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rob Charland - January 27 - 4:36 pm

  I have just purchased this vehicle used and never would have thought that I would buy an imported vehicle! My last 20 cars were all "Big Three" manufactured and they had more than their share of problems. I have only heard good things about Toyotas so I figured I would buy one to see for myself. I intend to keep this vehicle for approx. 15 years and have been told by other Toyota owners and mechanics that it will go longer than 15 years if maintained properly!

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  Very impressed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By irene - January 27 - 2:13 am

  Downsized from a Buick Century for economical reasons and am very pleased. The comfort & handling of the Matrix is beyond what I thought it would be. I am very satisfied with the 1.8L engine, its enough for what I need, it has enough pick-up for passing, etc. Responds very nicely, turns tight corners, easy to park. Loved the colour choices... we picked charcoal gray.