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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  So much car for so little money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sjb5001 - February 17 - 4:53 am

  I traded in my Echo for a Yaris and I am blown away by how luxurious this entry level car feels. Even with 2 hp less than the Echo, the Yaris feels like a Corolla and has no problem accelerating and keeping up with traffic. The new suspension and electric steering makes handling feel more like a European car than Japanese. It also has a very quiet ride on the highway and is comfortable for long trips. And for those weary about the cupholders being up near the vents, dont worry, it holds drinks very tightly. They also make a good spot for your cellphone. I hope to have this car until the day it dies, which will be a long, long time.

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  Best Ive ever owned - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ron - February 17 - 1:46 am

  Since Ive purchased this vehicle, it continues to surprise me. Its fantastic in the woods and terrific on the highway. Ive had three people ask me if they could buy it from me after theyve ridden in it with me. I have never owned a better vehicle and all Ive ever owned were four wheel drive trucks or SUVs. This is an absolute must if you want to get where youre going, no matter what type of weather or what type of road. Its the most dependable vehicle I ever owned...not one problem since I bought it. I absolutely cannot say enough about it - its great. I travel for a living and its a pleasure to go anyplace with this vehicle. Awesome!!!

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  Great car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Tina - February 16 - 7:13 pm

  This is the best car Ive bought. I have never had any major mechanical problems with it other than basic wear & tear... its 11 yrs old now and still runs like a champ. The only complaint I would have is the paint chipping & fading but its to be expected. Overall, excellent car I love her.

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  Relatively perfect - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By EXTREMELY Satisfied - February 16 - 4:20 pm

  This is my first new vehicle. I had done a lot of research into the Tacoma and I was very impressed, especially with the test drive. I also did research into competitors. There was no comparison. The Tacoma outperformed them all. I bought the Pre Runner Access Cab SR5 V6 with A/T. It comes with A/C, C/C, P/W, P/L, tow package and a CD player, keyless entry. No extra bells/whistles needed. The V6 is very powerful and very fast, plenty of power for towing. The transmission shifts smoothly and performs well. Road noise is minimal. I have taken it up to the mountains and on a long trip already, no problems. The truck powers up the grades with no trouble and cruises very comfortably. 100% Truck!

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  dental in illinois - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Wayne Galasinski - February 16 - 2:04 pm

  had this vehicle 6 months already,vehicle performs well, no problems so far, but interior is very dull and controls hard to find...It has toyota reliability . Oct 10,2016 I do not own this vehicle anymore. I bought a Honda Odyssey as a trade a few months ago.

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  very pleased - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By heatherx360 - February 16 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this car in February after my volkswagen beetle and bmw both croaked, and costed over 5500.00 to repair each. I didnt like it at first but fell in love after. The style it cute, plenty of room, better mpg than prius cost is almost half, doesnt have all that eletrical junk that seems to always fail, cheap to fix and easy to work on, cheap car but everything is built with great quality unlike volkswagens cheap plastic everything, very easy to park. Im a delivery driver and couldnt ask for a better car. Parents owned 7 toyotas and none had less than 250k miles one had 326k still running today. the yaris has everything plus the toyota reliability and it wont break your bank

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  Two Thumbs Up and a Smile - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Ody - February 16 - 7:43 am

  I was apprehensive when the dealer wanted me to look at my Corolla, always owned a mid-size Ford or GM, after testing it out all I wanted to do was sign on the line, even forgot to haggle the price down. For the first time in years I cant wait to get in the car and drive. It handles good in snow and ice, w/ easy recovery in a slide. The heat and ac are top quality and at 103k miles its peppy and smooth. Love the drop down seats in the rear to expand the trunk. The cashier at the gas station though I had moved away! ;-) Did I mention the the stock stereo is more than you would ever expect out of this little gem?! Overall, great car for all ages and puts a smile on my face.

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  Gas Mileage Claims False - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Mona Tanner - February 16 - 5:00 am

  The Hylander Hybrid is a great looking, great driving vehicle. The only problem I have with it, and its a big one, is that I dont get the gas mileage claimed. Toyota claimed it would get 28 hwy and 31 city mpg. I drive it gently and average at most 26 mpg. I bought the car specifically for the gas mileage, so I cant justify the $4500 price difference.

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  The worst car Ive ever driven - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By jokl - February 16 - 4:03 am

  Not enough power to go up hill. Dash in the middle is not intuitive to look at. $16k car still use hubcaps. With the same price there are much better cars from competitors.

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  overall great car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AAC - February 16 - 3:56 am

  Have put over 120000 miles. Starter replaced at 90000 other than that only maintenance items have been done very reliable. Still very quiet and comfortable, interior still nice except where the power window switches on both fornt door panels are seperating. Although not as nice in style, its a way better car than our same year (98) Honda Accord that required several repairs, next time sticking with Toyota.