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 car but not very reliable - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By H Hoang - February 19 - 12:10 am

  I owned the Camry for almost 2 years now. This car rides very smooth and comfort, good gas mileage. Steering feels very unstable on windy day, highway only. My only concern is power steer broke at 30K miles, whole rack and pinion system replaced. I am very suprised, this seems to be very early for Toyota car. Manufacture covered the cost, around $900. Other than this problem, I think Camry is a good car for family.

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  Cant believe the costs of parts! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By NolongerFan - February 18 - 7:00 pm

  I have been a Toyota fan for 20 years until now. My 4 year old Highlander Hybrid just stopped cold on me. Now they are telling me its the inverter and transaxle? Parts alone are $13,000, does not include labor. A car only 4 years old and the cost to fix it is as much as buying another car. Cant believe Toyota would price the parts to this car at an outrageous price. Off to buy another car and NOT A TOYOTA!!

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  You wontt go wrong buying a tundra - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By MaL - February 18 - 2:42 pm

  The Tundra Crewmax is a great truck that has plenty of room in the cab with simple controls on the dash that isnt too busy. A person dont need all that junk on the dash like others. If you are looking for a great truck that is very dependable look no further than the Toyota Tundra It may not get the very best fuel mileage compared to other trucks because it isnt a tin can like the GM and Ford trucks. Toyota includes Toyota care for 24 months after purchase so no worries about oil changes and tire rotations. I would rather sacrifice a few mpg for a good truck than pay for a truck with good mileage that is junk.

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  New Owner - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Craig D - February 18 - 1:13 pm

  Super fun! Youll get lots of looks and people will stop you and ask what is it. Great engine and great mileage. Back seat has lots of leg room for adults and is very comfortable. The sound system is very impressive too! The only draw back is the dash could be a little higher for a better view for taller drivers and the numbers for the average mileage / range/ instant mileage, the clock, and the outside tempature are a little hard to read during the day. But this is the most fun car Ive ever own. I highly recommend this car!

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  White with comfort package and sunroof 2500 miles - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By ericnla - February 18 - 12:37 pm

  Coming from a 2006 prius and 2012 prius this was fun to go back to a large size car. Down side no downward facing mirror for parallel parking cant see curb. I do think for 28K it should have the blind spot monitor and front collision warning/stop system. Also could use start/stop technology and stop lights like the prius Gas milage is good average 27-30mpg on my 19 mile commute.

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  Groovy Ride! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By RunsWscizrs - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 4Runner with 134,000 miles! Has been well maintained and runs like it is brand new! Super SUV for the money. (Hoping gas prices will go down soon!)

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  Blind Spots - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By liana - February 18 - 10:00 am

  The car provides too many blind spots. Had to add mirrors in order to change lanes a little safer. The back seats were even unconfortable for my 6-13 year old nieces. They hated the car even though it looked nice.

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  love it - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By MollyMac - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Although I havent had my car that long, I love the corolla. My car has everything I need. Lots of space to store things, power, good handling and turn radius, among other bonuses. The gas milage is great and I like the design. This car is very practical and a great commuter car.

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  My Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Roberto123 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  An excellent and dependable used car

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  I love it - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Trisheen - February 18 - 10:00 am

  It is the most luxurious car I just love driving it.