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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  Best SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Diondra - January 8 - 10:56 pm

  This car has the most room, the rear seats fold down FLAT, for animals, and it by far has the BEST, smoothest ride of any SUV on the market. Plus you get all the wonderful Toyota dependability to go with it!!

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  Best car ever for this class! - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By tbowen - January 8 - 11:53 am

  So here is my story...I am a home health nurse and do LOTS of driving. Had a 2012 Fusion used with less than 30,000 miles on it. What a piece of junk! Had transmission problems that they cant seem to fix in the Fusions. So I traded it in for a Camry. Wow! What a difference! I LOVE my Camry. I test drove the Camry LE and XLE and did not like them at all, felt underpowered and boring. I test drove the SE and fell in love. The power in this 4 cylinder is remarkable, I thought I was driving a 6 cylinder! I am getting 29 mpg in mixed driving, upwards of 40 + mpg on highway. This is one solid car and just quality built. You just cant beat a Toyota!!!

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  Great SUV - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Picky - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I drove 3 Cherokees over 200,000 miles each, but wanted even better reliability since I drive 40,000+ miles per year in sales. I looked for 3 years until I found the 4Runner I was looking for. The reliability factor was just as great as the reviews said. All I have had to do is change the oil and struts. I have already driven it 120,000 miles. I would definitely buy another.

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  my car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By gus - January 8 - 10:00 am

  the corolla is a great car for anyone. It gets from point a to b wonderfully and it is very reliable. ive had mine for a little more than a year, its got over 100000 miles, and all ive had to do besides change the oil is put in a new battery and a belt that had worn out.

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  seats, anyone? - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Mhotopp - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I drove a 2000 the other day, and I currently have a previa. Whats with the seats on this thing? They must have taken design cues from Chrysler, because theyre spongy and flimsy at the same time. Why did they change?!! Also, they went backwards withthe armrests, which used to adjust and now have only one position. Americanized crap, if you ask me. Im sure the reliability is high, but if you cant get comfortable, who cares?

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  Honey, who shrunk my Lexus RX300 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Nancy Nicolosi - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Tired of always driving sedans; I decided I wanted an SUV this time around. Have owned Hondas for 12 years yet thought that the CRV was boring. I dont know if I will be as happy with my RAV 4 in three years but for the first month -- I could not be happier. Just a fun vehicle to drive!

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  Typical Toyota Quality - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RGL - January 8 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 RAV4 Sport is the 5th Toyota product we have purchased and it has delivered satisfaction. Those who have slammed the mini-"ute" have somehow forgotten that this is a 4 cylinder mini-suv. For driving around the city and periodic trips on the interstate the performance is satisfying. I have had no problems keeping up with more expensive vehicles on the interstate and at 75mph, the ride is quiet and comfortable. I am very satisfied with my RAV and yes it does deserve its rating as the top rated min- suv by Consumer Reports.

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  Glad I bought it! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By TD - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, quiet ride, good gas mileage for an SUV type vehicle.

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  ultimate camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By yerges213 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  hey, toytoa camry is so reliable that its better than my 1996 toyota camry.

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  avoid prius!!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By poorvic2 - January 8 - 3:54 am

  Unless you are Bill Gates with very deep pockets i strongly advise avoiding a Prius. They are overpriced, do not get the gas mileage claimed and, worse of all, have the same build quality as a Yugo! I dont know where all the positive comments are from by my experience with a 2008 prius has been nothing short of a disaster. Ignition battery went out in less than 2 mnoths. Cost 200. to replace. Water pump failed and warning light did not come on. Computer had failed and repair of 1000.00 added to my cost of running this junk. Mileage? less than 60.000 miles!! Come on a Ford Pinto would have run longer than that. Well, i learned by lesson – no more overpriced Toyotas!