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:

• 

  My favourite toy EVER! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By siobhan33040 - March 14 - 7:36 pm

  A veritable pleasure machine! This suv beats them all hands down. Great fun to drive around town. Cant wait to go off-road with her. Comfortable & spacious. Handles beautifully. Its stylish good looks make it a head-turner wherever I go. Have had it three days & cannot believe peoples reaction to it..... kids take photos of it with their cell- phones. Guys practically get run over while ogling it & women just LOVE it. Its a winner.

• 

  Its an FJ thing.... - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tbrock60 - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  Its obvious that most "professional" automotive journalists dont get the FJ and dont understnd its purpose. It isnt a AWD cross over, it is a very capable Off Road Vehicle. A properly equipped FJ is unequaled in off road capability, comfort and reliability. The often complained about "limited visibility" is easily remedied by adjusting your mirrors properly. Gas Mileage? Do you really buy an off road vehicle for gas mileage? Im getting between 23 and 24 on the highway...much better than my Dodge Ram! All in all, you either understand the purpose of the FJ and love it or you dont get it and the vehicle just confuses you.

• 

  A Fun Vehicle to Drive - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By JDAWG13 - March 14 - 6:10 am

  Ive only had the car for a week but I love it. Its a fun little car that has guts when needed. When you need to pass on the highway it has enough power to immediately accelerate. When you have that ability it equates into peace of mind.

• 

  Love It!!! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rlmblm21 - March 13 - 4:30 am

  Ive had this car for 2 months now and have enjoyed every minute in it. So fun to drive and people actually stop me in parking lots to tell me how great the car looks and to ask me what kind of car it is. (Mine is the blue one with black top, charcoal grey interior.) Amazing handling; hugs the road, but engine doesnt make a sound.

• 

  fantastic - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By brendan23 - March 13 - 4:28 am

  we have had this car for 13 years and is fantastic.

• 

  Best car and so reliable - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By marie - March 13 - 3:56 am

  I have been so happy with this car especially the fantastic mileage that I am getting. On long distance trips, I have figured that I get 50 miles to the gallon. I feel very safe and secure in this car and the maintenance has been insignificant. Just changing oil and the basics. I drive a great deal and it is wonderful in the winter weather. I will definitely stay with the Yaris.

• 

  Love my Prius! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Pikesfish - March 13 - 1:50 am

  Traded in a 2000 BMW 528I in June for the 2010 Prius Level III (updated the interior with leather). Havent looked back once. Had to get use to the way she drives but now that I have that under my belt I am averaging 58+ mpg on a regular basis and getting approximately 600 miles per tank of gas.

• 

  camry fever - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By scionmaster - March 12 - 5:30 pm

  this car is awesome!! toyota is write that this car is more than just a car my friends and my family loves it, i always get attention with this car....

• 

  Why is everyone so angry - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By M.Niners - March 12 - 2:52 pm

  Ive had my 2015 SE since 4-17-15 and I love it. I rent cars at least a month so Ive driven a good portion of the new vehicles out there( except the Accord) and I would definitely pick the Camery Over the competitors. The Camery interior seems to have better quality material. Ride is smooth.Exterior is sexy and overall a great car for the price ($20,590).

• 

  5,000 miles trip - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wtibbyj - March 12 - 2:22 pm

  Took a trip from Omaha to New Brunswick and back. Best combination of mpg, power, & comfort. Between 70 & 75 mpg got better than 39 mpg, quick passing regardless of speed, effortless cruising whether going up mountains, or with four adults, and snappy pick-up whenever asked. Electric lumbar support proved invalueable for the longer trips. Several passengers appreciated the rear ventilation duct and the rear seat space and comfort. Style and color not trendy but with privacy glass, looks classy but still seems conservative. Steering is responsive and precise. The controls are easy to adjust to and reach. Overall the ride is quite solid and relatively smooth. So far, great reliability