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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  Further update - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brant - August 17 - 8:16 pm

  After 18,000 miles still very happy with this car. A recent trip to PA from CT with cruise set at 75, 4 people on board, and A/C set on economy, got 36-37 mpg. When filling the tank afterward, my own calculation was closer to 38. My wife had a bumper issue backing out of a space and clipping an SUV so yes the bumpers are suspect - it looked like someone pushed a basketball about half way into the front bumper corner. I took off the plastic shroud underneath and wedged a crow bar up there and popped the dent back out. No damage to the paint and only a slight crease left at point of impact. Just saved a big repair bill at the bodyshop!

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  Best truck in Class by far! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ryan - August 17 - 6:33 pm

  This truck can do it all. Haul 2,000 lbs all day long with plenty of acceleration left. Tows great. The best gas mileage for the big V-8s. Very comfortable for the road trips. And what other truck can you also get Bluetooth and a nav system in it? The back-up camera is a must for those who tow. Well designed truck with the option for the deck rail system making the task of securing the load very easy. Tons of storage between underseat compartment, two glove compartments and the center console that is large enough to hold hanging files and a laptop! Nine cupholders!

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  Not what I was expecting - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By scottr32 - August 17 - 3:11 pm

  I drove the car for a few weeks before I had to get rid of it, power was horrible, fuel mileage was subpar even compared to my v8 camaro. The weight was too light for safe driving in any road conditions, consistently hydroplaned in the rain and had to fight it to drive straight while passing another vehicle. The power is extremely poor and the interior looked mixed together. The only good thing was the exterior appearance and I even found that lacking. The ride quality was very poor too, had to get out of the car after thirty minutes to stretch because the seats lacked poor support.

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  Dont let toyota fool you anymore! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By a_mechanic_001 - August 17 - 1:53 pm

  I worked for a dealership, and now I own a Toyota. I have to tell you, this car is the cheapest pile of garbage they have ever produced!! Recalls on computers, serpentine belt tensioners that fail, belts that make noise, intake manifold gaskets that crack and leak..

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  Solid and smooth - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Judson Souers - August 17 - 10:50 am

  This is a stylish, well built and all around great value for the money. I have driven this car for a year and have had zero problems.

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  Sunroof Problems - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By marsimms - August 17 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased this vehicle less than a month ago and have had to make several trips to the dealership with it. Our most distressful problem is the poor interior build quality and a sunroof that squeaks over bumpy roads to the point of distraction. As I type this review, the roof still squeaks and no one at my dealership seems to know what or why it is doing this. The slogan should read, "interior by mattel". Also, the rear audio plate looks like its falling off even after THAT was replaced. After spending 50+ thousand on this truck I want to kick myself. There are better values out there.

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  Former Mercedes owner - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By CStark - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is argueably the nicest car I have ever owned and I drove a Mercedes for years before this. This is really a Lexus dressed down in a Toyota badge.

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  King of the Road! - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalonie - August 17 - 10:00 am

  The best buy Ive ever made. Car had 65K miles when I purchased in mint condition. Now has 104K, I only had to replace brakes and tires, and new battery- plus routine maint. (oil change) No major repairs. I love driving the car, It makes me feel like I am "successful", I am not kidding it truly is a fantastic ride.

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  All Out A Celica Is A Great Car! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By xcelicagtsx - August 17 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my celica has been great! It has great fuel mileage.... and I love the interior. The performance is great once you put your modifications on it. Thanks!

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  QUIT LOOKING AND BUY THE TOYOTA! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By COLEMAN - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TRUCKS FROM DIFFERENT MAKERS OVER THE YEARS AND BY FAR, TOYOTA MAKES THE ABSOLUTE BEST QUALITY DRIVELINE AND, I THINK, ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING SMALL TRUCKS ON THE MARKET. I HAVE HAD NO MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRONT WHEEL ROTOR WARPING SLIGHTLY. FOR SOME REASON TOYOTA SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH ROTORS. THAT SAID, THE BUILD AND ATTENTION TO QUALITY THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE SET THIS TRUCK APART FROM ANY OF ITS COMPETITORS.