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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  Thoroughly amazed - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By coggs - April 5 - 10:26 am

  We did a lot of research before purchasing and our patience was thoroughly rewarded. Trading in a Dodge Durango that got 13.7 miles per gallon will save us almost $13000 in fuel costs alone in the next 5 years based on $3.20/gal. The car has been everything expected and more. We are amazed at not only its mpg (averaging about 49) but its overall comfort and affordability as well. It has numerous qualities including good handling, low noise level, smooth ride (at least compared to our ex-Durango), good rear seat leg room and good performance for a small car. It wont beat a Viper off the line but the 40 to 60 acceleration is amazingly good. Overall, an excellent choice for us.

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  We love our Corolla! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Chad Vegas - April 5 - 10:15 am

  What can I say? I was a little hesitant to get a Corolla because of the size of the car. Im a big guy and thought that it would not be big enough for me. When we test drove the car it turned out to be very spacious both front and back and we love all of the standard features that came with the car. All in all it was one of the best decisions we made to go with the Corolla.

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  Very pleased. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Brent - April 5 - 6:03 am

  I am very pleased with my purchase. It has been absolutely reliable with no repairs needed - just routine oil changes. As far as comfort, absolutely amazing. Extremely quiet with a great ride and ZERO squeaks/rattles. The 2.4L four cylinder engine is wayyyy ahead of its time. Lots of low-end torque and smooth power delivery. The 05 facelift of the 5th generation of Camry looks classy and chrome accents in the interior were a nice touch. The car has a very upscale feel. I wish side/torso airbags were standard instead of optional and that 4-wheel disc brakes were standard as well. Both of these issues have been addressed in the 2007 redesign.

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  my truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave Montville - April 5 - 12:10 am

  The truck has been perfect since I bought it. I went from a Dodge Dakota getting 8 to 9 mpg in the city to getting about 17 on the Tacoma with just as much if not more power than the Dakotas v8.

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  Excellent Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By twocruzin - April 4 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this car new in Jan 1994 and have put over 250K miles on it. The engine has never been touched and it does not use or burn oil. I have strictly followed the maint schedule & use Mobil 1. I just recently replaced all 4 struts because I intend to keep this car for at least another 100K miles. Over the years, Ive replaced a few parts. Other than the struts, the most major thing being all 4 window regulators. This car still drives and rides great and we do not hesitate to jump in and drive cross country - which we just did. This model year was one of the best Toyota ever built. Im glad I bought it. It still gets well over 30 mpg on the highway. It has 25 coats of wax on it.

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  Welcome refuge - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By WrP1997 - April 4 - 11:46 pm

  Driving 35K a year in an economy car has the body calling out for more comfort. Compared every luxury/full size car available from BMW to KIA. When you total everything up: MPG/Comfort/Fuel Type/Maintenance/ Price/Features/ Reliability and Design the Avalon is a pretty clear choice. New cabin is clean, clear and concise which instills in you a feeling of unpretentious elegance. The cocoa bean metallic paint is possibly the best color available by any manufacture this year. I have only had mine two weeks but fully expect my Avalon to be a trusted part of our family for the next 10 years.

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  My Experience With My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kathitb - April 4 - 11:40 pm

  With the price of gasoline right now, I feel that I have made a good choice with purchasing my Prius. I get excellent gas mileage and am impressed with its design. I get 43 miles per gallon in town and 51 miles per gallon on the road. People who have never seen a Prius before are really impressed with the keyless entry and ignition system. They are also cant get over not hearing the engine running when the batteries are powering the car.

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  We Go Eco - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Pam - April 4 - 9:10 pm

  This SUV was worth the wait. We love everything about it. Its a challenge to drive on battery as much as possible to get the best fuel economy. The sound system is awesome and the ride is as comfortable as our Lexus. We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of usable space. Everyone who rides in it wants one!

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  My Tinker-Toy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bec - April 4 - 12:53 pm

  I love it! Gets great gas mileage, fun to drive and comfortable. Passenger backdoors are a little bit of a bother but worth it! We get all kinds of looks everywhere we go. People are always asking if they can look at it and "What is it??" I no longer have to search the parking lot - since there are so few here where I live, it really stands out. I put over 2000 miles on it the first month I had since everyone wanted a test ride. It has such a smooth ride when I took my oldest daughter for a test ride she asked me why we were going so slow? We were doing 65, she thought we were doing about 40! Roomy, comfortable, good gas mileage. I LOVE IT!!!

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  Great Car, but... - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Andrew - April 4 - 5:36 am

  Have put about 700 miles on my new 2010 Sienna. Traded in a 02 Odyssey. The car is very quiet, good handling, great controls, smooth drive. Got the stereo JBL option - great sound (kids love it, too). Much quieter than the Odyssey and its the AWD is a great seller.