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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  Could not build a better minivan!!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Russ G - April 16 - 11:56 am

  Wife and I went back and forth between the Sienna and the Odyssey, finally went to drive both. She drove both twice, I didnt even need to drive the Odyssey... we loved the Sienna the second we were inside. Space, ride, comfort, mileage... TOTAL home run for Toyota!! And the treatment at the dealership... outstanding!! Also negotiated to $3,000 off sticker... just takes some patience but you CAN get a good deal!!

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  This car ROCKS - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GTS-Lover - April 16 - 12:06 am

  The GTS models are simply the best... quick, reliable, bullet-proof, great gas mileage, you name it. I have over 120,000 miles on this car and it runs and drives like new. Handles like it is on rails (mine is lowered just a bit), awesome and easy to modulate brakes, tight steering. The stock 6 speaker stereo is excellent, with surprising bass. The only thing that has gone wrong with this car was my own fault... missed a shift at 8000 rpms (third to 2nd instead of 4th) and bent all the exhaust valves. Fixed it and she has never complained. I get 32-33mpg combined (city and highway), and I can run 87 octane gas without knocking (with just a little power loss). Best car I have ever owned.

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  Pack Up/Gas Up/Giddy Up - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By FireFighter6928 - April 15 - 11:03 pm

  Cutting to the chase: MPG, appearance interior & exterior, comfort, electric windows, door locks, a/c are all excellent.

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  Update on review - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lynn - April 15 - 10:36 pm

  I felt the need to update my previous review, as some of my assessments were somewhat premature. After taking an out of state trip, and having around 3500 miles on my vehicle now, I can say that I am basically pleased with my purchase. I previously mentioned the slight hesitation sometimes after coming to a stop, and I now realize this is standard on a hybrid and seems less noticeable now anyway. I was also wrong about the glove box paint. I continue to be impressed with the mileage Im getting, as well as the quiet ride, roomy interior, quality of the audio system, and the input I get regarding fuel economy. Im happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend the car.

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  Corolla Club - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By casey c - April 15 - 12:47 pm

  After watching and reading many reviews I purchased a 2016 Corolla LE Plus.Corollas reliability is why.Exterior color is black pearl.Its amazing in the sun seeing all the vivid pearl colors.Toyotas LED projector headlights are the best headlights for visibility at night.The dash controls are well thought out and easy to use(love the back button on the steering wheel).Stereo sounds good and is plenty loud.Car horn sounds like a duck sliding down hill on his butt.Drivers seat is comfortable for the one hour commute to work.You have to adjust the seat and the steering wheel a while to get dialed in,but once you do its all good.Acceleration is adequate,actually peppy when in sport mode.CVT transmission is very smooth and seamless,love it.One professional reviewer said "the car wanders on the highway and the steering wheel needs constant correction" I disagree.I would agree with another reviewer saying the car "floats",which is not a bad thing in the Toyota world.So far I am getting a combined MPG of 38 plus.Happy with the purchase.

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  Great car - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurie Liguori - April 15 - 9:22 am

  I found this car easy to drive. Very responsive.

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  FJ Cruiser Review - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kevin Voges - April 15 - 5:56 am

  Fun to drive - looks great. Really look forward to driving FJ daily. I realize this is strange, but non-aerodynamic windshield does not deflect bugs, so one must be ready to clean windshield quite a bit.

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  Traded in the 2001 for the 2008 Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By HRM - April 15 - 4:10 am

  I traded in my 2001 Limited for the 2008 Limited. After months of agony deciding if I should switch from a Toyota to a Lincoln Navigator I ended up sticking with the same car again. Same color and all. My neighbors were rather confused. Id purchased the 2001 when they first came out and after 7 years had absolutely no major problems with the car so I decided to stick with the new 2008 model. Ive had it a few days and love it. Although I must admit it feels fairly larger to drive, kinda like youre in tank or a cockpit, but you get used to it quickly. Price is much higher than before but guess you gotta pay for more automation, i.e., nav, theatre system, power hatch and seats.

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  Nice little car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By 1st Toyotabuyer - April 14 - 5:00 pm

  With just a little over 1,000 miles on the odometer am getting about 27 mpg average. This is a nice quiet little car and seats five easily. Runs smooth and handles well. I like the cruise and all the power options. It does ride quite low to the ground, which is nice on clear dry roadways, but not for winter driving conditions. The AWD is fantastic. We can rely upon it to keep everything moving in slick conditions. I am hoping that the mpg will increase a little over time. But very satisfied so far.

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  Love my Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dynamo - April 14 - 3:16 pm

  What a perfect vehicle, I have not had one problem with my Rav4 in the 7000 miles I have driven it.