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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  TYPE S AND LOVING IT. - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By Roger Bear - November 14 - 3:05 pm

  This is my fourth Toyota product and I love it. My fuel economy, sleek design , and spoiler , and blutooth tech are amazing. Funny story my girlfriend also has a type s a year newer than mine and she also loves it. We live in the city a mile apart from each other and we both love the car. We both plan on keep our type Ss for a long time. You cant go wrong with a car like this.

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  Love my Corolla S! So Cute and Fuel Efficient! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By kharris1981 - November 14 - 2:32 pm

  This car has been one of the most reliable fuel efficient cars I have owned in a while. I have had it since 2011 and it now has 30k on it and runs perfect. I only have to fill up the tank once every week and a half. Fantastic car with cute sporty look!~

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  mrtopsride - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By shawn ducreay - November 14 - 1:16 pm

  First of all, owning the new bodystyle solara has been a quite big difference than the other mid-size cars Im typically use to. Its built stronger and rides much better than other cars in its price range, but the horsepower needs much improvements for its price. The car is beautiful once you add the right rims to it, but otherwise boring looking without them. The car furthermore caters to an older (30-40) traditional type driver verses a younger more enthusiatic sports tuned driver. On a whole, the car is very nice to drive and has a lot of room to offer for a family of five to fit comfortably without any cramping in the back.

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  To the Moon with my Prius C - 2014 Toyota Prius c
  By matt_adams - November 14 - 11:01 am

  First a disclaimer, this is my first hybrid and my fourth Toyota. Secondly, this is a sub-compact, economy, hybrid. So comments about lack of room and poor acceleration are a little silly. If you want a luxury or sports car, buy a luxury or sports car! I absolutely love this car. I considered the Prius lift back, but am so glad I got the Prius C Three. The cargo storage is limited, but with the fold down seat its adequate for my needs. The interior is not plush, but its very nice and comfortable. I love the look of it all! The Prius C is extremely easy to park. The turning radius is super short. The radio and navigation system are awesome. I average 55+ MPG!

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  Its a Prius! What do you think?? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Simon - November 14 - 10:30 am

  We fell in love with this car since we got one as a loaner when I took my brothers Scion in for service. This car is simply awesome! Im getting 49 mpg mostly city driving. Its quiet and comfortable and it has lots of gadgets to play with. We went with a package 5 which has everything but leather seats. Wed have gotten the leather if its heated. It has bluetooth, backup camera, a super clear touchscreen (best ive seen), JBL stereo, HID headlight, smart key, navigation, etc. Its not that expensive either, considering it has so much to offer.

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  40 MPG and Fun to Drive! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Sparky1954 - November 14 - 4:23 am

  Weve had this car close to 30 months now and it has been great. The smaller engine is offset by the 5-spd manual and decent handling for the price. Not a single problem yet. But to top it off the mileage is great! We just completed a round trip between San Jose, CA to Vancouver, WA and put over 1500 miles on the car. I tracked the mileage very close and we got 40.2 mpg for the whole trip! Now I need to say we dont speed but drive the posted speed limit (55, 65, 70). We used A/C for a 85% and this total included climbing hill, mountains and around town drives. So obey the posted limits, set the cruise control and enjoy the money you save!

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  Great 4 All Seasons - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By shash - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Cant say enough good about this vehicle! It lasts... and lasts! 147000mi before needing a brake job. NO other major repairs needed yet. Takes me camping in the summer and skiing in the winter, and all places in-between. When its time for another vehicle I dont have to do any looking. Itll be another 4Runner!

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  Super Reliable Transportation - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Laptev - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 99 Corolla LE for 4 years now and am now thinking of trading it in. This car has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Even on -10 degree days it starts up exactly like it was 75 degrees in July - instantly. My biggest complaint is that the car feels like it gets tossed around by bumps a little too easily. But this is probably a result of being a small car more than anything else.

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  Brakes, Brakes, Brakes....... - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By mgj - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall the Tundra is an excellent vehicle with one major exception. Toyota grossly undersized the brakes on there first full-sized pickup. Even worse they have been unwilling to stand by their product. I have 70000 on my Tundra and have already been in for my 3rd front break job with the fourth shortly following. They have finally come up with a fix, TSB BR br00402, which redesigns the whole system. They wont however offer any assistence to consumers for this suppossed fix. ($1200 + fix!!! for a design flaw)

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  best car Ive ever had - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By toyotagirl - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2001 LE for 2 yrs and I cant complain about one thing! It handles like a dream and gives a quiet ride - the gas mileage is great - I usually get 30 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway - no rattles, squeaks and NO RECALLS! I almost bought a Civic and I am so glad I got the Corolla instead - it has a better powertrain warranty than the Civic and was voted the #1 small car in inital quality by JD Powers & Assoc for 2001 - its not hard to see why -