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:

• 

  190k still going - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By ae117 - February 11 - 3:52 am

  Mine is an automatic 1995 toyota celica gt. It even has the original battery and in indiana here is constantly 10 - 20 degrees in the morning and starts everytime. The shocks are starting to go Finally but the engine is still strong as all get out. I can believe how this thing goes. Hoping to buy another one tomorrow.

• 

  Toyota Corolla S 5M - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Ryan B - February 10 - 11:40 pm

  This is a great car for the price. Quality and styling beats out anything in its class including the Honda Civic EX. I purchased this car as a commuter special, for the gas mileage. After 10,000 miles, I am averaging 39 mpg! This is the best car I have ever owned and recommend this car to anyone. The best part is that no one can believe that it is a corolla; Toyota hit the nail on the head with this one.

• 

  The seat is so uncomfortable - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By iwishihad - February 10 - 7:18 pm

  I had this corolla for a year and half with 18,000 miles. the worst about this car is that it hurts your lower back because the front seats are so unconfortable. Im fit in terms of physical shape. Interiro is very boring and buttons are hard to reach. sound system is okay. engine noise is okay. The handling is little off because if I let go my steering wheel on straight road, it turns to right or left. The acceleration is slow than I anticipated but okay. I get around 30 to 31 MPG on 50/50 hwy and city. Although the meter reads 32.5 but I think its inaccurate. I also notice a wind noice especially when driving on hwy. I wouldnt recommnad Corolla unless you want your back broken.

• 

  Unbelievable reliability - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bgarraty - February 10 - 5:06 pm

  Great compromise between price, fuel economy. reliability, comfort and safety. 160,000 miles so far and only routine maintenance except for a broken door handle.

• 

  2006 XRS - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By whatduhbabeh - February 10 - 4:13 pm

  Great car, I love the gas mileage even though it only takes premium. I average about 31 no matter how I drive. It seems very reliable; I had nonstop problems with my VW GTI before this car. The interior looks great at night. It is a lot of fun to drive. I cant get enough of driving around town even with the ridiculous gas prices. I feel like this car got me hooked on Toyotas. I will likely get another Toyota as my next car whenever that may be. I did a lot of research before I bought this car and I am very happy with my decision.

• 

  its still No. 1 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By chupacabra - February 10 - 11:56 am

  Fantastic ! You wont know until you drive it !

• 

  Owner - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By AKALennie - February 10 - 9:03 am

  Overall fun to driver. Handling is excellent as if you were driving the Toyota Camary

• 

  Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By H Nic - February 10 - 8:26 am

  Just love it! Handles beautifully and engine is very quiet. Tons of room with stow away rear seats.

• 

  toyota man again - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve - February 10 - 4:50 am

  This is my second toyota, the first one bought in 1983, before Toyota was established as a serious contender for the truck market. The Tundra is Toyotas crown jewel truck! it offers an excellent ride and performance package that rivals all of the domestic trucks to be sure. My first Toyota lasted 150,000 miles and was still running strong when I sold it ten years later. Im sure Ill get at least that much and more from this one!

• 

  Satisfied driver - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Satisfied driver - February 10 - 4:00 am

  This car is a Lexus in disguise, actually it is better than the Lexus 350, it looks better, is roomier & rides just as smooth. My wife loves the comfortable & smooth ride as well.