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 car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Russ Hamel - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  We purchased our 2002 Camry in Jan.2002. This our first Toyota, replacing a 1997 Taurus. The Camry is smoother, quieter, roomier and more fun to drive. This car is well-equipped for a basic-model Camry. Other than an instrument cluster that was replaced at 15000 miles for giving erratic readings, we have had no problems whatsoever. With 75,000 miles, this car still drives like new. I would definitely buy another one.

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  This Corolla S Really Hugs the Road... - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Cynthia Costa - August 7 - 1:15 pm

  It was a choice between the S Premium and the LE Premium but I knew I wanted a Corolla! Ive been driving Corollas since 1992 and it has been my favorite model of all the Toyota cars. I also owned a Camry XLE for the last four years but didnt like how it handled in the New England winter weather; too much car with not enough traction control. If you want a more cushioned ride, go for the LE model; but if you want to feel the road and have more control of the handling, go for the S model. I chose the S Premium because I wanted to upgrade to the luxury of heated SofTex seats, moonroof and an awesome Entune Audio System with Hands-free Phone capability.

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  Love my Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Robbar - August 7 - 7:13 am

  After a year and a half of driving our Highlander we have no complaints so far. We are averaging 18.8 mpg in the city and 23 mpg hwy. Good JBL stereo, quick acceleration and comfortable handling. We drive to the ski hill Sat and Sun and with winter tires we havent had any problems. The AWD works well in combination with winter tires. Lots of room for my family. I would definitely buy highlander again and recommend this vehicle.

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  I luv my Yaris ! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Nilda Gutierrez - August 6 - 9:43 pm

  I love my new Yaris, 5 door, white hatchback, I absolutely love it, it looks like a cute little toy, it runs awesome, the storage inside the car is awesome, cup holders, the storage behind the steering wheel is great. The only thing I dont like is the lite on the dashboard, too loud. The room inside the vehicle is awesome, roomy for all, in the back is awesome two people fit awesome!

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  Offers more for your $ vs odessey - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By josh - August 6 - 7:56 pm

  Very convenient with auto siding doors. Programmable key fob. Easy to tuck away 3rd row seats with just one easy pull of lever. Back-up cam comes in Handy. Awd offers great acceleration. Compared it to Odyssey. Sienna offers more for less.

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  05 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By houstonprius - August 6 - 7:36 pm

  I have owned my 05 Prius for about two and half months (took delivery in March 05) after waiting over a year to get it. Im enjoying this car more than any other Ive owned! Current MPG since taking delivery is just under 49. I drive 5o miles to and from work, speeds averaging 30-40 mph. Two kids in car seats fit great in the back. Acceleration has never been a problem, but Ive had limited highway driving in the car. Rapid acceleration does lower fuel economy, with which Ive been a little obsessed: hopefully afte a little while Ill shut off the mileage gauge and just drive! Cabin noise nonexistent, especially when on electric, you barely even know the car is on! Im loving it!

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  Super Cool - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By JW - August 6 - 1:36 am

  The Matrix feels like an SUV, but it is very low to the ground so theres a low risk of rolling over. It looks very sporty and feels very nice to drive. It is, afterall, a Toyota-- what more could one ask for?

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  Unexpected power in for a Green SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Steve R - August 4 - 9:36 pm

  My ONLY complaint is headroom for tall adults in the back and passenger seats. I am used to a truck with greater headroom. I have friends over 64 who found the more elevated passenger seat and back seat head clearence a little cramped. I often pulse and cruise - get 29-30mpg around town. It has better pickup than our accord and is quality wise the very best vehicle we have owned. Given, the Tundra WAS Alot more fun off road. I recommend vehicle. Oh one other minor flaw, sunroof and window noise is a problem when openned and you have to adjust them when exceeding 30 mph to stop a annoying wind vibration. Again minor when all the advantages of this vehicle are considered.

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  None like it on the road today - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By None like it - August 4 - 5:43 am

  This is an incredible truck. Good looking, reliable, fast, hardworking. I bought it with 54k on it and now it has 167k. Never has skipped a beat. Have taken it offroad many times and it did the job effortlessly. This is quite possibly the best truck you can buy.

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  Not just a commuter car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Joan - August 4 - 12:00 am

  After 3+ years, I still love this car: spacious compared with any other small car, miserly gas mileage, no operating problems, great pick-up, nimble handling, can be parallel parked with 1" to spare at each end (honest!), instruments in plain sight (not hiding behind the steering wheel). Until this summer Id never driven it farther than 200 miles from home: wasnt sure how its oomph would handle steep grades on I-70 thru Colorados Front Range and how its light weight would handle high winds on the Great Plains. Mtns: had to opt for the slow lane a few times after losing momentum to pokey vehicles ahead, else OK to good. Plains and Prairies: TOO good! (speeding ticket in Iowa)