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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  Great little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Keith - April 29 - 7:46 pm

  The Yaris is a great car and economical in so many ways. If you are looking for a reliable car that is cheap on the gas then go for the Yaris. I preferred the 4 door to the Liftback version but it was still hard to decide which one to buy. I read some reviews out there about how the car lacks some things, but it is what it is. The small engine might put you off, but dont let it. It can really keep pace and does great on the highway.

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  Excellent convertible - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By thompson - April 29 - 7:26 pm

  Its a well-designed car, and after 10 years it still attracts positive comments from other motorists. The car continues to perform well. Weve driven it in Connecticut winters, and it handles well in snowy weather and with its well-lined top and good heater stays comfortable. Of course, its always great in warm weather -- it now resides in California.

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  Good Luck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Vernon Butr - April 29 - 3:59 pm

  I kept it 6 weeks. It was all I could stand. The poorest design I have ever seen. You could not give me another one.

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  Reliable and Excellent Corolla - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Ennio Popol - April 29 - 8:46 am

  Very Comfortable and reliable car with excellent safety. This car has already 7 years and the engine really bright with power and economy. For me the more important thing is the reliabilty about it. The main maintenance that I made to the car was to change the clutch just 2 months ago. This is a really, really, really good car, cheap to maintenance.

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  KITTY - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvtoyota10 - April 29 - 5:52 am

  I love my new 2010 toyota venza i got it at the end of sept. I does fantastically good in the snow without AWD. The ride is like an suv (bumpy). Its wider than the 2000 toyota 4runner (and alot more room). I love the interior quality. Everyone thinks that this car was like very expensive. mine was 30k. My cousin confused it with an infiniti. toyota did a great job on this car. the gas mileage is great about 320 miles per tank. I have the panoramic roof and its wonderful. The engine has alot of power i go too fast too easily in this car.

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  Its a plush bus - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By mr_ruez - April 29 - 5:30 am

  With about 1500 miles on the odometer, I am very impressed with the build quality of this car. There are simply no manufacturing flaws. There are a few minor design annoyances but the good points far outweigh the bad. Mileage is about 20 with mixed driving, expecting it to improve. The interlock that prevents the left sliding door from trashing the gas filler door when its open, has already proven its worth during a refueling stop. The power rear vents are a lifesaver when you have "gassy" children riding with you. It doesnt have the same precise on- center feel as our old Honda van, but that may be due to the tires, or just the fact that its a bigger car.

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  Good economical truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Raymond - April 29 - 2:50 am

  Have had 3 Toyotas 2 Tacomas and a T100 all have been good reliable vehicles. This access cab 4cyl is great riding and handling. There is some wind noise but not as much as the previous trucks. Its a truck not a Lexus. For those who are concerned about MPG this may be a truck to look at. I read many reviews and went on www.fueleconomy.gov and read the mpgs individuals were getting, not the EPA rating. They all said 21-22 something. I questioned it,but this does get 21 consistently with all in town driving with much stop&go. I am not punching hard on take offs but am not babying it either. Use it carrying wood for winter and it does it easily. Great lite-medium duty truck.

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  Throttle Suddenly Maximizes at Times - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By dlb - April 28 - 11:10 pm

  We love everything about our Venza except for one MAJOR problem. Twice now the engine has suddenly surged very SEVERELY and LOUD for about 10 seconds or so. It sounds like it goes from a normal idle to a sudden maxed out, floor-boarded throttle! We had around 3000 mi on it the first time this happened, and then this last time 9200 miles. Its been in park both times its happened, but were afraid its gonna happen while driving. Toyota checked it over thouroughly and couldnt find anything wrong. The car is perfect outside of this problem. Like I said, we love it, but we sure do regret buying it.

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  What a delight - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By sheasllm - April 28 - 11:06 pm

  I have owned my Highlander for three months and covered 8200 miles, mostly highway. This replaced a 2006 Avalon. I have loved everything about this SUV. It is extremely comfortable on long trips, has handled perfectly in ice, snow and heavy rain - Toyo tires are obviously better than the earlier Bridgestones. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the extras that make travel a joy.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By MIKE A - April 28 - 9:36 pm

  Im very happy with my Camry. My parents have a 2000 Camry and never have had a problem. Stunning looks and plenty of room to boot. The bluetooth option works great, Nice touch in a car at this price level.