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 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SpazzE1 - August 20 - 6:10 am

  All and all, this is an excellent car. I get between 27 and 32 mpg with mine, it has a smooth ride, good pickup, great sound system and is extremely reliable. I already have over 150K on it and literally only put about $150 per year into repairs. This has got to be one of the best vehicles I have ever had. Very economical, attractive and comfortable. Love it!

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  Its ok - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Steven - August 20 - 4:42 am

  It way to expensive I can buy a GMC Terrain for half the price and rides and handles and gets better gas milage

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  Needs improvements - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By RA - August 19 - 7:16 pm

  Cool car ! Deceiving looks!! Good for singles, small family. Underpowered a little bit. Weak suspension?

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  Prius v exceeds my expectations - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By jbuhl - August 19 - 8:13 am

  Based on the pre release reviews I was hesitant about buying a Prius v. It interested me because I was looking for a fuel efficient car that my husband and I could use for road trips in retirement. I needed to be able to fit two road bikes, preferably without disassembly, two suitcases, and a cooler. The dealer wisely let me keep the car over a weekend while I was making up my mind. All the above fit beautifully. The dog may have to stay at the kennel, though, if we take the bikes. I have been driving the car since Oct. 29 and find myself happier with it every day that I drive it. I am getting 41.8 mpg mixed driving. I am not a hyper miler and drive to blend with traffic.

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  95 V6 LE - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By camry - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Drive very quiet but boring. Front seats are uncomfortable, no lumbar support. I had to replace Axles and rack and pinion at 80K miles. Cassette died at 70K miles. Some engine oil leak and power steering oil leak. Very bad experience with Camry, never go for Camry again. Tip: Get a 4 cylinders Camry, its better and maintence is cheaper.

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  good transportation - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Eric Storm - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Corolla. I still have my 94 Corolla. The fuel economy is impressive for my 02 Corolla.

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  4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jamesjames - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be a good SUV, but its a bit on the ugly side. Toyota quality with a V8 for a decent price is what sells the vehicle. If it wasnt a Toyota then it would not be worth buying.

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  My third toy truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By T Newton - August 17 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd Toyota trk 1st Tacoma, 84 4 cyl. reg cab 4 speed was ok, 91 4 cyl reg cab 5 speed showed big improvements made, 04 4 cyl xtracab 5 speed subtle improvements. Xtracab forces bucket seats, not my favorite feature.Got better mileage w/91, the 04 is more enjoyable to drive after I installed cruise control, like Id done on my 91.Not perfect but definitely a keeper for some time to come.

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  TRD offroad - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TRD_DRD - August 17 - 10:00 am

  TRD pakcage was worth the extra price. the bilstein shocks are great. But the gas milage is traumatizing- 16mpg? my 4.0 ranger got more than that, it also had better low end torque. Good move by Toyota to make make 4.0l engines in 05. now if theyd just make aggressive exhaust tone, this pickup would take in all buyers.

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  Luxury Truck - Worth it? - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce Daley - August 17 - 9:52 am

  Blind spot monitor sensor issues, has failed and corrected itself 8 times. Mirror heater switch defective. Great ride and handling about 20 mpg overall.