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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  Best Car Ever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By ARH - March 20 - 8:55 am

  We bought our Echo brand-new in 2000 and still have it. In fact, even though it was hit recently and the damage was a total loss from the insurance companys point of view, were going to spend the money for the body work just so we can keep this baby for another 16 years. Like many others whove posted reviews here, I find the Echo super fun to drive (we have the stick shift), amazing on gas efficiency (41-43 mpg highway 36 stop and start around town), and love the interior design with the elevated seating. We have 96,500 on the engine and so far no repairs have been necessary just maintenance. Best car ever.

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  Constant Highway vibrations - Bad car - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Baber - October 13 - 2:58 am

  Leased a brand new LE model a month ago. Nothing but problems since day one. Already replaced all rotors and tires. Wonder what is next. Car shakes and vibrates on the highway. The road noise is deafening. Dealer let me drive another new LE. Same issues. Stay away from this car. Toyota is not what it used to be.

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  Best car Ive ever driven in the first week - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By briguywi - December 31 - 6:00 pm

  Ive only had my new 2012 Camry Hybrid for a week, but so far I have nothing to complain about. Drives perfect, great mileage, at or better than what Toyota claims, and the car rides beautifully, quiet, comfortable, seems well-built and the interior feels very plush and upscale. Ive never owned a new sedan before that has absolutely no annoying issues (that usually show up within the first week. SO glad I passed on the Sonata Hybrid and waited for the Camry.

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  Not what I expected - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By JD - December 30 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car for my own first brand new car off the lot. Came as a recommendation from my parents who wouldnt help me look at anything else. A year later, I wish I would have taken my chances on my own. Uncomfortable, poor ride, driving position is horrible, can feel the engine vibrating through the floor boards with only 9000 miles on it. Way overpriced for what you get. Recently test drove other cars and realized how big a mistake the corolla was. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CHESTER - December 30 - 4:06 pm

  This truck is amazing. It can do it all and then some.The interior is fantastic. Very user friendly and comfortable. I have been on several long trips and have no complaints. Cant believe how well this gets around town and tows my 8500 lb trailer. I blow by other trucks pulling trailers up steep grades.

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  Reliable but not so fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Topaz - December 30 - 2:10 pm

  Its a very reliable car. Low maintenance. However, when I need a sudden burst to accelerate on the freeway, it almost redlines going from 55mph to 65mph.

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  Great vehicle even after 3 years - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lori - December 30 - 12:53 pm

  The Sequoia has been a wonderful vehicle since date of purchase. I have had no problems with performance or reliability. The car fits 6 adults comfortably - even in the 3rd row seat! Plenty of cargo space with the movable 3rd row - the leather seats with heat in the driver and passenger seats are a nice touch.

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  2010 Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By KRS - December 30 - 6:33 am

  Glad I waited to get the 2010 model! Extra gear, more pep than expected, little better exterior look. Smooth, quite ride. After driving a 2006 Accord Ex-L, the Camry doesnt handle as tightly as the Accord. But what you lose to handling, you more than gain back in quiet (very little road noise) comfort. Barcelona Red exterior is beautiful!

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  Fun and Fast - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Patrick - December 30 - 3:56 am

  Traded my landcruiser in on 05 Sport V8. Great engine and suspension is firm but very stable. This SUV will hold the road and has the engine to make it fun. Getting 17.5 mpg. not broken in yet so it may get better (still much better then the cruiser). Typical Toyota quality. An all around great vehicle!

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  Great motor and reliable but Toyota quality poor. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dollarbill - December 29 - 11:18 pm

  Having owned this Truck 10 years it has been reliable and solid. Poor gas milage and plasticky interior, doors are Fisher Price plastic and cracking.. Roomy in double cab. Beware of Toyota and them not confessing their problems with cracking leaf Springs and rusty frames. Toyota hides until they are smoked out on the many suspension problems.. Still awaiting my reimbursement for fixing the broken recalled parts.. Will be going back to Ford soon enough. Customer service experience is abysmal and Toyota seems to be riding on the past quality..