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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  Sexy car - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Keena - September 5 - 6:18 pm

  You have several choices and packages for the 2018 Camry. I had a 06 previously. After seeing the re-designed 2018s. I knew I had to have one. The Rav 4 was up for the running. But my SE is soo sleek and sexy, I got it off the show room floor. I wanted a sunroof but didnt want the price. But this one works good for my needs. It sits low kinda between a sedan and a sports car. Acceleration is great it has S for the sports mode gearshift. Audio is great, also lane assist, auto high beam lights. I love my new car.

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  I am sooo glad I bought this car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By joe540ci - September 5 - 2:50 pm

  This car is so nice and fun to own that It seems to make non-hybrid cars obsolete. The fuel mileage gauge makes driving a very fun and challenging game. The car is smooth and driver friendly. I love it.

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  Loving it so far - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By mbillo - September 5 - 12:04 am

  After the eternal debate between the Ody & Sienna, we finally settled on the Sienna XLE FWD with Navi. Loving it so far. Took a couple of 100+ mile trips and the family loves the spaciousness. Mileage has creeped up from 13.x to 18.x (in approx 500miles). Interior is OK and could do with a few value based additions like mood lighting.

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  High Quality, High Performance Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By GregS96 - September 4 - 7:56 pm

  Leased this vehicle in Nov, 2007. 4,800 miles as of Feb, 2008. Former owner of a 2005 Dodge Ram Powerwagon. The Tundra Limited equipped with the off road package and navigation system is far superior in every respect, except dedicated offroading (no stock truck beats the Powerwagon for that). The Tundra is a large vehicle, but the parking sonar, rear view camera and outstanding turning radius makes it relatively easy to park and maneuver. Road manners are outstanding with performance car-like acceleration and passing capability. Back seat leg room is the best in its class. If it wasnt for its truck-like gas mileage (14.5 mpg average so far), it could easily pass for a daily driver.

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  05 4runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - September 4 - 7:33 pm

  Great car, almost as fun to drive as the BMW 540 I had before this car. Very reliable, handles well, plenty of power out of the V6. 5 speed automatic transmission really sets this car apart.

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  Its all good - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Big Paulie - September 3 - 10:43 pm

  I have 35k on the car and not a problem. It rides great and handles pretty good. Even did well in an accident.

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  Third Toyota Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By E.A.H. - September 3 - 9:36 pm

  This is my third Toyota truck and fifth Toyota. This is by far my favorite of all of them! The CrewMax is absolutely huge for the whole family. The back seat dwarfs my daughters car seat and I, at 66", can sit in the back seat with extra leg room. I have the moon roof and dont seem to have any issues with headroom. The truck is big and strong. The body panels dont seem to be as solid as my 4Runner or Tacoma I sold, but it probably is because of its sheer size. The 5.7L motor is the strongest engine I have ever driven in a gasoline truck. I think Toyota is finally able to compete with the full size domestic trucks. Absolutely elated!

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  Trust me, you need to take look... - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By steve - September 3 - 12:40 pm

  This is a superb package, loaded with value. The Limited Ed has very refined suspension, combined with the cars insulation, it makes for a very quiet and peaceful commute. The Limited ED is also dressed up a bit with 19 inch rims, chromes door handles, stain finish roof rails so looks good cleaned up for a nite out, but is equally adept at home depot and can tow 5000 lbs. Its one of the few trucks that is versatile enough to play both roles...and with the savings you can afford to buy a small sports car for top-down motoring.

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  Fun driving this powerful monster... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By AJ - September 3 - 9:23 am

  I am still driving this 07 RAV4 V6 2WD. Have no problems except the stereo needed to be replaced once due to manufacturing defect. This is a sweet buy for a 3.5L engine and its HP. I wish the braking system was a little better given the cars engine power, but not of big concern. I love it every time I jump in for a drive. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for power and reliability in affordable price. Agree, looks could have been made a little better, hope Toyota comes up with new looks for this powerful monster in future.

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  Excellent Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 3 - 4:50 am

  Great truck! Very quiet with a super smooth ride. Titan was too loud for me. Toyotas engine is very responsive and really moves the truck. The truck is long so make sure it will fit in your garage if you need it to. I think I am going to keep this one for a long time. Horse power went down in 06 due to some tpye of new calibration according to Toyota.