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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  Just As I Expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By RLove - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our 7th Toyota and no surprises. Solid, high quality, comfortable and quiet. I get positive comments each day on the exterior/interior design. "Camrys have come a long way" is the typical response. I am please with all attributes of the vehicle. I am a little disappointed with the mileage but I do have a tendency to drive more aggressive in the model. I traded my 2003 RAV and have not doubted myself since. Nice job Toyota.

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  2003 highlander Engine Failure 147,000 miles Coolant leak - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By anderswl - February 18 - 12:02 pm

  Just like others I have read on this site, my 2003 run hot and after having it towed for service and repair I was told the engine needs to be replaced. The cost for the re-built engine was $6,400 - $8,500 depending on who you called. Very disappointed in the built strong organization I put so much trust in.

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  Need a new car? This is it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Les - February 18 - 8:10 am

  Ive owned this car since Jan 06. Its been perfect from the day I brought it home. Pro: -Its well built and fun to drive. -Gas mileage is great... city/highway average is 50mpg. -Plenty of leg room, storage space. -Much bigger on the inside than it appears. -Comfortable on short and long drives. -Navigation system works well. Con: -Design-wise, its a bit of an ugly duckling. This could be improved if the available color choices were a bit brighter and startling. -Light and wiper controls would be easier to use if they were not so obscured by the steering wheel. -Glare from the mid-dash control screen can be bothersome when the sun is shining thru the rear window.

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  A Pleasure to Own - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By gski87 - February 18 - 5:09 am

  I bought the Corolla after looking for a car I know would last for years, that would look great, and have all the little features I wanted. It looks great inside and out and its a lot of fun to drive. I honestly love the CVT engine--I try my best to get the most MPG I can get. Im at 42.7 MPG on my current tank (I drive 80% highway) so Im not sure where the other reviewer was coming from.

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  Best All Around! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By CarGuy - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The cars new look is WAY ahead of the previous (yawn) version. The interior is innovative, clean, sporty, and has ALOT of room. All controls are top rate, and ergonomically correct. The SE is as luxurious and quiet, refined and trustworthy as you expect for the driving you will do 85% of the time. BUT, it also has the verve to take wonderful curvy mountain roads and turn them into pure driving entertainment.

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  Best All Around! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By carguy - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The cars new look is WAY ahead of the previous (yawn) version. The interior is innovative, clean, sporty, and has ALOT of room. All controls are top rate, and ergonomically correct. The SE is as luxurious and quiet, refined and trustworthy as you expect for the driving you will do 85% of the time. BUT, it also has the verve to take wonderful curvy mountain roads and turn them into pure driving entertainment.

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  LOVE MY RAV 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Carol - February 17 - 7:56 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Highlander Limited for the New Generation. I notice very little difference in size. Has a lot more pep than the Highlander. I loved my Highlander - but this is a great RAV 4

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  Overall good car but... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Kevin - February 17 - 1:56 pm

  I like the quiet ride. Seats are comfortable but with my long legs I would prefer for the seat to go back more. The GPS totally stinks, dont blow your money on it, I have a 200 dollar GPS for my other car that is WAY easier to use. The traction control should have a manual override button. I got stuck on the hill going up my driveway in an ice storm and needed a bit more wheel spin, the traction control did not allow it. I love the headlights for brightness but just found out that the replacement bulbs are $325 EACH and yes I did say $325 EACH. Both went out at once at 50,000 miles and neither the basic warranty or the extended warranty covers it.

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  Its a Toyota - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By sebastian6 - February 17 - 12:21 pm

  The Toyota Sienna is very reliable. Mine has 205000 miles and still working great, never has had any problems. I will always buy Toyota because it is reliable. Remember "Its a Toyota."

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  Camry driver for life - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By chakwaina - February 17 - 5:06 am

  I love my Camry, it is very reliable and very comfortable even for long drives with a bad back. Mine is used but it is in such great shape as if it were new. We will be buying a brand new Camry soon. I feel very confident driving it and will for many more years. If you want a car you can trust for many years, choose a Camry. I promise you wont be disappointed.