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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  I really Like it - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By penguin103 - September 8 - 9:22 pm

  Not a blast to drive by any means, but who are we kidding? Anyone who buys this vehicle is doing it for reliability, fuel efficiency and functionality. I have had my Prius V for a little over 3 weeks and just filled up for the 2nd time- Very happy I averaged 51.61 mpg, driving to maximize fuel efficiency as much as possible. Makes me feel good to know that if I drove it like I drove any other car, I would still probably easily attain the 42 mpg average on the sticker.

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  Perfect commuter car - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By toyoworld - September 8 - 2:00 pm

  I looked at every car out there and to me the Corolla was the best for what I needed. Toyota is known for resale and engines that go forever. I put over 250k on my Avalon and its still going strong. The mazdas were to loud and will not last, the hondas were to much money and I will not buy a hyuandi because they are simply not on the same level in quality regardless of what they say. Kia Forte was sharp looking but drove and rode the worst of the group. The corolla is the best selling car in the world for a reason.

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  A few steps below excellent - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By mugman1 - September 8 - 10:16 am

  Bought a Limited AWD to replace our old 05 Odyssey minivan. Good looking vehicle especially in maroon with black interior. We shopped Mazda and Honda (their products were dated) and Acura MDX (overpriced in my opinion). Got out the door with the tech package for $38K. Good value but at a cost. The interior design is quite nice, but there is evidence of cost-cutting in the hard plastic materials below arm level, the fell of some of the switchgear, and in the carpet (it feels like trunk liner material). It rides well, handles securely and has plenty of power when pushed, but it does drive "big" and the engine is coarse; the Odysseys engine was stronger and sounded better.

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  Glad I did it! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Stevio - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I was a little skeptical, but bought a 2002 Celica GT "certified used" with 6K miles on it. Without a lot of options, I got it cheap for a commuter car to keep miles off my more expensive and gas thirsty Land Rovers. Its really a blast to drive. Not too much power so you get carried away, but still fun getting up to the speed limit just a little faster than most. Great little car. Its no Bimmer or Benz, but adequate in all respects. Its been called a "chick car" but I can think of worse things than having a car that women appreciate.

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  No Problem Car. - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Shakeel - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Had it for 5 yrs. No problems so far. Only maintenance that I have done is 3000 mile oil change.

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  Sold on Toyota quality - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By markIII - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Toyota weve owned (95 Corolla) and we havent had a single problem in 8 years! Just cannot justify trading in a 5 year old car with no problems.

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  Rolling Office - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mick - September 7 - 2:06 am

  This is nice big comfortable truck. Ride is very good and truck has much power. If you need a large SUV for whatever reason, you should check this truck out. More refined then the others. I have been getting 15.8 mpg in mixed driving with only 2300 miles on the truck.

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  Camry is a BEAST!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Iwant10Prius - September 5 - 4:23 am

  No lie....I have 242,665 miles on my car and I am not embarrassed to drive it. I bought it with 112k miles on it from a private owner. It has been maintained well (oil changes, routine maintenance, etc.) but I have rarely put any other money into the vehicle. It drives down the highway almost like a new car. I would highly recommend purchasing this year Camry, as long as it has been taken care of. I will always be Toyota loyal after my experience (previous American-car only driver). What American car would ever even come close this mileage and reliability? Exactly! If I can get 500K, maybe I can get that new 2010 Prius I have been desperately wanting. :)

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  Good old car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Unfortunately - September 3 - 11:14 am

  This car was in "small "a accident and they are asking too much money for a 11 year old car but very nice car outside and inside

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  I Love This Truck - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mutine Bullfrog - September 2 - 2:03 pm

  Best truck I ever owned hands down. On and off road is great. Get one fast.