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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  Super amazing! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By aLeXaNdRa - October 31 - 12:20 pm

  I saw this car and I immediately fell in love with it just because of the looks. I got online and I saw how amazing the gas mileage is. I get around 38 MPG. Its a very comfortable car, so fun to drive. Great for the economy and handles like a dream. You can fit into any spot in a parking lot, and I have had it for about 4 months and its still perfect. I have had no problems with it. Its very roomy, not how you would think because its a small car. I just test drove it and then I knew that I was hooked.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lmollstl - October 31 - 4:20 am

  I have owned this car since new and the only thing I have done to it besides change oil is to install new front brakes and battery. I have also replaced the tires twice. This is the first import I have owned and cannot believe the quality and reliability of it. No other car owned even comes close.

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  Love this car!!! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By E Wakely - October 31 - 12:39 am

  Have been a loyal Honda consumer since 1992 and this is my first Toyota. Perfect transition from a 2007 Honda Odyssey to the Highlander. Pros: Comfort, ride, minimal road noise, interior room, back up camera, blind spot monitoring, audio options, iPhone interface. Cons: With 3rd row up, limited cargo space; gas mileage generally 19-20 mpg. I was so reluctant to give up my van after 16 years of Honda Odysseys, but time to move on from the minivans. Other vehicles we considered were: Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Ford Explorer and Infiniti QX60. Glad we did not spend the extra money for the Acura and Infiniti.

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  Comfort, speed, sound! - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By dbbksl - October 30 - 7:31 pm

  Drove a Camry XLE V6. Adored that car, never had a problem, averaged 15K yearly, got better than EPA fuel economy. Considered new Camry when I bought car in March 12, but test drive of Venza XLE V6 changed my mind. Incredible seat comfort, versatile storage, stylish interior, and magnificent stereo. Also exceeds EPA rating for fuel economy, just like my reliable Camry did. Not a jiggle or squeak in the body. Traction and stability control make this car perform faultlessly in pouring rain and on slick streets. Braking also excellent.

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  A thinking persons Lexus - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By rdw_audiofossil - October 30 - 12:26 pm

  This is my 2nd Avalon Limited. The car seats five full-size adults in comfort, with heated and cooled front seats, a terrific stereo, bluetooth connectivity, dynamic laser cruise control, and a respectable navigation system. Controls are easy to use (except the nav joystick) and the car is aesthetically pleasing inside and out. The ride is generally smooth, but suffers over rough pavement. The six speed gearbox and engine are smooth as silk. The exterior noise level is phenomenally low, and the gas mileage is exceptional for a car this size. Essentially, a near equivalent to a Lexus GS, with more legroom, better gas mileage, and more storage space, for $20,000 less.

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  Great for the whole family - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By TucsonMom - October 30 - 7:03 am

  I am a long time owner of Toyota vehicles so I didn’t need to be sold on the quality. Plus, Toyotas hold their value so you don’t lose much buying new. I just wanted to make an educated decision. I researched this van for over a month. I found the “real owner” reviews to be great. This van came highly recommended. Most importantly this van has great safety features for your family. My whole family is safe in this van. I love the way it drives. You feel like you’re gliding around in traffic. I can carry 8 people around with the a/c full blast and I still have excellent power.

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  Im loving it! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Steven M - October 30 - 7:00 am

  This is a car for anyone who wants a good dose of comfort, economy, and performance. The I4 moves it with authority. The amenities and quality are impressive. Reliability is an unknown for me as this is my first Toyota, but Toyota has a reputation for reliability.

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  Super Fun Big Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Holly - October 30 - 6:10 am

  I wanted a new car with great fuel economy and a 1980s-era price tag. My bright red 2-door liftback automatic is an adorable head-turner that more than doubled my previous MPG. It sits a little higher off the ground so getting in and out is easy, and the front seat area is remarkably spacious. It feels "big" on the inside. For the price I expected a "less substantial" car, but was surprised at its grippy feel of the road and responsive handling on curves. A $20 cable from Circuit City allowed me to stream my iPod through the radio. Passenger-side airbag sensor activates the airbag based on weight. Overall a thoughtful design and intelligent vehicle at a realistic price.

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  Love my Camry! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Dixie - October 30 - 12:51 am

  Why would anyone still be driving a 12 yr old car? Comfort ( I am in my 70s), trunk size and mpg( think road trips with 3 other quilters ), reliability, etc., etc......

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  Great Truck!!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By CharlieX - October 29 - 5:33 pm

  Got the SR5 package. Only a couple days old, but this is a great great great vehicle. Drives great, wonderful design elements, and Toyota reliability. Compared to my girlfriends 2006 Lexus IS250 - the Tacoma drives like the truck version: nimble and comfortable with a lift and bouncier shocks. Comfortable in heavy street and freeway traffic in LA. Everything feels solid and well put together. And something like 9 cup holders!