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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  A reliable car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By SA - October 30 - 7:30 pm

  ive had this 2000 Camry LE 4 cyl, for about 19 months. So far, it has served me faithfully without any problems (22,000 mi). It is a very easy car to drive and live with, but can get boring sometimes due to lack of character. I drove it to Florida from New York, and back, and it performed exceptionally well. However, the car does feel underpowered at times (135 HP), especially during passing on the highway. Note: this is not the car for someone who likes to drive hard.

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  S-runner 2001 - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Switchblade Sue - October 30 - 12:20 pm

  I have had this truck only a week. I LOVE it! Great power even without the supercharger and i have gotten many compliments on it already. I find the hand brake to be very dated and the interior design to be very basic but even with these downfalls, i find it to be a great truck!

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  Fun with sport - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By rwmech - October 30 - 9:33 am

  I could only wish that it had a turbo. This thing is fun to drive and handles great. I drive a huge amount of miles and needed economy. This car fit the bill and provided some sport as well. For a subcompact it is very roomy. Handles well and has all the basics. Even without the power package this car satisfies the commuter needs at a fabulous price. I love filling up for 1/2 the cost of my minivan. The sport model gives you a little more in the way of handling. Just a great all around car.

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  Toyota Navigation thumbs down... - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Christopher Lenney - October 30 - 6:23 am

  My 2010 Toyota Sequoia has a nice smooth quiet ride, has plenty of power, and great handling. This is my third Toyota, and I am a very satisfied customer. However, the factory JBL navigation is the worst navigation I have ever had the displeasure of using. All essential features are locked out and cannot be accessed when the vehicle is in motion. My advice, purchase aftermarket NAV and backup camera.

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  Hated it! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Florida Nancy - October 30 - 6:10 am

  I loved my 89 Camry which we had for 13 years til we traded it for an 03. What a disappointment. Never did figure out how to park it straight. I always had to overshoot to get into a parking space. Styling was as exciting as a refrigerator. I traded it in. Dont leave a Camry outside overnight... mine got mildew in the little seams around the car, and if it was wet and I opened the drivers window, water dripped inside right onto the power window buttons. Toyota told me that was OK, I wonder over time if water in the buttons would hurt it? Front and back edges not visible from drivers seat, very hard to judge parking. Wouldnt buy again.

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  slow! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By snast - October 30 - 2:16 am

  dont get me wrong, I love this car. but stomp on the gas, and dont expect much to happen except a lot more noise. that being said, this is simply the most reliable, capable vehicle ive ever driven. ive had mine for 5 years, it has 300,000 miles, and it runs just fine. off road, its absolutely unstoppable. the storage and versatility is awesome

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  Love my highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By MeMe - October 30 - 12:10 am

  Its great on gas. Heavy solid car. Toyota makes dependable cars. Was absolutely Perfect for my needs but now need additional/large cargo space. Im so sad that I will be trading it in. Its an outstanding car !

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  The worst toyota I have owned out of 6! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By mike - October 29 - 11:59 pm

  The car shudders when coming to a stop virtually all the time. When the car is cold there is a definite clunk in the rear end when coming to a stop. Dealer says it is normal. I have vibrations and noise in the cabin that I have never experienced in any car. Gas mileage is about 19 mpg on the highway at 75 mph. There is not enough power to stay in 6th gear if there is any headwind or incline. The new transmission is okay at lower speeds but not 75 mph. Gas mileage in town is good at 18mpg. I do not have a problem with acceleration as long as you use the ect button. $39,000 truck does not come with mud flaps or power seats.

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  You Cant Go Wrong with 08 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By amx831 - October 29 - 10:50 pm

  I test drove an HL in 06 and liked it but decided to wait. When I saw the pics for the 08 I knew it was time. What an improvement! I have had my HL for 3mo now. I wanted luxury with utility and the Limited fits the bill perfectly. The EPA ratings seem to be accurate. Im getting 22 mixed and 27 hwy @<65mph and 25 hwy @>70mph. The seats are very comfortable at first, but start to feel hard after a couple of hours on long trips. People have complained about the head rest, I find their position to be perfect and comfortable.

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  Love the 2016 Prius Two Eco - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Javier Jimenez - October 29 - 10:36 pm

  After 2800 miles the car is averaging 70 miles a gallon. Thete is a power mode button where you can go to full power (121 HP 4 cylinder 1.8 liter) if needed. The car rides great, it is comfortable, roomy, hatchback with plenty of cargo space, double wishbone suspension and amazing MPG with the new rechargeable lithium ion battery.