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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  After much research I chose a Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By jpr - February 28 - 1:33 am

  All competitors seemed to have a few pluses and a few minuses. The 2010 Camry I found to be the best value of the mid-size four doors. However, the interior quality is not what most people assume a Camry would be, quite a few mismatched panels, inexpensive trim pieces (the back lower part of the front seats, thin carpet, visible flashing etc.). That said, it is a quiet car with many safety features which suits my 50 mile commute well. Figure adding on another $550 to get XM receiver on the base or LE installed. Some competitors have that standard, and thats a chunk of change, something to keep in mind when figuring the total price.

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  Value for the dollar - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By BG - February 27 - 7:48 pm

  Make sure you understand the vehicle before you buy it. New vehicles are complex, as are the options available.

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  Its an okay car - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Redline056 - February 27 - 1:36 pm

  Its an amazing car in the summertime. It handles good in the rain. The car sucks at accelorating in the first gear but when you get past first gear the car comes alive. But the winter time sucks in it it becomes very slick the car mostely slides around and the car gets stuck in small amount snow (had a lot of problems with that) because the car is so low to the ground. But once again good for summer. The sports button in it doesnt seem to make alot of difference in the cars acceloration. The only thing i have noticed is that it holds the high rpms in the auto part of the tranny. The interior of the car is very user friendly with a good sounding radio. The trunk space is amazing in the car i also love how bright the lights are on the car but tend to get flashed alot because people keep thinking i have brights on. Its a good car to buy good fuel mileage but not a winter car. For winter i would suggest to buy something different.

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  Raves 4 RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By mike nath - February 27 - 1:00 pm

  My wife, 2 dogs (German Shepherd and Rottweiler), and I needed a car that could carry us all on trips in comfort and with good gas mileage. The RAV4 seemed to fit the bill. In actuality, it more than fits our needs. We do not need super power on the highway, but the RAV4 is quick and does not have the usual 4- cyl engine noise at highway speeds. MPG is a solid 27 average for us. Fit and finish are great. This base FWD model is perfect for our situation. We could not be happier with this car.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By eleanor - February 27 - 10:33 am

  What a great SUV. I enjoy driving it in all types of weather and on any type of road. Tight turning radius, very good power for a 4 cyl and it has a smooth ride.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Nice Car - February 27 - 2:46 am

  The thing I like most about this vehicle is it has power of a V6 with a 4 cyc. engine. The back seats leave something to be desired with two growing teenagers, but other than that, this vehicle is an A+

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  fj cruiser review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By arnold roque - February 27 - 2:23 am

  its fun and great to drive

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  2 For the Road - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Cactus Buckeye - February 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought 2! 2000 4Runner lease up & air went out on 1993 Escort ~ had to get 2 vehicles. "Sacrifice" coming down from 4Runner, "Plus" coming up from Escort. Bottom line, a happy medium & long term - Toyota dependability.

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  Best SUV (Period) - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Harry.t - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I had 3 new Toyota 4Runners since 1988 and the 2004 Sequoia is truly one of the best trucks in the world. I do quite a bit of 4wheeling, and this truck is better than any other truck I have driven, I dont like the new look of the 4Runner so I am glad the Sequoia took its place.

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  Cold Air Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By eRiC - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an easy maintaining, driver/passenger friendly, quiet, reliable, non-fancy type of car. Many weaknesses can be improved by upgrading different part. Major complains are the ABS brake, OE tires, suspension, and lack of power when having more than 2 adult passengers. I would suggest upgrade wheel size and switch to good tire brands, and stiffer suspension and use better brake parts. If considering a 97-99 Camry, I would recommand go for a V6 for better perfomance.