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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  Just like everyone else - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By bnschmidt - February 8 - 11:42 am

  This is an extremely popular car (even in 2012) and I understand why. Comfortable interior, great visibility, fine gas mileage. The fuel gauge went out on mine at 140,xxx miles, inconvenient but the light does still come on when low, so it works out. First Toyota, so the high revving is something I had to get used to. Soft ride, will probably last another 20 years!

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  Pretty good reliable car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Melissa - February 8 - 11:40 am

  I was very much enjoying my little Toyota. It got pretty good gas mileage and didnt need much maintenance. My car was totaled, so I dont get to drive it anymore. I think if you get one low mileage you can drive the wheels off of it! The only complaint is that back seat space is tight.

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  Just bought - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By bighead - February 8 - 10:40 am

  I just bought a 2001 tundra with 55,000 miles on it from the original owner. Its in almost new condition. This truck has bucket seat that I dont care for. The arm rest is too small for me but I can live with it. This truck is really sharp looking and has the trd package. I love this truck already but havent even owned it 24 hours yet and will report back any likes and dislikes with it.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Howg - February 8 - 8:43 am

  This is my first sports car and While it comes stock with 138hp some quick aftermarket parts bump it to 155, Not to bad for a car that is 2100lbs. The cost:fun ratio is the best. People constantly ask "what kind of car is that" definate head turner. Great Resale because only 5000 are being made for the USA annually.

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  Fantastic Vehicle!!! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By centurion68 - February 7 - 8:30 pm

  I have had my Venza since 11/10 and I am thoroughly pleased and continue to be excited about my purchase. This is my second Toyota and I am elated. When it comes to styling and reliablilty, Toyota continues to create vehicles that keep the American manufacturers on their toes.

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  A few thoughts - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By biguy - February 7 - 8:13 pm

  I dont understand why the side view mirrors are so large & they dont fold.The car comes with without body side mouldings for protection. Why do they have very large key fobs rather than build into keys like Honda does. I understand that the engine does not have a spin off oil filter like all the other cars I have ever owned and Toyota really dont want you to do your own service on the car. On exterior styling the side view is fine, but the front grill area could be better looking, and the is just o.k. On the plus side, I wanted the feel and the ride of a German car without all the problems, so I purchased the Touring model Toyota Avalon. So far, so good.............

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  NC to PA once a month - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Andrea M - February 7 - 4:40 pm

  My husband and I were looking for a car that got good gas mileage because we travel from NC to PA about once a month. I love my car. It did take me a little bit to get used to how to roof was shaped because I felt like I was in a bubble. I like the odometer and everything in the middle because I can see how fast my husband is driving. I would definitely buy another one of these. I can get about 500-600 miles out of a tank (11.1), plus it only takes about thirty bucks to fill up. If you are looking for a manual transmission be careful I think that the clutch is really loose.

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  MR2 SPYDER - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jim Rosser - February 7 - 2:40 pm

  The tires on this car are lifeless. How do you expect a consumer to afford $500 annually for a set of tires. The tires on this car are 10,000 to 15,000 mile tires and if you compare this to the national average of miles driven per year, youll soon see that a set of tires for this vehicle are required annually. If I had none this prior to the sale Id have purchased a Mazda Miata or paid more and gotten a Honda S2000

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  Good performance for the price - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Bob - February 7 - 11:50 am

  I downsized to this car from a van. This car has ample room, plenty of zip, and handles well on the road. This car was a excellent surprise to me.

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  Midsize Champ? - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Russell Watts - February 7 - 9:26 am

  On my third tank of gas and loving the truck more with every mile. Very smooth, quiet and comfortable. My wife and I test drove many midsize/compacts and a few full size trucks before this one but we both knew the new Tacoma was the truck for us when we saw/drove it. Weve always wanted a midsize truck with room for adults in the back seat and with a six foot box. Finally, that truck arrived. Thanks Toyota! Nissan, if you listening, put a six foot box on your redesigned Quad Cab Frontier if you want to compete. Dodge missed the boat on this one again with the 05 Quad Cab Dakota.