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:

• 

  Great used car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By camrybug - August 29 - 4:40 am

  I bought my Camry for my college daughter two years ago with 85,000 miles on it. Two years later, at 115,000 miles, I have had no repairs AT ALL! The car is pleasant (not exactly a head turner) but does everything flawlessly. Great gas mileage and does exceptionally well in snow. I was surprised to find that it had ABS, a power drivers seat and a CD player. Toyota put a lot into a relatively inexpensive package.

• 

  This car is a 10! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Irene - August 29 - 3:33 am

  What can I say, this car is very roomy inside (if youre a skeptic, go test drive one, you will be pleasantly surprised!), it is reliable, economical and it looks great! I bought it just in time as the price of gas was really beginning to climb and now I am at the gas station once every 3 weeks. It may be a little pricier than other vehicles, but it makes up for it at the pump. Buy this car and become environmentally and financially smart. This car is a 10.

• 

  Noisy Crossover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Nancy M Covil - August 29 - 3:23 am

  Love vehicle overall. Toyota did poor job with noise reduction. Ours has been in shop 7 times for excessive wind noise. Toyota cant seem to fix problem.

• 

  Front seats extremely painful - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Nancy - August 29 - 2:40 am

  The seat is hard and made in 2 lumps. The one at the back is where upper truck puts all weight in one spot on buttocks causing pain and numbness of the entire leg. The lump in the front tips upward and presses on the pressure point of artery on the back of the leg. The foot rest keeps prevents the leg from having any place to strech the leg that is numb and tingling from the pain caused from the seat. The footrest is so high that if the leg is somewhat in a less painful position, you cannot reach the clutch engagement point. The lower section of the dash is so low your the shin bone hits it when engaging the clutch or trying to move leg from bent position forced by footrest.

• 

  Love, love my truck - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jami - August 29 - 1:34 am

  I just bought my truck March 16, 2017, only 13 days of ownership. I absolutely love it so far. Great power and great ride. I traded 2013 Nissan, hated that car, awful power, 17 mpg. I also owned 2007 Grand Cherokee w/ hemi, really liked that suv but does not compare to my 4runner. Got very lucky, 2008 v8, leather only 68k miles. Only bad thing so far, the cup holders really are awful, the cup will wobble and almost fall over.

• 

  90s Basic for Luxury price - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Essa Bercaw - August 28 - 11:21 pm

  I have only had the car for three weeks. It has everything that I wanted in a SUV, 4-wheel drive, all 7 passenger seats can fit adults, and it does not feel like I am driving a bus. (Like the Chevy Suburban) I however feel like I am paying for the 4-wheel drive, as my previous vehicle – a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, had more bells and whistles for technology, than this 2016 Sequoia.

• 

  2008 Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By woodsie - August 28 - 4:36 pm

  After spending way too much at the fuel pump, I needed to change. After reading the reviews I went and looked at Toyota and liked what I saw, a few test drives later I was hooked. Its only been a few weeks since I purchased but still no compaints, the gas mileage is great, 35 mpg 80% highway 20% city. The interior is roomy and the ride is comfortable. I have mainly driven vehicles with manual transmisions but I really like the automatic in this car. Its fun to drive and easy to maneuver.

• 

  4-cylinder Review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By In Tampa - August 28 - 8:36 am

  This car is pure joy. The 4-cylinder has more than enough power, and you save $1,500 + better gas mileage. The quality is great, same as other Toyotas. At first, I had a hard time spending $26k for this car compared to buying a Camry or Accord, but now Im glad I did. The utility and extra space this vehicle affords is well worth the difference.

• 

  Perfect first car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By tu2010 - August 28 - 5:50 am

  Bought this car used last year as my first car and love every minute driving it. Its a fun little car to drive with a peppy gas pedal. Very comfortable, spacious, gas mileage is not as great(30mpg). Had many near accidents and the brakes saved my life. I drive very rough with this car but hasnt fallen apart yet. I get a lot of compliments on the color. (Its light green)Plan to have it for the next 6-7 years. Would definitely recommend this to ALL college students or anyones choice for their first car.

• 

  You wont be sorry!!! Buy it! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt - August 27 - 10:43 pm

  We did our homework on researching the best SUV for our needs. We wanted a reliable, well rounded SUV with V8 power for towing and off road performance for Beach driving . We have had no issues with our 4runner and are happy with decision. Gas mileage is 15-19 around town which really is not that bad, plenty of power and a great ride. Dont be fooled this vehicle has outstanding off road performance - it will not get stuck in the sand!