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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  Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Eric - July 24 - 7:03 am

  Ive had my FJ for almost a year now and it is still a lot of fun. I havent had the chance to get it off- road except into a couple of fields. Cant wait to take it over a mountain.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Raider68 - July 24 - 6:36 am

  I was looking at the LE and the dealer asked me to look at the SE model. I am sure glad that I did! For $1500 more you get a lot of equipment. I love the special seats and ground effects package.

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  Mid Life Crisis Everyday Driver - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ChuckHawley - July 24 - 2:10 am

  The Spyder has always grabbed my attention due to the look of the giant, Euro-styled headlights and its no-fluff, sports car focus. Sure, its impractical, with no luggage space to speak of, challenging entry/exit gymnastics, and lots of noise at freeway speeds. What I like is having a car with the maintenance requirements of a Corolla with the handling of a Lotus. My favorite roads are two lane highways where the combination of the excellent 5-speed gearbox, tight steering, and powerful brakes make every outing a joy. While I am quite tall, I have plenty of headroom and legroom, and the seats are comfortable for a two hour drive to the wine country.

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  Good Car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gary - July 23 - 9:33 pm

  Just purchased with lots of miles. Car was a 1 owner with lots of TLC. Only complaints so far is the gas pedal sticks, and vibration in the steering wheel when applying the brakes. Overall very nice ride.

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  EXCELLENT BUY...RELIABLE...GOOD ON GAS - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By zippadeedudah - July 23 - 7:43 pm

  This car was considered a "cream puff" when I purchased it. One owner. I got it at 94000 miles and now it has 96000. It is excellent on gas mileage, 30/36. It is in pristine condition and has all the extras, including sunroof, 6 disc CD changer. I paid $5500 for it and was very happy to do so. I have various other larger and new cars but I bought this one to run around town in and to reduce gas prices during these hopefully temporary times.

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  LOVE MY TOYOTA!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By wildcat86 - July 23 - 5:46 pm

  This is my third Toyota and by far my favorite! I looked long and hard for this vechile and it has gone beyond my expectations. It has handled everything I have thrown its way.

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  Reminds me of my Celicas - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Tom Scanlan - July 23 - 3:35 pm

  I wish that Toyota still made a two door hatchback like their Celicas of years past. The mini and mid SUVs just arent my cup of tea. The sport version of the Camry is the closest I Icould come to a medium sized car with a little bit of pizzazz. It handles very well, accelerates surprisingly well, and gets better gas mileage than Id supposed. It was a joy to drive on windy mountain roads and the cruise control performed well on long inclines. Ive been driving a 93 Lexus LS400 for the last 20 years (it just wouldnt quit) so I find the ride and trim in the Camry a bit less nice than Im used to. Still, its quiet inside, no motor noise or vibration, just a bit stiffer ride. The XLE might have been a softer ride but my choice of last years models (2015) was limited, I liked the color (Celestial Silver) and the price was right. Its a classy looking car that performs well and Ive no doubt, based on years of Consumers Reports, that it will be a very reliable vehicle.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard Hay - July 23 - 12:00 pm

  Purchased with 23700 mi.,at,cc,pl,pw for just under TMV price. Getting 30/38 city/hway mpg. Adequate power,quiet, like the visibility,head room,ground clearance,ease of access,ride. I am expecting excellent reliability.

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  Pruis IV Nav/Sun Roof Package - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By rsdavis - July 23 - 6:30 am

  Car gets great gas mileage. Performance is acceptable for commutes and highway driving. Quiet ride and smooth. Sitting in traffic/light and not burning fuel is great. JBL needs to improve DVD/NAV system as far as satellite radio issues, see improvements. NAV system locks out display for safety but annoying when passenger available to change destination. Glove box material scratches easily. Oil changes now every 10K miles vs 5K miles so easier on wallet for synthetic oil changes. The front hood bumper areas needs covered due to slope of hood so it catches rocks and bugs easily. No belts to change in engine. EV Mode gets me to house through housing development without using gas for over 1/2 mile

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  A good car but less than I expected - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By M - July 23 - 5:53 am

  Overall the sequoia has been reliable and comfortable for long trips. But its not the Toyota quality Ive come to expect. Not just the car but also the dealer service. I bought without looking at other suvs - mistake. Quality issues: - glass breakage sensor has never worked - gear indicator lights (D, N) burned out - rear window has been fixed 2 times - rear door handle broke on a ski trip, making it impossible to open the hatch - OEM tires were awful - causing the car to feel misaligned. Toyota denied issues. Dealer finally admitted others had the same issue. Fixed with a set of duelers. - within the 1st year driver window started sounding like it was going to fall out.