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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  Celica - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Katy Bradley - September 7 - 2:33 am

  Great car for younger people. This was my first new car and i have been very impressed with it. Fairly large trunk space for such a small car. There is no room in the back seat whatsoever. Overall, I am very satisfied with my car.

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  After a year of my Avalon... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By virginia - September 7 - 12:56 am

  I owned 2 Honda Accord Limited then changed to Camry Limited in 2005. Loved it but decided to upgrade to the Avalon in 2008. I absolutely LOVE the comfort, quiet ride, "giddy-up" when you need to move, but cant agree more with the other reviewers that Toyota needs to REIMBURSE ALL OF US WHO WASTED THE MONEY ON THE GPS! IT IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST SYSTEM!!!! Completely unfriendly. I had the touchscreen version on my Camry and it was much better. Better to buy a NUVI- just bought an 885T and LOVE IT! Significantly cheaper than the MAJOR RIPPOFF OF TOYOTAS SYSTEM!!!!!!

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  Redefining Americas best selling sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lokch - September 6 - 10:43 am

  The newly designed body and interior is more stylish than previous ultra bland years -- though not over the top. The interior is very spacious with quality that I would expect from Toyota/Lexus. No squeaks, no weird noises, everything within factory tolerances. I tugged on various pieces in side. No shoddy workmanship I can see. Ride is comfortable -- though a little more firm than previous years. This translates to a little better feel for the road than the 06s. Rear seating has no drive train bump in the middle so legroom for the 5th person is good.

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  Not a Lexus - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Poole - September 5 - 4:20 pm

  The worst thing about this car was the push button start. Never own one again, after 1 year the battery in the remote went , the cars computer said it didnt recognize it so wouldnt start, had to use the spare, it took three days to replace the battery, not good. Also when the temperature went below -15c the burglar alarm would go off, so would have to turn it off every half hour. Traded it in on a 09 Venza, key start, a much better car.

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  This has been an AMAZING CAR!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By priusmatt - September 5 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my 2006 Prius V for a year and a half and just had to write a review because it has been such a wonderful car. I bought this car in May 10 w/ 80k miles on it and was a little worried at first because of the high miles. I ended up getting a smokin deal & the only fixes that this car has needed has been an A/C fan regulator, front light bulbs, and the typical oil change, brakes, tires. I now have 122,000 miles on this car (I drive about 3,000 miles a month) and man, what an excellent car! I have range 55-70 mpg (yes 70!) here in Phx. So, if you are considering used, go for it! This is a GREAT CAR that runs well as the miles get up there. Trading for an 11 Prius this month!

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  Venza (2.7 L -4-Cyl) Dont buy it - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By David Miller - September 5 - 10:43 am

  We just purchased the vehicle and as other people have said the car is very versatile and nicely made. However we are greatly disappointed in the ride quality. We did not take the car on the freeway during our test drive which was a big mistake. The Venza picks up every nook and cranny on the highway/road. Of course the roads in California are poorly maintained and made. It is running the 19 inch wheels and Bridgestone Hueler Tires which from website reviews are not good tires. The Venza bounces back and forth and up and down to the point it almost undriveable. We use to have a Nissan Murano which drove twice as good. I wish I could take it back and get back our old IS300 Lexus.

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  Toyota review - 2016 Toyota Tundra
  By Travis - September 5 - 4:20 am

  The trucks are getting less features and higher priced I will probably go back to Chevy they give you more for your money

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  Very Good Minivan - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By skynet - September 5 - 2:43 am

  This is our first purchase of a minivan and we love it so far. We like the pickup, quiet acceleration and very smooth ride. These are the main reasons we chose this van over the Odyssey. Sienna is built very well, powerful engine, nice exterior styling, very good interiors, power tailgate.

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  Tough to beat - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ed Evans - September 4 - 7:53 pm

  After owning both a Suburban and Expedition, I can say this is the best of the breed. The smooth ride, tight control, luxurious interior, and JBL sound system make long trips enjoyable. The heart of a Tundra and the soul of a Lexus. I love it!

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  My Review - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob Lang - September 4 - 4:50 pm

  I have owned my Highlander for several weeks and have only 300 miles on the odometer. I wanted to replace our 1997 Lexus LS 400 with a vehicle which would carry more items for us to carry to our summer home. On our first tank of gas the meter says we are getting 26.5 mpg on all local driving. It drives and handles very well and has a surprising acceleration compared with our Lexus. The amenities compare favorably with the Lexus, but I miss the automatic seat and steeringwheel tilt adjustments as well as the additional leg room in the second row of seats.