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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  The best car of its class - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Daniel B - November 20 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car. Driving is smooth, silent, sound isolation inside is perfect, steering is great, need to use a manual break bar while parked since it adjusts a rear breaks. Convenient features are great. Need to be careful on the freeway if windy -- do not exceed 80 mph -- may be unstable beacause of its design.

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  My Cheap Lexux - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lmid - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car but wish I could have my cake and eat to. I wanted the NAV. system, but had to give up the CD- Changer. Sinmce I spend a lot of time on the road and love music.... Car also need audio controls on steering wheel. Altima & Honda has it. Thinking of getting another Camry, but will wait to see if any improvments are made.

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  Oops.... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Mary - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Im sure that it will be reliable and hold its resale value. But it is NO FUN to drive and the styling is not pleasing. I do like the superb 4- cylinder engine which is powerful, smooth and economical. Gees, put this engine in an Accord and then wed have something!

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  bye bye CRV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron - November 20 - 8:40 am

  I was waiting for the new CRVs to come out to make my purchase. After seeing the CRV i am so glad i got the RAV4, just went on a 400 mile trip with it last weekend and love the ride, fuel was about 25mpg, not bad.Power is awesome Great SUV

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Lisa - November 20 - 8:33 am

  I carefully researched this vehicle, comparing consumer reviews, cost, safety, and insurance premiums for the Yaris, Fit and Aveo. The Yaris won "hands-down" and was worth the one month wait for my vehicle. My Yaris is replacing our Ford Escape in my daily commute. I am now driving twice as far on 1/2 the price of gas. There is also plenty of interior space with the versatile seating capability. I packed the car for a trip "north" with golf clubs, gym bags, bike rack, dog and kennel. There was plenty of room to spare.

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  Super thundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By willie murray - November 20 - 7:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle for my lawn service, and have been very pleased with the power, ride and looks of this vehicle. I would buy another without a second thought.

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  Fun and practical car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By RJC - November 20 - 5:50 am

  I have driven my 2005 Prius nearly 30K miles and have little to complain about. I average 43/44 MPG on interstate highways at 80 MPH average. Best mileage per tank was 51 MPG. No complaints at my average speed and no problems for the car to handle 90+ MPH. Utility of car is a very pleasant surprise as storage space with rear seats folded down is impressive. Bluetooth doesnt work very well but NAV system is much better than on my wifes Lexus. Wind noice at high speeds is my only complaint as well as "feeling" road surfaces a bit more than larger car. I will gladly accept this tradeoff however for this great car.

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  Love it - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By will - November 20 - 5:30 am

  We love this car. Consistently get 24 mpg if I keep it under 80. It handles like a sports car, very quick. Interior layout is the most convenient, cup holders are up front for easy access. Dont like where Toyota put the cruise control & road noise is a little excessive but tolerable. We are currently looking for another one for my wife.

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  You get what you pay for - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Willow - November 20 - 3:16 am

  Just leased my 6th Camry XLE. Each time I look around and always come back to this great car. As the years have gone by, I always add the new options, especially all the safety ones. The safety connect option is reassuring. The Camry is reliable, comfortable, quiet, plenty speedy, roomy and easy to drive. Terrific AC too, no wonder America loves this car, what is not to love!

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  Love My First Toyota - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By First Toyota - November 20 - 12:26 am

  I am in outside sales and drive approx 25k per yr. I purchase a new car every 3.5-4 yrs and usually purchase fords. I am a big guy and never thought to look to Toyota for just that reason. I was looking for a car that I could get 5 yrs or 125k+ out of and have it be worth a few thousand dollars when Im done (hopefully this is it). I am 62" and over 290 lbs and I am more comfortable in this car than I was in my ford f-150 that I traded from as I dont feel "beat up" at the end of a long ride. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for room/comfort. Still to early to speak to reliability but time will tell. So far avg 24.5- 27.5 mpg city/hwy combined.