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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  Camry SE is the best! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Lia - May 25 - 7:10 pm

  I fell in love with this car the second I test drove it. I traded in a 2001 Toyota Highlander because I wanted to get back into a sedan. Its so fun to drive - the pickup is wonderful - and it is so comfortable even on long drives. The bluetooth is nice and I dont have a problem hearing the people on the other end but have had people tell me that sometimes they have trouble hearing me. Overall I am ecstatic about my purchase. No problems thus far. It was part of the recall but the dealership put in all of the new parts overnight which was convenient for me.

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  One of the best in class - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon - May 25 - 6:21 pm

  Thought it was only fair that I write one on these since, I have read so many. I bought my rav4 pre owned and certified. It has been a very good suv. It has surprisingly good pick up for a 4cyl. I have no problems with the family in the car passing others on the road when needed. I have had knock on wood no problems in over a year of ownership. The back seats are comfortable and recline. The front seats are comfortable as well. It is ok in the snow not a 4 wheel drive jeep but it gets the job done like most awd vehicles.

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  What I think of my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Blee - May 25 - 11:36 am

  I am a little disappointed that the mileage is not quite as expected, 46 mpg, but its not so bad, and the car is beautiful inside and out (I got the leather seats). The navigation system is easy to use, although the car prevents me from using it while driving. Also, the air bag alarm goes off if I place my briefcase on the passenger seat, it thinks I put a small child there without a seatbelt, I guess. Another anoyance is the open door light, it doesnt tell you which door. Even my old 1977 Honda accord did that! But, the backup video is useful, keeps me from running over my cats, and, overall, in spite of the annoyances, I am very happy with the car.

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  very poor intune system, - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By girma - May 25 - 5:50 am

  I have 2018 camry se, Im not satisfied with the car ! No happy with the intune system, engine sometime when slow down and acceleration not smooth, all my life was driving camrys but this one going to be my last one really regret buying this car specially SE version just show off!!

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  Classy ride - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Buffalo Bill - May 25 - 3:20 am

  My Camry V6 SE is quiet and sporty while being classy and fun to drive. Excellent acceleration, handling and engine performance. The only complaint so far was a rattle noise in the center console. My mechanic says it will be a quick fix.

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  Great Snowmobile! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By New England - May 24 - 7:16 pm

  After relocating to New England, I decided to buy a 4-wheel drive and purchased the Rav4 Sport model. After the first major snowfall, I was convinced that I had made the right decision. This terrific car cut through the snow like it was not even there! Its beautiful, responsive, and fun to drive. Also, I like the Toyota reliability. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a car that is reliable and will take on any type of weather!

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  Best Value Ever - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Perry Hammmons - May 24 - 3:10 pm

  This truck is the best of the 3 Toyota pickups Ive owned since 1987. Checking the Kelly Blue Book and Nada a year after purchase I found it has INCREASED in value. I paid $19,888 for it and with $15,500 miles on it retail book is $22,000 Wholesale is just a few hundred dollars less than the purchase price.

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  Quality, Looks and Performance are the reasons - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Croy - May 24 - 1:13 pm

  I love this truck. So much that I drove 225 miles to buy it for $1,800 less than any deal I could find locally. And the dealer was willing to go out of his way to trade for the exact truck available in the color combination and options that I wanted. This truck drives and performs even better than I expected. The aggressive styling of Tacomas 4 door Access Cab are absolutely the top of the class

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  RAV4 Limited Is a Gas Hog - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By srubida - May 24 - 8:28 am

  Purchased my RAV4 on 5-27-2011 and already wish I could afford to trade it in on something else. Its awful gas mileage is affecting my lifestyle because now I dont go anywhere that I dont have to, at an average 16mpg (and I drive "lightly" and carefully). The vehicle itself is fine; I am glad it is a little larger than previous editions. The fittings, cup holders, etc., are all fine (Im not picky, I just want transportation). At 16mpg, I might as well be driving a monster truck rather than a smallish SUV. This will be my second and last Toyota, because it replaces a well-tended Highlander that needed $3000 in repairs and failed its legendary durability reputation. Bye bye, Toyota.

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  Tacoma - built for the long road. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ozgard - May 24 - 7:56 am

  I shopped around for a few months. I looked at the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford F15 and Nissan Frontier. What pulled me to the Tacoma was the number of older Tacomas still looking great. I talked to a few Tacoma owners and asked them how they liked their truck and they all responded that they loved their truck. I am very happy that I went with the Tacoma. The truck feels solid and drives extremely well. The gas mileage could be a little better but Ill take 18 MPG versus some of the other trucks. If you want a truck thats built Tacomas the one.