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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  Been trying to find an issue.. Cant seem to find one.. - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By themanindbox - May 19 - 3:40 am

  I have been looking for faults.. I honestly cant find any. At 12 years old, the most that has been replaced is Tires, Plugs, A tie Rod End, and the drop links on both sides, and a few sets of bulbs.. Thats about it.. Even the original speakers, and stock radio sounds good. The Top makes a little noise at 70+ which i think is just an adjustment. Other then that.. Honestly.. Just awesome!

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  Gas mileage is REAL - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Prius lover - May 18 - 4:14 pm

  Purchased a new Prius Two Eco and just finished the first tank of gas... 56 MPG! You cannot beat this car for operating cost. Extremely comfortable to drive and ride as a passenger, far more leg room (and cargo room) than would be expected. At this point, Im thrilled!

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  Best Yet - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard G. - May 18 - 4:03 pm

  Best car and best Avalon I have ever owned. Rides like a dream. Looks great. Very roomy. Almost no noise. I cant believe my fuel mileage. Consistently between 28 and 33 using cruise when driving the speed limit. Got great value on my 03 trade in to boot.

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  Most reliable car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By eragchaa - May 18 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my Camry by accident, I was test driving used VW Passat, and was about to leave but I saw 01 camry, and test drove. Car had 98000 miles on it. and now I have 155000 on it and I have no problems at all, great drive, smooth, no major repairs, just oil change. Great gas millage. New Camry have some issues, but theyll fix it and come up more reliable.

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  Would love it if I lived w/o snow. - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By KC - May 18 - 1:16 am

  Absolutely love my Highlander. Except the 7-8 months out of the year when I drive in snow and ice. I consistently slide thru stop signs and sharp corners and speeds lower than 20 mph. Dont know if I will make it to next winter. Sorry I live in northern WI. Toyota needs to make some serious changes.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By A Daniels - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I Love my sequoia, I would not trade it for another vehicle. I have had many SUVs But none like the Sequoia. It fits 8 people and we have the DVD Which is great for trips. I purchased my vehicle from Jon Waggoner at Alexandrai Toyota and he guaranteed me that It was a safe SUV. He was right .

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  My MR2 - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ShelsValerie - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I get a lot of attention when i drive this vehicle. Kids on the street holler at me when i drive by telling me how cool my car is; when i get out of it in a parking lot, people comment to me how much they like my car; when i get gas, men come up to me and tell me that i have a very nice car, etc. Sometimes when im leaving a store, ill catch people looking at my car and talking about it.

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  rav 4 thumbs up! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By chicken - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a college student and I have owned my Rav-4 for 4 years now. I have had no problems with it whatsoever! It gets great gas mileage, is the perfect size, and drives really well. At 6.5 years old, my rav-4 has never broken down nor had any mechanical problems. It is a good buy!

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  Good Value - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By flyfish - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Not a single problem with this truck. Solid as a rock so far. The looks of this truck is conservative but, 20 years from now you wont look at it and say "OMG what was I thinking." The interior fit and finish is top notch. Rides like a car, hauls like a truck. Smooth, refined v8 power.

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  Fun but not cozy ... - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Flower Farmers - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive ... Easy to shift ... great visuals ... good [speed] pick up, good brakes ... Wonderful gas mileage & reliability ... Basically, the vehicle really does not have any flaws -- precise, exact & reliable.