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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  Celica - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Katy Bradley - September 7 - 2:33 am

  Great car for younger people. This was my first new car and i have been very impressed with it. Fairly large trunk space for such a small car. There is no room in the back seat whatsoever. Overall, I am very satisfied with my car.

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  After a year of my Avalon... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By virginia - September 7 - 12:56 am

  I owned 2 Honda Accord Limited then changed to Camry Limited in 2005. Loved it but decided to upgrade to the Avalon in 2008. I absolutely LOVE the comfort, quiet ride, "giddy-up" when you need to move, but cant agree more with the other reviewers that Toyota needs to REIMBURSE ALL OF US WHO WASTED THE MONEY ON THE GPS! IT IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST SYSTEM!!!! Completely unfriendly. I had the touchscreen version on my Camry and it was much better. Better to buy a NUVI- just bought an 885T and LOVE IT! Significantly cheaper than the MAJOR RIPPOFF OF TOYOTAS SYSTEM!!!!!!

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  Redefining Americas best selling sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lokch - September 6 - 10:43 am

  The newly designed body and interior is more stylish than previous ultra bland years -- though not over the top. The interior is very spacious with quality that I would expect from Toyota/Lexus. No squeaks, no weird noises, everything within factory tolerances. I tugged on various pieces in side. No shoddy workmanship I can see. Ride is comfortable -- though a little more firm than previous years. This translates to a little better feel for the road than the 06s. Rear seating has no drive train bump in the middle so legroom for the 5th person is good.

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  This has been an AMAZING CAR!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By priusmatt - September 5 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my 2006 Prius V for a year and a half and just had to write a review because it has been such a wonderful car. I bought this car in May 10 w/ 80k miles on it and was a little worried at first because of the high miles. I ended up getting a smokin deal & the only fixes that this car has needed has been an A/C fan regulator, front light bulbs, and the typical oil change, brakes, tires. I now have 122,000 miles on this car (I drive about 3,000 miles a month) and man, what an excellent car! I have range 55-70 mpg (yes 70!) here in Phx. So, if you are considering used, go for it! This is a GREAT CAR that runs well as the miles get up there. Trading for an 11 Prius this month!

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  Very Good Minivan - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By skynet - September 5 - 2:43 am

  This is our first purchase of a minivan and we love it so far. We like the pickup, quiet acceleration and very smooth ride. These are the main reasons we chose this van over the Odyssey. Sienna is built very well, powerful engine, nice exterior styling, very good interiors, power tailgate.

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  Loveour new Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By David Breuker - September 4 - 12:29 pm

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  Great value - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Dani - September 4 - 11:50 am

  This vehicle has been great so far. I make many trips back and forth from Iowa to Chicago and it is much nicer not having to fill up 3 times during the trip, instead I only have to fill up once and I still have 1/2 tank left when I get back. The only complaint I have about the vehicle is that the cup holders in front are directly in front of the heating vents so the drink gets really hot even if you close the vents. The vehicle looks small on the outside, but it has a ton of room on the inside, you would never expect that my fiance, who is 6 4", fits very comfortably in the passengers seat! Overall, I definitely love the vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone!

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  In love! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yvette - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a 99, 18,000 mile 1 owner loaded beauty and never want to stop driving it!! This car FLOATS ON AIR! It cant get any better. It handles corners like my little sports car but is sooo smooooth and so fun to drive. Watch your speed because it is deceiving how fast your going. When I sit inside my car I feel Im wrapped in luxury with no clutter, just elegant modern class. The Large sun,moon roof is quiet when open. The back seat comfortably fit my over 200lb 6 ft. son and husband. Unreal for this size car. I love everything about this car. Just keep making the Solara better so I can keep buying one!

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  Real SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By VIJONA - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The comportable is there...The power is there...The performance is there..one thing I can say....Its AMAZING!!!!!..Ive got the right choice....

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  My second XLE V6 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By coconut - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Our experience with our 1992 Camry XLE V6 lead us to buy new 2004 model. Also the offered 0% financing. We laid down our requirements for purchase and salesman was able to fulfill. Wish Toyota would have offered nicer colors this year though (like navy, taupe, dark green, burgundy). The blue they offer is ELECTRIC. Zap! We settled for the grey.