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 my Siena - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Marcus I Valdes - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This car beat the Honda Odyssey for me. The styling is nice and the cabin is functional. Couple that with an awesome engine, and youve got an unbeatable combination.

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  This car was snapped together! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Larry - October 17 - 1:40 am

  I think the previous generation was the best Prius so far, this newer generation is BAD. I have so many squeaks and rattles that I have given up trying to fix them, I just turn up the music. I donÂ’t think the price that is asked for these cars are worth the savings in gas, I just going to drive this for a couple of years and get rid of it. Toyota should be ashamed of them selves for putting out such a disappointment. I really miss my 2008 white prius; it was the touring model and had everything on it.

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  Sensible Fun - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Az73 - October 16 - 11:30 pm

  We have owned A6 and E Class in past. Looked at the Accord and Camry because they are just sensible, reliable, low operating cost cars. Ended up purchasing the Camry SE because it is a nice but low key car for taking clients out without the flash or expense of CPO E Class or 5 series that were in the running. In my final judgment the Camry just makes a lot of sense, particularly, in a down economy. I have been surprised by the new 2.5 6 speed 4 cylinder that has provided solid acceleration, good handling, comfortable seats, loads of backseat room, and great fuel economy. I was concerned by some comments about un-comfortable seats/headrests but have not had any problem.

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  Excellent Car for the Environment - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By nukenight - October 16 - 8:56 pm

  Bought in Jan and traded Maxima SL for Hybrid. Great mileage, excellent ride, comfortable. Only complaint, want more luxury features. Mileage is dependent on season (AC cuts it down). Got 41 mpg on long trip to CA in August. Plenty of pep for passing and rides exceptionally well. Smooth transition from electric to gas and back. Almost luxury level interior. Wish for auto seat/mirror/steering adjust from Maxima, but other than that, my wife loves it, and she hates most cars!!!

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  love the Rav 4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By tmoore - October 16 - 6:13 pm

  I think that this is a wonderful vehicle for the money. It is roomy and doesnt feel cramped at all inside. It isnt a huge SUV, but fits a family of 3 or 4 perfectly. Fun to drive and looks good. What more could you want!

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  Very nice all around! - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Amy - October 16 - 1:17 pm

  Great looking car! Ive owned it for almost 2 months now and have not one regret of my purchase. Great handling and the style inside and out will fit right in to the future cars. First reveiwer claims it has poor resale value... how would you know since this is the first model ever that had just been released? Toyota has great reliability which is key to a loyal long term customer.

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  Unlimited Enjoyment - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By lai Khe Louie - October 16 - 11:50 am

  My last car was a 2003 Avalon XLS. A really nice car except for its bland looks. The 2005 Avalon, 3d generation, is a quantum improvement over the 2d generation line. There is much to like and little to dislike. First of all, the car is very good looking, great lines and well proportioned. The interior setup is very nice, extremely comfortable, and hushed at highway speed. Although the suspension is soft, there is remarkably little body lean when traversing an interstate clover leaf. Acceleration is more than adequate whether going from zero to sixty or sixty to ninety. I am also happy with the mileage, I easily am getting 29 MPG on the highway. Very happy that I made this purchase.

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  One Fantastic Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By K. Adams - October 16 - 11:13 am

  Im loving this car. The multi information display allows me to monitor driving data in real time. Not only is this interesting (and fun), but its changed the way I drive for the better. Im getting 57 mpg in the city, which I expect to increase as time goes on. The car handles beautifully, with responsive brakes and steering. It has a solid, comfortable ride and roomy interior. The height-adjustable driver seat is a plus. The cargo area is generous, and I like the privacy screen that hides things from view. This Prius offers lots of other goodies, too. My only disappointment is the quality of the upholstery, which I think could be better.

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  Love My Car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Charlie - October 16 - 9:10 am

  We bought the Matrix because the wife wanted an SUV and I wanted a Camry, this became our cross breed. The Matrix is a wonderful car, except when backing out of a parking lot, it is made a lot like the Camry, yet it is big enough to to feel like youre driving an SUV. We feel that we have made the best choice that we could have made at the time and are looking into buying a second Matrix.

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  I miss my Jeep - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Andy - October 16 - 8:06 am

  Poor handling on snow/ice. Back end wants to come around front. Brakes tend to grab when you slow down from 60 to 50. Brakes also seem like you are not going to stop. After cold start up occasionally the brake pedal goes to the floor. Dealer says nothing wrong. Overly sensitive handling at higher speeds. No tinting-Sun gets really hot. Brake pedal to steering wheel distance is weird. To adjust seat for comfort to brake pedal, you have to extend arms to reach steering wheel, causing fatigue. I have short legs. NOT for someone with longer legs. 3rd seat is for people 30 lbs or less. Rear door window will not open separately. Light cloth interior gets dirty easily. Very sensitive driver window.