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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  Cheap, Cheap. The worst car I ever owned. - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Plator - August 23 - 6:45 pm

  You buy, you own! Toyota has chosen the cheap and poor way to engineer this car. The warranty does not respond to to any issue the car might have. Be aware that when you go to a "certified Toyota tech" they will deny the evidence, and Toyota managers will back them up. Specifically, the seats are the worst I have ever seen. The driver seat sank after the first 15000 miles and now my "tail" is right on the support metal. For Toyota this is normal at all levels. My other 15 years civic does not have the problem. I can live with the poor performance and cheap everything, but at least a seat that doesnt kill me is probably normal to ask.

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  2006PacificBlueRav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ToyotaOwner98366 - August 23 - 5:00 pm

  We have the 3.5L V6 and it is almost insane how fast this SUV goes. Another remarkable point is this SUV gets 30MPG which nothing else we looked at is even close. The interior design is layed out nicely, has plenty of room and is very comfortable even for my 68" friend.

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  Good gas mileage but over rated. - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By GMB - August 23 - 3:46 pm

  This is my wifes car. She bought it for the gas mileage which is good. As far as driving and comfort it does not have it. For a teenager this would be a great first car but Im 62 and long legged. Trying to back up is hard cause you cant see out the back. If you dont know how to use mirrors to back up your in trouble.

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  Following first long trip - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave - August 23 - 2:46 pm

  Took my first road trip of about 500 milies and was mildly disappointed with the fuel economy (25 MPG - highway). Although only 2 MPG under the advertised 27, I drove very carefully and tried to eke out as much electric motor driving as I could. I have come to the conclusion that this is not an "econo-box" but simply a performance vehicle that gets the economy of a 4-cyl with the umph of an 8. Fun to drive, great pick-up, and comfy. A real step up from my Subaru Outback. If given the choice all over again, however, I would opt for the non-hybrid 6 and spend the extra cash on a 4wd, an upgraded Limited, and other accessories.

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  Gave up my Lexus for TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By James - August 23 - 11:46 am

  I gave up my IS 300 which was only getting 24 mpg and required super unleaded gas for the TCH which has averaged +/-40 mpg and takes regular gas. That and the fact this is more of a family car makes the daily 90 mile commute (Playa del Rey to Irvine) somewhat bearable. I went with the base model in magnetic grey because no dealer (went to 4 and contacted 10) had the set up I wanted (grey & leather). No complaints so far. Only quirk I noticed was the low gas light came on and the cruise range stated 29 miles, but when I filled the tank, it only took 14.5 gallons. I guess the car is very conservative about running out of gas. Probably couldve waited another 100 miles.

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  Long term ownership. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jeffand - August 23 - 10:20 am

  Driving habbits: Mostly country driving, 45-55 MPH. Location: Wisconsin. Summer: 49-53 MPG Winter: 40-45 MPG Cold weather, and short trips do reduce milage. Driving at speeds greater than 65 mph also will reduce milage. Acceleration is ok. Accelrates faster than some mini vans, and SUVs. 0 to 60 in 10 seconds.

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  Simply The Best - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Alive - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Landcruisers are the best car out there. My last car was a 1999 Landcruiser and the only reason I purchased a new one is because someone hit me head on the drivers side on on a major PA highway (he crossed over a 20 yd grass median!). I was injured, but would have been dead in any other car.

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  Good value - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mdd - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I leased this truck for 5 years and had a relatively positive experience. I had one major accident and the front of the truck was completely destroyed but I remained unharmed. The antilock brakes seemed a bit sensitive and would kick in under the most unexpected conditions. Aside from a couple of expensive brake jobs trying to correct the problem I only had to change the oil and go.

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  great car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By chattanooga dad - August 23 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a great used car that is reliable, well-built, great mileage, and nicely designed, then this is the car for you. I believe that the 1996 model has better looking lines than its successor and you cannot beat Toyota for making a superb automobile. Although the four cylinder is not a race car, it does provide adequate pep and acceleration for most driving situations. Great for the student, wife, or the dad who needs a second car to run around with the kids. Routine maintenance is all this car needs.

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  This car saved my life! - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By slappeys - August 23 - 10:00 am

  We loved our Sienna! It had all we needed for our two young boys. It also saved our lives in a head-on collision on the highway with an SUV. The seatbelts, airbags, and design of the engine and frame combined to protect us. Youd never expect something like this, but the Sienna was ready for it.