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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  great new styling - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Wade - August 4 - 4:02 pm

  The new 3.5 liter engine does not have great acceleration unless you really hit the pedal. The new engine has more mid-range power, presumably it helps for highway mileage. Great new tech with phone charging pad and the always awesome crawl control. It seemed to get good gas mileage driving around town, better than any full size for sure.

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  Unique 04 Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Steven - August 4 - 12:20 pm

  Im not so sure now that this car was worth buying. I bought the car used with 10,000 miles on it, and it currently has 22,000 on it. The car has good build quality, but the drivers door rattles and sounds cheap when you shut it. The car doesnt have enough low-end power, and the gas mileage that Toyota advertises is false, Im only averaging about 25- 26mpg in the city. Ive had a humming noise coming from the vehicle, Toyota said they fixed the problem prior to being there 4 times before. The car start making the sound again, and Im just fed up and I dont want to take it back there. The interior is nice, sporty, but it lacks the "driver friendly" atmosphere.

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  Matrix XR - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Special J - August 4 - 8:10 am

  Bought the Matrix because of an expected addition to the family. I am personally not the family car type of guy, but this car is awesome. The exterior styling is great, with the sports car edge to it. Tons of room inside, plenty of leg room, and plenty of rear storage space. Only drawback is it needs a hair more pep.

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  Prius to go - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By benjamin franco - August 4 - 2:43 am

  bought used w/22,000 miles, satisfied w/performance even on steep inclines contrary to expectations of sceptical friends. Like all the built in maintanance features: oil, brakes, etc.

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  my Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fred Sanchez - August 4 - 2:03 am

  Love the car. The visibility factor is of some concern. Car design has a "blind spot" that requires care after a near-miss. Overall, however, a sweetheart.

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  A car for all occasions - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By car expert - August 4 - 12:20 am

  Just got the new highlander - wonderful car. Works well and has enough room for 7. Contrary to beliefs, and reading many reviews, the highlander does have PLENTY of room for a full size adult in the 3rd row. In addition, the highlander can move the seats and contains much more room inside.

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  2011 Camry Rocks. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Milo - August 3 - 6:19 pm

  Owned since new. 162,000 mile and still runs like new.

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  First time Prius owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mhocut - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  So far the car is doing a excellent job. The dash read out is excellent, love the fuel mileage, I came out of a Land Rover discovery, 12MPG. I am 6 ft 7 inches tall and fit as as good as I did in my discovery. I would suggest this car to anyone.

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  WOW - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By smprescott2010 - August 3 - 3:13 pm

  This is my first used car in over 13 years. The economy killed me and didnt have a choice in getting a used car. I found a 1999 with 266,000 miles on it (2,300) and pampered its entire life. The car looks really nice and has had everything replaced and maintained. It cruises PERFECTLY like a brand new car at 80mph. All power options and AC work perfectly. I was worried I would be driving a beater... NOT THE CASE! Nice car!

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  02 PRIUS - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By sstk100 - August 3 - 2:48 pm

  Weve had the 02 Prius for about 2 years (our first Prius), and our experience has been great. In fact we bought an 08 Prius and gave the 02 to our son to drive to school. I expect we will always have Prius for the foreseeable future. Gas mileage is lower in winter (35-39), and as high as 48 mpg in summer on a 700 mile road trip. Its still weird when the engine shuts down when at a stop light....but thats just money in my pocket ! There have been zero-nada problems with anything. It just purrs along all the time. We like the 08 even better because Toyota updated many things like a a fold down rear seat, better stereo radio, and even more room in back seat.