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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  Comfort On The Road - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By grcofla - June 16 - 6:53 am

  Ive owned this car, a Camry XLE, just 5 days but in that short time Ive determined I made a really good decision to buy it. Prior to buying I compared that model with 4 other cars including a new version of a model I had for several years and was very happy with. Overall, the mileage so far, and Im just breaking it in, is better than I might have expected at this point. The Interior is roomy, though perhaps a bit tight on headroom (there is a moon roof in this model). The car is as quiet as my wifes Lexus ES 330 but its ride is just a bit stiffer. The instrument layout seems well thought out. The leather interior is great. As to the exterior design, it might be getting a bit tired

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  Close to Perfection - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Joe - June 15 - 11:40 pm

  The longer I have this car, the more I love it. As much or more than anything it is just plain fun to drive. It handles like a go kart around the corners. It gets around 35+ mpg in town. I love the 2 door hatchback because the doors are longer than they are on a 4 door and easier to get in and out of. It is short enough to walk around to the hatch to put things in very easily, especially with the flat floor. If you want cruise, make sure to get if from the factory, as an aftermarket unit is clumsy to reach and it is more expensive since the car is not pre-wired for it like most other vehicles.

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  Wonderful, fun car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius owner - June 15 - 11:06 pm

  This is a wonderful car that is fun to drive and roomy enough to put lots of things.

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  Love my truck!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michele - June 15 - 7:12 pm

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  Love It - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By t schulze - June 15 - 1:23 pm

  Im a a person that vowed never to own a minivan but 3 kids later I went for it. The Sienna is the best car Ive had. The interior space is great and really have had no problems, just regular maintenance and tires. Brakes were need at 50k but that is to be expected. We have a large tent trailer we tow and it pulls like a dream (we got the tow package). The only thing I would improve is the underside clearance. When towing (and even when not), you need to be aware of the clearance. It rides very low and you can bottom out if your not careful. Ive heard all minivans are like this though.

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  Best car i have ever owned! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Kay Smith - June 15 - 3:59 am

  I have the xle. Its the best car i have ever owned, i keep the maintenance up on it and you cant beat the resale value of these cars...highly recommended! Its a pleasure to drive and own and the dependability is 2nd to no one.

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  great ride - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By WB Arrant - June 15 - 2:52 am

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  Lexus for the price of a Toyota - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sukhoixx - June 14 - 5:06 pm

  Very very quiet and comfortable car. The ride is so fun, in the way that I am amused by not hearing the engine sound so much, and not feeling the road. I get to enjoy my CDs and watch the FE gauges. The car feels very stable as if driving a mini-tank, yet it is very responsive and fast. I dont know how quiet and comfortable Lexus can get, but after getting this car for $26.3k out the door, I dont think Id wanna go for Lexus for $$$ more.

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  My 2nd Toyota Product - another winner! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve Z - June 14 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased this car used in April 09 after my roommates 94 Grand Am finally died. He LOVES the car and uses it on weekdays and I get to use it on weekends. Mileage average is 30MPG with mostly short trips. Plenty of trunk room. My other car is an 08 Camry Hybrid and while the ride/performance are not in that league, the Yaris is a competent, safe performer. Radio reception is weak and its hard to read the LCD screen for the radio settings - the CD sounds adequate. If you drive conservatively and like to get good MPG - this is a great car for you.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rbroesler - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast. You cannot believe how much car for the money. Only complaint-lotsa problems with the stereo. It was recalled for too much base. They replaced the radio twice- still sounded bad. Now they disconnected the subwoofer and it is tinny and not good. The dealership has been wonderful but they dont know what else to do. Also the hood paint chips easily and the interior noise is I guess somewhat typical of a convertible. The car has a rear blindspot too. If anyone has a solution for the stereo problem please post!! Or email me at Rbroesle@esboces.org