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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  Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By fedy cenatus - February 26 - 11:36 pm

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  Might last long but not a good car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Bruinmaster - February 26 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this car because it had been the best selling car for many years. But I dont see why it is so now. When I first bought it, the engine sound was very quiet but now after 3 years, it makes loud noise. Also, I am very dissatisfied with their warranty. 3 years or 30000 mileage whichever is sooner, u can assume it basically has no warranty. Also, the bottom of front bumper gets taken off so easily, I take it to mechanic every month. Above all, it has a very low MPG.

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  Love my 2001 4 door Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Dave M - February 26 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased, added, this car used in August 2005. I have an Avalon so I wanted to stay with the Toyota reliability. After researching I found that owners love their Echos! I bought because of the mileage and have not been disappointed. Lowest so far is 33mpg and straight highway Ive got between 45mpg and 49mpg. It handles very smooth on the road and on long trips it has been comfortable. Obviously not as comfy as my Avalon but still ok. My wife and kids all love the car and I get compliments on it all the time. It does not feel like a typical small car on the inside. I save everytime I go to the pump. I rate buying this car as one of the smarter things I have done in a long time.

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  slightly underpowered - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By suresh - February 26 - 12:26 pm

  Bought my rav4 sports basic edition for $23,350 OTD after much hangling. I found the vehicle to be slightly underpowered (0-40 miles).But who needs a V6 with $3 a gallon prices.

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  My TCH has been magnificent - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By daveosborne - February 26 - 9:30 am

  Ive loved my TCH. I bought it on 04/21/07, have just under 15,000 miles on it, with mileage at 36/39. Ive had no build or performance issues. No rattles, squeaks, crunched bumpers, or any other concerns. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. I love the quiet, smooth ride. The CVT, electric steering and gas pedal make this car just glide. The power and torque, when the internal combustion engine and electric motor combine, are more than a human needs.

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  It started off so well - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By nashvegasmom - February 26 - 6:51 am

  Bought van brand new after bad Chrysler T&C. The first 3 years were great. Here is the laundry list of problems we have encountered, none unique to us: rear door not staying up - repaired b4 recall issued, tires wear extremely quickly even w/ regular rotation, radio does not respond to buttons correctly and often has no display or only partial digital display, gear shift clip broken so have to hold with one hand while removing keys from ignition when you park, manual side door handle broken-2X, gasket around windshield detached and dealer blamed on auto carwashes that I rarely used, side doors freeze shut every winter-in NASHVILLE!, auto door no longer works w/buttons - must start manually

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  Untrustworthy gas mileage - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By MYOB - February 26 - 6:16 am

  After 15000 miles, the gas mileage started slipping. At this point we are getting 16-18 mpg max. Also, the dealer failed to finish coat the paint, and it scratches very easily.

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  Speedy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By HD Rider - February 24 - 5:40 pm

  We bought this car for my wife. We wanted a safe, reliable vehicle. I believe we got one. We looked at all of the different competitors in this class and far and away liked the RAV4 best. This car has a lot of get-up-and-go! I wanted to get it before Toyota realized they gave this thing too much power. If you look at the power/weight ratio, it beats most everything but a ‘Vette. I will say the accelerator is very touchy taking off. It slings your head back and you have to consciously step on the gas pedal softly.

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  Very Reliable Useful Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Southpaw - February 24 - 5:16 pm

  This is a great reliable car. If you want a car that is practical and a little bit fun buy a Matrix. I haul my dogs around in comfort. When I buy Toyota I expect a trouble free car and that is what I got. I wish the gear shift was a bit smoother but it isnt bad. You get a comfortable ride on the highway and it does great in the city too.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jason - February 24 - 3:13 pm

  Corrolla gets 33mpg driving alot of small trips. Anyway this car has a lot of pep for engine size/fuel economy. Also, it looks cool. The body kit really makes it look good. The interior is preety cool in black and a leather steering wheel. Features are are great for an entry level car. Lots of room.