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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  78 year old woman is loving this car - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By 78 year old woman is loving this car - May 18 - 9:56 pm

  This will probably be our last car. My husband is 85. The both of us love this car. I am always the first one out from a traffic light. The car handles beautifully. I drive mostly on city streets but occasionally I do drive on the Southern California freeways. Over 55 years we have had quite a few cars including a Cadillac and three Mercedes. This car beats them all. The only problem is getting into the car. My husband is 511" and I am 54", and we both have trouble getting in. But I just say, "Hey, its a sports car. What do you expect? Someone complained about the colors. It only comes in white, blue and black cherry pearl. We got the black cherry. You never miss it in a parking lot. And since Toyota made only 8,100 of them you probably wont see it very often. We bought the car through Costco.

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  78 year old woman is loving this car - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By 78 year old woman is loving this car - May 18 - 9:56 pm

  This will probably be our last car. My husband is 85. The both of us love this car. I am always the first one out from a traffic light. The car handles beautifully. I drive mostly on city streets but occasionally I do drive on the Southern California freeways. Over 55 years we have had quite a few cars including a Cadillac and three Mercedes. This car beats them all. The only problem is getting into the car. My husband is 511" and I am 54", and we both have trouble getting in. But I just say, "Hey, its a sports car. What do you expect? Someone complained about the colors. It only comes in white, blue and black cherry pearl. We got the black cherry. You never miss it in a parking lot. And since Toyota made only 8,100 of them you probably wont see it very often. We bought the car through Costco.

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  Hugely disappointed - van was a lemon or possessed - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By racecarmom - May 18 - 10:56 am

  We bought our 2004 Sienna new. In the first 6 months, we had to replace the battery, the armrest fell off and the spare tire holder broke after one use. In the next three years, the panels on the front doors slid down and trapped me inside - I had crawl to the back seat to get out. My husband duct taped the panels on and no more problem - ugly but it worked. Then the sliding door panels lock didnt work. You had to take a chopstick to hold the lock lever up until just before you closed it and then pull out the chopstick and slam the door. Other things broke with light use. Door weatherstripping falls down. Engine ran but looked like a beater van. Would not recommend this van.

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  Engineering Marvel - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bill & Nancy - May 18 - 2:40 am

  Very impressive vehicle. Well made very refined. We were drawn to this vehicle because of the fuel economy and the 06 tax credit of 3150. Very peppy car lots of power. Handling very sure. Ride smooth with the characteristics of a smaller sedan, some road bumps felt. We bought the top of the line model with the GPS and leather seat and trim. Epa estimates on fuel economy are way off as they are on most vehicles. We are getting 41 mpg (only 470 total miles so far) but will improve. All told we are extremely happy with our purchase and would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Hope this review helps. Bill & Nancy

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  Great vehicle!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By leaf74 - May 18 - 2:26 am

  Picked up a 3.5l Sport AWD Rav4 recently and couldnt be more impressed. This thing is an absolute missile in a straight line and handles very very well with minimal body roll. Its quiet inside and out (lets not forget this is the 3.5l drive train from the Lexus RX 350 so its no surprise really). Its roomy comfortable and I have really no complaints about this vehicle to speak of. Very solid high quality Not-so-little-anymore SUV. I love it.

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  Fj a blast - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dbrauch - May 18 - 1:23 am

  I have alway been a car fanatic, emphasis on car. Recently Ive had to curb my lectures to my wife on the negatives of SUV ownership as this new addition to our garage has pasted permagrins on both of our faces. While my 02 M3 still holds the keys to my heart I grudgingly have to admit the FJ is a more appropriate vehicle for the terrible roads and "one block to the next stop sign" driving of southern california. And on a friends recommendation I recently took the car to an offroad park only an hour away. This 2wd version blew me away at its off road ability. What torque, what drivability, what offroad prowess. I cant wait for my next baja surf trip.

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  Comfy family hauler absent of any sporting ambitions - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By jan57 - May 18 - 1:23 am

  My wife insisted on buying this car as a family vehicle. The car is very comfortable, quiet and has good acceleration. Its spacious, loads lots of stuff and has been reliable. Fuel economy is good for the class, but nothing to bragg about (it is after all a hulking SUV). We average about 22 miles/gallon. On the negative side, the car has prominet torque steer if you make use of only half the power, the steering is as numb as could be and the car floats more than it drives. Excitement factor is zero. Its totally incapable in snow despite its appearance. Rear visibility is very poor and the backup camera a must. Blue tooth is very basic and doesnt switch between different phones.

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  Great Choice - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Patricia - May 18 - 1:10 am

  Purchased this car in May of 2006, trading in my 4 year old, gas guzzling SUV. Wasnt sure how I would adjust to a smaller vehicle but I LOVE IT! This car goes to the beach almost every weekend and receives stares every time. Parking is much easier than in my previous auto and the car drives great. I recommend it to everyone!

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  Recall the good ole camrys - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By mark Richardson - May 17 - 11:44 pm

  As ways, very hard to see out back windows so get nav. Road.noise is loud, wind noise from mirrors just like every toyota. Ridevis acceptable with this weight vehicle. Acceleration of 4 cylinders is not ad good as accord. Rear head room is good for adult.

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  my truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By victor benaqvidez - May 17 - 7:30 pm

  from the day i bought this vehicle i have had few if any problems. it performs like a dream and has never left me high and dry. i would recommend it to all my friends and relatives.