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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  Premature exhaust manifold crack at 4k. - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jomer - August 9 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased my 08 Sequoia last Jan 09, after 3 days the headliner rattled, the headlamp washer cover discolored. After 4k miles the exhaust manifold cracked! Interior very plasticky and hollow!

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  2017 Camry XSE V6 - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By John Smith - August 9 - 6:58 pm

  So far I love this car! Very well made, no rattles, Quiet. Great acceleration. Not to impressed with xm or the voice commands but I may not know fully how to use it yet. This model is fully loaded and I cant think of anything else I would want. Oh yeah, the led headlights are incredible! Also led high beams and auto high beams and driving lights. I do wish they had continued the leds in the back. And I think all Camrys have (real transmissions) not those CVTs I hate those.

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  Be realistic, and youll love it - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By lrtoyota - August 9 - 3:33 pm

  Love my 2WD 5.7 L SR5 Sequoia. It is everything that the reviews say it is. Very large vehicle, yet handles surprisingly well. Easy to corner and park. Tons of power. Struggles with MPG in town, obviously, but really does surprisingly well on the highway. "Sweet spot" on the highway is about 68 for my Sequoia. Put the cruise on around there, and I consistently get 22-23 MPG, which is great to me. My SR5 came with a leather upgrade, and the quality is very high. Very happy so far with my purchase

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  great car for a great price - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mluu510 - August 9 - 1:50 pm

  i got mine for $18.1k plus tax/etc. i love it so far. although, i think my radio atenna is malfunctioning. i love the seats! theyre very confortable and sporty. the 07 model is definitely better. they have nice upgrades like HID headlights, LED tailights and mp3 player but i got the 06 model at a big discount.

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John - August 9 - 10:43 am

  Ive been driving it around town and on the expressway. Its 100x better than the new Beetle I traded for it.

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  Yes. It seems like will run forever - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Lei - August 9 - 10:19 am

  220,000 miles on it. Never maintenance, every 20,000 miles for one oil change, normal wheel bearings and brakes replacement at 200,000 miles. Never have problem.

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  Disappointed owner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By r b - August 9 - 9:58 am

  This car had an oil consumption issue. Toyota considers 1 qt. per 1100 miles normal. For me the oil consumption and loss of gas mileage was not acceptable nor normal. The final detail was the resale value. In 2012 I paid $13,000 for the car. In 2015 a Toyota dealer would only give me $3,000 trade in value. This car was a loss from start to finish. No part of the Toyota ad campaign in true.

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  Love my new Matrix! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By ystapdoognabel - August 9 - 9:53 am

  Ive only driven my new 2008 manual transmission basic Matrix 200 miles but as of this moment, its my favorite car Ive ever had. It just feels like the "perfect fit". I guess its really too early for me to say much but so far, so good. I like the way it drives. I like the looks of the inside and outside. I like the amount of visibility it has. The seats are firm but very comfortable on the back. I test drove a Honda Fit Sport and was surprised at how much more I like the Matrix.

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  07 Toyota Corrola LE - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Karron Boaz - August 9 - 1:20 am

  Just have had my 07 Corolla LE for not quite 1 year now and the computer is going out in it. The Toyota dealer said that this is common in the Corollas and they have them on order. Bought the car as a certified used in 08. I still love my car and Toyota will replace it. Happy with their service very much so.

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  Fun to drive & great mileage too! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ToyotaFan - August 8 - 11:30 pm

  After having several new Toyotas of all sizes, the Yaris 2D Hatch is the most fun to drive. I road tested the competitors and none handled as well, or were rated as high in mileage. This car rides very comfortably and the small turning circle makes it a real pleasure to manuver around in town. Ive had mine 6 weeks and average 36 mpg in city only driving. A 300 mile trip on the freeway returned 42 mpg @ 70mph. The interior is very well thought out with lots of cup holders, 3 gloveboxes, & many small storage areas. Mine has the sport seats which have high grade material and are very supportive & comfortable. I could not be happier with my new 2008 Yaris.