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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  Our first SUV - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Grape - June 19 - 1:56 am

  The larger sized tires on a smaller frame makes for a big difference is ride, as compared to our Sienna LE. Positives: Our first SUV like vehicle. We expect high quality and longevity, low cost of ownership. Great AWD, Nav, sunroof, and power liftgate. Negatives: driver door power window buttons difficult to reach, obscured by the door handle. Stereo sound quality is worse than our Sienna LE.

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  My new Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Pat - June 18 - 3:56 pm

  I just bought a hatchback Yaris because it was a Toyota and I wanted a small car w/good mileage. I previously owned a VW beetle which I loved but it was getting too costly to own - so I went w/a Toyota mainly because of the reliability of the company. I owned Toyotas in the past and a Honda - I wouldve bought a Honda Fit but it was more expensive than the Yaris

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  Overall a great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By robertmang - June 17 - 10:05 pm

  I bought this car back in 06 when I was still in high school, with about 89,000 miles on it. 5 years later and it has 185,000 with no signs of stopping. There have been a couple repairs I have had to do including a costly sensor replacement at the dealership which ran about $1,300. That was back in 09. Then earlier this year, the car wouldnt start and I needed to buy a new air compressor at about $300...All in all a reliable vehicle that has not needed any other major services. The V6 has plenty of power for everyday driving (which here in SW Florida can be both fast-paced and aggravating) and I dont see any reason why this car wont make it to 200k and beyond.

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  Reliable car for your money - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Jenny - June 17 - 8:10 pm

  After getting into an accident with my Kia Sephia, I needed a car bad. I decided on a Toyota Echo and have never felt a shred of buyers remorse. This little car is quite deceiving with its roominess and and overall handling. Under the hood looks just as nice -- everything labled and easy to reach. I highly recommend this as a first car or one to replace a gas-guzzler!

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  Enjoyed this car a lot - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Carrie Fogarty - June 17 - 7:27 pm

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  97 XCAB 4X4 - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By oldster - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Have not had the truck long but am very pleased with it. Had 86K on it and just had the 90K service performed with the dealer saying the truck is mechanically almost perfect. This is our 5th current Toyota and continues the tradition of great value.

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  My new GT-S - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By ant - June 17 - 2:00 am

  this cars packs a hugh punch. I love driving a sporty vehicle. The excitement of it all is rarely over whelming. My wife drives it more than me now. I keep getting stuck with the small SUV that we purchased a yer ago and I think Im about to trade it in and buy another Celica. This time, in black!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By ajay - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I had an accident the day I left the dealer ship. My vehicle... after pulling of the lot was totaled and I still retained 91% of its market value. Needless to say after my insurance paid off the car which was totaled, I purchase a new 2003 model just yesterday. vooooommmmmmmmmm......

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  Toyota Losing Touch - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By 4thToyota - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This was my 4th Toyota, and a real dog. Extremely poor design, fit and finish. Interior body panels coming apart (have never seen that in any vehicle). Heavy driver side door pulled the hinge screw off the chassis! Brakes failed at 30,000 miles. etc. etc. Also avoid Montclair Acura, they had the gall to ask for $880 for a set of 4 tires!

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  Takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By frogpyff - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I leased this car in 1995 and bought it at the end of the lease. This car has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have performed all of the routine maintenance and I had the timing belt replaced by a service center.