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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  Love - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Katie Carpentier - January 3 - 2:10 am

  I test drove both the Altima Hybrid and the Camry hybrid before buying. While I thought the Altima had better handling, the Camry won me over with its smooth ride, (I was going nearly 80 in a 55 and felt I still was going too slow, keep an eye out for this!) less noticeable transition between EV and gas mode, seemingly roomier trunk, and a million other things. I traded in my 07 Envoy for this, and I couldnt be happier! My first trip I got 46.3 mpg (mostly stop and go driving)! Im now averaging about 36.5 mpg with mostly highway driving. I wish Id discovered this car sooner.

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  one year - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Doug - January 2 - 6:33 pm

  No problems in first year. Mileage varies from 40 in hot weather to 34 in very cold weather. So far glad I didnt buy extended warrentee. The 50,000 mile service agreement was worth while.

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  Toyota forever! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Hilary - January 2 - 5:33 pm

  I have always owned a Toyota Corolla. I found that the 2007 Yaris offered more interior room, trunk space and style then the Corolla and less exterior body. The price was also about 5 to 6 thousand dollars difference. Better gas mileage by far. I average 38 to 40 mpg in town and 40 to 45 mpg highway. The savings and efficiency is by far the best all around.

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  Bammm - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John - January 2 - 4:43 pm

  This is what this transport mode is all about! Making a statement and having fun doing it. Hard to believe a vehicle designed in California handles so well in a few feet of snow. I have had the vans, family cars, etc., now the kids are gone and its time to think about me! This does it, fun to drive reliable, will take you anywhere you what to go in style and with the power you need. I am fortunate to be able to affort a car three time the cost of this one, but nothing came close to the spirit and groove of the FJ. Bravo!

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  The dealership is the deciding factor - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - January 2 - 3:03 pm

  Following a bad experience with a large dealership in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I began a search from Oklahoma City to Kansas City, Mo areas. After talking with many dealerships, I contacted Jakob Brownlow at Reliable Toyota in Springfield, Missouri on a Monday. Jakob was very courteous, very professional, and knowledgeable. Within a short time, he located a vehicle at another dealership that matched my specifications and sent me a spec sheet for review. He stayed over to receive my deposit and secure that particular vehicle. Two days later, he called and told me my vehicle was ready for pick up. Mike Casey, sales manager, assisted Jakob with a smooth transaction. Tom Gray, financial sales advisor, completed paperwork for my Toyota Loyalty rebate. The team at Reliable Toyota went above and beyond what I had received from other dealerships. Reliable Toyota demonstrated the highest level of integrity and made this experience pleasurable. I recommend this dealership to anyone looking for a Toyota and will return there for my future automobile needs.

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  Best Ecconomy car Availabel - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By George - January 2 - 2:53 pm

  Bought the Prius 1 June 2009. At first I had trouble getting used to the electronic displays, but after driving one week I became accustomed with them. The most important reason for buying the Prius was its reliability, the CVT transmission and the fuel economy. After driving 1400 miles I am averaging 50 miles per gallon overall. In city driving I get about 45 mpg, I live in a hilly area. On the highway I get about 53 mpg. The electronic display help one economize fuel if you desire so.

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  Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Anne talty - January 2 - 1:33 pm

  Since I have purchased this vehicle in March of 2004, it has been everything and more of what i have come to expect from toyota. So far the camry has performed flawlessly. I am very pleased with the results.

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  Corolla or Camry? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By John - January 2 - 12:53 pm

  After reading reviews on many websites I found that Civic is better than Corolla S, but when you test drive both you will find more room, driving comfort and other features in corolla than civic. I drive it daily 100 miles on freeways, at first steering feels loose but when you get used to it you will enjoy its easy handling. No need to say much about corolla reliability and MPG. I dont personally know any person who has problem with corolla on these. I have drove V8 SUV which also feels loose on the Interstates at more than >85MPH. With 132hp corolla and 140hp civic not gonna make much difference on power. Overall its great looking car, great MPG, reliable and ya people confuse it for Camry.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sold - January 2 - 12:00 pm

  Love everything about this truck.

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  My favorite car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Manal - January 2 - 9:55 am

  Love this car . I purchase this car with alot of extra things . I love the rims . To me this doesnt look like a cheap car and i get alot of attention with this car .( white )