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 value - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By MadJen - August 30 - 11:13 pm

  I really wanted a Toyota because of their resale value and I managed to get this totally bare bones car and does not have any extra features AT ALL, not even power locks or windows. Having said that, I now have a very affordable Toyota that is holding its value, especially with gas prices going up. Gets 36 mpg in the city and over 40 on the highway. The lack of a tachometer has never bothered me. My main concern with the car is that in the winter on snowy roads (we had a doozy here this year) it is like driving a go-kart on ice skates. I plan to get new tires before this winter to see if it helps.

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  sorry I purchased this car - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By merrel - August 30 - 6:49 pm

  27,000 miles, 4 years old, steering column shot and very noisy. Toyota was $1750 to replace this. My next Toyota will be a Honda.

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  Was wanting a little more - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amy - August 29 - 8:10 pm

  Dont get me wrong I love my Rav. I went from a nissan to this and it is a definite step up. The gas mileage isnt as high as the sticker said. There is a need for mud guards or you will have chips on the sides. I wanted a dark interior so had to "settle" for the sport model but really wanted the limited. But TOYOTA is still number 1 in my book. We had an 89 toyota pick up and I loved it. It is still on the road and going strong. My cousin has it now - not a family vehicle after the kids got taller. I bought the extended warranty so I am good for 10 years bumper to bumper and I know the Rav will hold up for those 10 years.

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  Excellent Commuter Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Brian Mescher - August 29 - 7:35 pm

  I drive 80 miles a day, including city streets, freeways, and mountain roads. The car has trouble going faster than 80 mph, but I dont really want to be driving any faster than that (I have a lead foot/self-control issue).

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  Excellent Commuter Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Brian Mescher - August 29 - 7:35 pm

  I drive 80 miles a day, including city streets, freeways, and mountain roads. The car has trouble going faster than 80 mph, but I dont really want to be driving any faster than that (I have a lead foot/self-control issue).

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  My Camry SE and me. - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Gary Dinges - August 29 - 1:37 pm

  Its follows toyotas traditions of quality.

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  My third new Tacoma since 1980 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By crazyman - August 28 - 11:56 pm

  This truck is a very smooth ride, has plenty of power and is very comfortable on long trips. Visibility is great, you can see all around very well.The truck handles well at higher speeds when changing lanes and can be thrown around at lower speeds without feeling like your going to roll it over. The main thing wrong with this truck (mine anyway) is that at around 70 mph the front end seems to lift up and it loses stability and steering feel. A windy day and getting around some tractor trailers will make you have to really pay attention to what its doing. Strangely putting on more speed seems to improve this handleing defect. Seems to have a lot if wind noise coming off the outside mirrors.

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  Love my Rav - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By daisy1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Toyotas, this being my first Rav. I love it. The ride is great, the dependability being a toyota was a major selling point. It is cute and sporty and is perfect for my family. I have a hitch in the back for a great bike rack. I would recommend it to anyone. I just wished the seats in the back could go back a bit farther for a little more leg room for the kids.

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  Love this car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By SLK - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We test drove this vehicle and fell in love with it. Didnt even bother with two other models with which we were comparing. The ride was smooth and noise free....two things that were on our list of wants. Almost a year later and we still think its a great piece of machinery!

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  nice bus - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By me-2 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Great looking - too bad doesnt have chrome bumper. Slighest bump scratched body keyed color plastic front bumper. The set up for window & door loct buttons very very poor. Hidden under outside arm rest and lack quality to be able to see them in dark. There is only 1 accessory plug right under your right forearm in center consol. There is a 2d one but its back in cargo area - I also bought a Tundra and it has 3 in consol area and in convenient areas. Finally when the tilt wheel is brought down it obscures the directional signal lite on the dash. With all these poor configurations I still love it.