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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  Too much technology bling! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By mwoodpark - December 3 - 6:38 am

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  Turns heads around - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Noorali Charania - December 2 - 10:50 pm

  The most elegant looking, economical spacious like a van and the best value for money. Compare the looks with a 40K Lexus RX 330 and compare the storage space after folding seats with an Odyssey. (I own that one too!) My biggest pleasant surprise after 5 yrs of use and fully paid auto loan I have an asset with book value of 11K !!

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  Tundra 2005 Toyota - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By pV - December 2 - 9:40 pm

  This is my second Tundra and I have the same opinion "best truck ever". When other manufactures continue chasing air in reponse to the Tundra since 2000, Toyota is the only one offering a true truck in old terms. Basic interior, durable, reliable, quality, and a great engine. Theres nothing more to be said, nothing all the bells and whistles could ever improve or change, only adding weight.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Inkentucky - December 2 - 2:50 pm

  When I bought this, I was coming from a 03 Lexus GS300, so I was dreading it, but driving 50+ miles each way to work, I really couldnt justify not having a little commuter car. The manual has been really nice, the ride has been fine, the acceleration is much better than expected. It drifts a little side to side on the interstate but I expect its due some steering work or new shocks and struts. Has 109k miles on it, and typically gets 37 mpg. Very pleased.

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  10 years of quality and reliability - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim squier - December 2 - 12:55 pm

  She has a few dings and scratches and arm rest has a tear in it from my elbow over the years. The car has never been in the shop except for oil changes every 3000 miles, new skins, breaks and the recommended maintenance checkups. She runs like a champ!

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Advisor2010 - December 2 - 8:00 am

  I bought this car new and have put >223k miles on it. Form, fit and function are exceptional. The 3.0 L engine runs like a Lexus - smooth and reliable. I agree with the other reviewers about the poor low end torque, but not about the mileage. My typical city/highway mileage was 20 mpg, and I have never gotten better than 24 mpg. I have had owned Chevy and Olds, and neither is as solid an automobile as the Camry. This ones a keeper.

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  So Far - So Good - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CRSII - December 2 - 7:06 am

  Purchased the 4WD EC Limited TRD 1 week ago. Only +/- 120 miles but so far very impressed. Researched all comparable trucks for 6 months before making purchase. Engine is a beast! Not as impressed with the 6 speed tranny as I expected. The 5 speed in our 05 Sequoia is smoother. However, truck is brand new so I may be overly sensitive given some reports of tranny issues I have read. Ride is a bit choppy with the TRD package but I think it will soften over time and the price ($105) with the Limited makes it a no-brainer. Topped off after 1st 1/2 tank of gas and calculated at 12.4 MPG with all driving in town.

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  Recall Needed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Heiro - December 2 - 6:03 am

  After driving this car for a month it is very obvious to me that there is a design flaw in the transmission. The acceleration is acceptable if a bit jerky but if you need to drive between 30 - 60 MPH you will not like this car. The transmission constantly shifts back and forth between gears. When this first started happening I though I may have had the emergency brake enabled or big gusts of wind kept hitting the car. This problem makes this car absolutely no fun to drive and makes me wish I had purchased something else.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lesia P. - December 2 - 4:16 am

  My Prius is well designed, inside and outside. Pretty yet powerful. Comfortable in every way. The back-up camera and keyless operation are a hoot, and always impressive when showing off. But the best part is the fuel efficiency. So far, Im averaging over 47 mpg, and I pass the gas station with a smile these days. Buying a Prius is one of the best decision I ever made!

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  96 Tacoma 4WD - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By rich - December 1 - 6:56 pm

  Bought this truck used and has been the best truck I have ever owned. This 1996 replaced a 1990 4WD toyata that I had. The 1990 replaced a 1988 Chevy pick-up that I bought new and that truck was a piece of crap. I will always buy Toyota. Also have a 1996 Rav4. A1 on both.