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 - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Cali - March 18 - 1:53 pm

  I have had nothing but good experiences with my Camry. No problems with the car itself (only some damage from hail, but nothing to do with the car). Its extremely comfortable and spacious inside. I mostly treat mine like an SUV, hauling a bunch of stuff around and it holds up great! I get at least 25 mpg city and much more than that highway. The car looks great from the outside and in. I have all black cloth interior that holds up very well with everything.

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  Outstanding condition, features & low, low mileage - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By t white - March 18 - 10:32 am

  Single driver, excellent condition, very low mileage, Kenwood entertainment center and rear view camera.

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  Effortless power, decent MPG, comfort! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By tash - March 18 - 7:30 am

  First things first: THH is a rocket. Acceleration is amazing and it does without major effort. Bought it used with about 10k miles and have 15k now. At this point, I would not change it for any car in the market, including the new THH, which is bigger and wider (Toyota, why?). Ride is soft (maybe not the softest but after CRV, its like gliding). Exterior is very modest, interior is much better. My wife calls it a granma car on the outside. I actually like it that way. Very subtle, yet very powerful. My friends cant stop smiling at the silence when THH runs on the electric. Big fan of this car. Thank God, no problems, only scheduled maintenance. MPG is ok, esp given the power.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Ethan - March 18 - 7:17 am

  My grandparents bought this car new in 2001. It is a "Collector Edition" model with two tone paint and I guess a lot of other extras like auto climate control and the classy "wood effect" trim (plastic). The car was given to me from another family member a little over a year ago with 230k miles on it needing brakes and with an exhaust leak. Less than $1,500 later, the car has been perfect. The 8 speaker stereo with 6 CD changer works great, and the a/c is perfect. It now has almost 238k miles and runs better than my Mitsubishi with 150k miles. The V6 has plenty of power even with the a/c running. Its a grandpa car, but Im hanging onto this as long as I can. The dash has no cracks, and the leather seats are still barely broken in. Ive taken it on several 500+ mile road trips and it handles perfect doing 80-90 mph even with the high miles.

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Milt. Sanpperman - March 18 - 6:40 am

  I have and my wife has driven Toyota Prius over 500 miles so far and we BOTH love it. In town it is very quiet and GREAT on gas. On the open road with cruise it gets 56 mpg. Inside and out is nicely designed. Can hold five persons real comfortably. Why there are not more Hybrids on the road we do not understand.

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  Aint Nothing Like A Truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Back to the Future - March 18 - 2:40 am

  I finally decided on the buying another Toyota after owning number of other cars in between, including a Honda Pilot and Volvo XC70. Wanted the cargo carrying capacity of a truck, but not something monstrous in size. But it seems like all trucks have gone on steroids over the years; the 09 Tacoma is bigger than the 00 Tundra I owned. Didnt get a 4X4 to save on purchase and fuel costs. Usual good fit and finish from Toyota; feels solid. Although compared to the Honda Pilot, not as well engineered: small things like the center console storage compartment that opens from the driver side instead of from the front that would allow better access to front- passengers; not as clever on storage.

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  Toyota - I love it! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Kim - March 17 - 8:50 pm

  My car has been extremely reliable and very sporty, even at 137,000 miles.

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  smooth ride - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By john felando - March 17 - 7:20 pm

  It is a very, very smooth riding car. Still impressed with the smoothness of the ride.

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  Amazing - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Daigs - March 17 - 1:50 pm

  Got a great deal. Mileage has been awesome. Plenty of room. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Impressed by Toyota - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By dh - March 17 - 1:06 pm

  Decent space for family of 6. Nice interior, comfortable seats. Exc sound sys (prem.). So-so heat in MN winter. Good AC. Gets 26 mpg carrying a full load on hwy. The only problem is that the drivers mirror has become balky. NO other problems. Best reliability of anything weve owned. Nothing rattles or squeaks. I bought it primarily for the power. I was stunned at how quick the Sienna moved when I test drove it. More understeer than I like but thats FWD for you, replacement tires helped a lot. Im buying more Toyotas!