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 Commuter Car!! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Land of Enchantment - March 28 - 11:26 pm

  Ive found this to be the perfect car for my needs. Ive got a country commute of 100 miles round trip every day and this car drives great and gets great gas mileage, the best in its class from what Ive read. Ive really enjoyed the stick shift since it makes me feel more part of the road handling process. I can go 65-70 without any out any sence of control problems.

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  Better than new - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Dylan - March 28 - 4:16 pm

  Bought in 05 with 148000 kms in perfect condition. Very well built (much better than most new cars), incredibly reliable, but a bit boring. The V6 is very smooth and quiet but it lacks low end torque and seems to bog if you step on it. Ride is very smooth but floaty and needs to be more controlled. Steering is not very sharp. Tranny shifts well most of the time, but short shifts in normal mode and hangs on to revs too much in power mode. Quality of materials and build is awesome. Leather is excellent quality but front seat padding is hard and pinches the thighs. Overall a very good car with some minor shortcomings.

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  Lexus touches at a Toyota price - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Ed the Venza Owner - March 28 - 12:33 pm

  While Ive admired friends Lexus RX and NX crossovers, I couldnt justify the price. For less than the cost of a used front-drive Lexus, I purchased a Venza Limited with AWD, a dual-pane sunroof and easier-to-use power hatchback. The powertrain is smooth and the ride is quiet and composed. I love the bright and airy interior. Setting favorite stations across AM, FM, HD Radio and Sirius XM is a breeze. What havent I liked? The quality of the dash plastic is the worst of any new car Ive bought; the passenger airbag cover has an ugly gap and the glovebox door needed repairs within the first 18 months. The infotainment and navigation is average overall, and has already required one dealership visit. Gas mileage isnt great

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  BEST LOOKING TRUCK PERIOD!! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lt. Duke - March 28 - 10:53 am

  Great looking truck. Reliability is self proven. V-6 has good power. Quality is unmatched. I have had several other trucks, but this is the overall best truck I have had. Not the most comfortable truck, not a lot of fancy buttons, simple yet refined.

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  Great Value - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Hocakes - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The best thing about this SUV is that it combines the best aspects of a sedan and a truck. Quiet ride. Stylish exterior. But also rugged, and very reliable. Zero mechanical problems.

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  Just another Happy Toyota Customer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By bill1029 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been eyeing the Tundra since its introduction in 2000, and continued to read the reviews. I have driven the Ford F-150 and the Chevy 1500. I was impressed with both. I went and drove the Toyota; It did not "blow the doors" off the competition but did feel like a solid pickup truck with a very comfortable ride. I honestly do not have a pickup truck to do the heavy duty farm work (or I would have purchased the V8 version). I need a comfortable commuter with the ability to haul stuff when needed.

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  2002 Toyota Corolla - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By sumac22 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Very realiable and gas efficent car. Cabin is quiet when crusing below 65 miles. VVTI engine is overated.

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  A Legend in its own class - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By vj - March 28 - 10:00 am

  What I am about to share with anyone is truly a feat on its own.I own a 1998 Toyota Camry LE (4 cylinder) and I currently have about 246,000 miles on it.This is not a typo, but I do actually have more than 246,000 miles on the car.

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  Pretty sweet ride - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Creid102 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive with a surprisingly powerful engine

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  Renumber the speedometer, please - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By PlasticMan - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The cars ride is remarkably smooth and quiet on a variety of road surfaces, but perhaps a bit too soft. It is very easy to speed in this car without realizing it. Better use the cruise control on the highway! Steering could be a bit tighter though. The 4 cylinder is quite peppy and I have not regretted buying it instead of the V-6. Gas mileage is excellent for this size car. Transmission shifts are very very smooth.