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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  Scary feeling with high winds gust - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Pris - January 7 - 9:10 am

  I bought this " 2007 Certified S Corrola" with 45,315 miles in January 2009. No Car Fax Report. Whenever I travel on the highway with wind gusts around 20 to 25 mph, this car shakes alot. It feel like you drifting off the highway. This has happen to myself, my parents and my sister whenever we drive this vehicle by ourselves. My parents suggest I add 100 pounds of sand in back of my trunk. My parents also notice they are no "Safety Indicating Brakes Lights or Other Equipment" on this vehicle. Average highway mileage is 27 mpg. Suppose weight of this vehicle is 3500 lbs, my father old 2001 Toyota Corrola LE weight 2600 lbs.

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  Love My Toyota Camry Hybrid! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Julia S - January 7 - 6:53 am

  I am very happy with my car! Averaged 42 mpg on a trip to Seattle. Currently at 37 mpg around town. I was driving a Lincoln Continental, so size wise it was a big change. I hardly miss the big car now! Highly recommend this car. I read reviews here before my purchase.

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  Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Access Cab - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By BlueTacoMan - January 7 - 4:33 am

  Performance: Performance and handling is great. Has plenty of power. Driving the mountain pass had no problem passing the big rigs even towing. 4x4 handled the snow well. The electronic transfer to 4x4 is smooth. Interior: Quality throughout. TRD seating is very comfortable. AUX jack is a bit awkward in placement as the flap that covers it gets in the way. The sub woofer is a plus. B/U camera would be nice to be able to use when not in reverse. Exterior: The TRD Sport comes with a stylish hood scoop. The 17" TRD wheels and tires are stylish and handle well, especially in the snow. The composite bed is a plus as you dont need a bed liner, but is slick so cargo tends to shift and slide.

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  I will cry when I have to get ride of it - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By LWags - January 7 - 12:10 am

  This is my first very own vehicle and I couldnt have gotten any luckier! I have been driving this truck for 11 1/2 years and its still going strong. Gets around surprisingly good in winter. I replaced the starter approx 5 years ago and other than that I have only done preventative maintenance. I have been rear and front ended and the other vehicles came out worse off than the truck!! I am in the market for a new Toyota and would have no problems selling my truck to a friend or family and know that they would be taken care of!

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  stupendous - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By SPARKY - January 6 - 9:53 pm

  It was the most fabulous suv I have ever driven and the people at autofair toyota were the most helpful, knowledgeable, fair priced and best people I have ever had the privledge of doing buisness with.

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  Love My CH-R - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Fred From Utah - January 6 - 9:50 pm

  Fun to drive. Great styling. Feel great sitting in the drivers seat. Wish it had satellite radio and had a backup camera not in the mirror. The only thing you must be careful of is when pulling into a space it is easy to scrape the front low bumper. Wish it had a front camera for parking. But overall I love my CH-R. When I drive down the street I see heads turning to look at it. And when I park it people come over to ask about the car. They call it very snazzy looking. I was going to get the Nissan Juke until I heard it takes premium gas. Glad I did not get it as I love my CH-R better.

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  Sensible Choice - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By sn04 - January 6 - 9:26 pm

  My disclaimer is that I have brand bias. My previous car was a 98 Corolla that I drove for 7 years, and it was so good to me (died once due to the battery; always started at the first turn). Purchasing a 2011 seemed a safe decision. I researched comparable contenders: Honda, Mazda, and was actually excited about the Chevy Cruze (but unenthused about the reviews for it). No, the Corolla hasnt improved much in 13 years, and it may not have great options, but I know I can trust this car. It hides nothing and delivers exactly what you expect.

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  Good car until it rolled - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Anne - January 6 - 11:00 am

  I really enjoyed this little SUV, it had over 40,000 trouble-free miles. Never thought it would "roll" easily. My daughter - good driver - in her 20s, no previous accidents - was going about 20 mph and hit the back of a black parked car on a very dark street. The Rav basically tipped over - it ended up on its side almost even w/the car it hit. Paramedics and police at the scene said, yes, SUVs do that. Ive heard of larger SUVs rolling but I thought youd have to be traveling much faster. No airbags went off because she wasnt going fast enough. Thank goodness only minor injuries. Be careful in any SUV, even the great little RAV. Hopefully this was a fluke of an accident.

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  2009 Camry XLE Love it! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Finnska - January 6 - 2:53 am

  Got the vehicle in April 08. Love it! Love everything about it. Has great ride quality, great sound quality! Took it on a long trip and clocked 34 mpg. Yes, 34 mpg. Weve had many different vehicles, but this one gives us the most pleasure in driving it. We leased it, but well be keeping it in the end.

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  I wanted to really believe in the Toyota name but* - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Not my next choice - January 6 - 1:30 am

  This is my first truck and chose specifically for credibility of Toyota products-I’m not happy. The transmission had issues right away regarding bad shifting, lunging, in and out shift at normal road speed 45-50mph. It’s been worked on 3 times and the last time shifts were so violent It seemed to tear the rubber in the mounts. Computer update corrected the issue for two months now problems starting again. The navigation system is a joke, entered addresses on 5 occasions and every time I ended up using my phone. I backed into a small wall and shattered my bumper yes “shattered”, I was shocked to discover the bumpers are plastic- Shame on you people at Toyota—- truck my ass