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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  Great car, remember its over a decade old - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By kms1990 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car even at 100k+ miles engine is strong for 1.8L 140 hp i4 the interior looks modern and is well designed and built look out for factory exhaust though catalytic converters are a big issue with these cars its all over Internet forums and with that comes O2 sensors as well at $200+ a sensor make sure your intake stays clean or it will start all these problems and it gets nasty easy causing many preventable headaches it also needs premium plugs even the gt not just gts or it will burn through them fast over all though great car not many complaints after I fixed the exhaust issues and cleaned intake no major issues when cat dies it can leave you stuck just use caution when buying

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  Mixed feelings - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Jo - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Am I the only one that HATES gas mileage Im getting? Mostly hwy, also city and Im averaging 23-24 mpg. My 2003 Camry got better gas! Nice design, inside and out. They changed spot for moving side mirrors, more inconvenient as I have to feel around for it at night. 2003 had it on the door, much easier.

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  Good car, but terrible quality. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ToyotaTodd - November 16 - 5:26 am

  I love the way this car looks, drives and handles. However, the quality is absolutely terrible for a Toyota. It has major transmission issues, which I have had fixed twice. It has awful rattles and squeaks in the moonroof, dash, and rear deck. The dealer has tried to fix them, but the noises wont go away. I will keep this car, but I hope Toyota improves their quality to their older standards of the mid 90s.

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  Super Awesome 1st Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By NateDog - November 15 - 6:23 am

  Recieved as my first vehicle for my 16th birthday, and it has been incredible. Amazing gas mileage, comfortable for long or short drives, spunky acceleration, and cruises like a champion. Cant say anything bad about this car, it is a dream. Drove it all the way to Louisiana from California, 75 the whole way, and it returned 40-42 miles to the gallon! Carried all my junk too, completely packed down with stuff. Buy this car if you are in need of an economical vehicle!!!

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  YOU WONT FORGET ITS A TRUCK - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By BST - November 14 - 11:32 pm

  Have been driving the 2016, 4WD, SR-5, 6 cyl. Tacoma Access Cab for about 2 years now. The 6 speed auto is continually shifting. The drone from the engine and exhaust is LOUD! The new Atkinson Cycle engine may have more horsepower, but it doesnt show. Acceleration is slow - much less than what I get from my 2013 6 cyl. Highlander. It rides rough! You definitely will know you are riding in truck. The step-up into the truck is high and awkward. The drivers seat is way too low and its uncomfortable. It handles well and gas mileage is 20 -23 depending on the trip distance. Instrumentation, gauges, etc. are fine, but the temp control and fan speed is hard to decipher. The composite bed is nice and saves buying a liner. I use it as a truck and bought it for reliability, so it works for me. If youre looking for a quiet, smooth ride with barely noticeable shifting, you dont want a Tacoma. If youre looking for a reliable work truck, this one is tops. UPDATE: After driving the Tacoma for 2 years now, I have nothing new to add to my comments above - and nothing to change. I will note that with a yard of mulch or a half yard of crushed gravel in the bed it rides much better and the shifting is a lot smoother. But for everyday use, Toyota could have done a much better job with the suspension, noise suppression and the transmission. Mileage now (11/17) is 6700. The trucks obsession with frequent shifting is annoying to say the least. Between 50 and 53 mph it frequently bucks and carries on like theres water in the gas as it cant decide if it wants to change gears or not. The engine/transmission matchup on this truck might produce good mileage, but its a real nuisance to drive. Theres a TSB out on this shifting issue which some say helps the problem and I plan to have the dealer apply that on my next visit.

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  2002 Land Cruiser - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By gu - November 14 - 10:06 am

  I just got my Land Cruiser. I love it!! Very comfortable and quiet. I love the looks from behind, nicer taillights than the Lexus 470.

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  Happy but..... - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By tigger5702 - November 14 - 9:46 am

  Smooth at first, now after 10k miles the engine little rough in idle, missing a lot of details found in less priced toyotas Ex. instrument panel lighting found in camrys and corollas, temp display, hood gas strut as in camrys, a more modern instrument panel ala solara. Be careful with the "millions" of options, they are good but will confuse you and drain your pocket, do your homework at home, 4 cyl is enough, powerful ,better mileage than 6 cyl, uses 87 and tows 3000lbs vs 3500 in the 6cyl

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  Best Truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By BEST TRUCK OUT THERE - November 13 - 9:40 am

  I bought this truck used in 1996 with 12000K. This is the best truck out there now. I put 260,000 miles on it and it has never left me stranded. The only complaint is the ride is bumpy now, but its very strong for a 4 cylinder. The bed is very strong. People underestimate my truck when they see it, but when they see the load I put on it, they are surprised. Now I bought a new 2006 Tundra top of the line limited with TRD pkg. I would recommend Toyota to everyone who is looking for reliability, economy and gas mileage.

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  One hell of a good purchase - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By J. Rogg - November 12 - 10:30 pm

  I bought the vehicle on a friends advice and love it. It rides nice, drives nice, and gets some awesome gas mileage. There is not much to really say except that its a typical Toyota, reliable,economical, and practical. The 2litre engine is excellent and peppy for a vehicle this size but the brakes are a little spongy. I tend to have a lead foot and this vehicle responds so well to the abuse I put it through that I will definetly buy another Toyota for my next car which will probably be in three years. It is an excellent vehicle and is everything I need and then some from a vehicle.

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  A Real Head Turner! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By TBarry - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my matrix only two days ago and I am totally impressed with it so far! Its comfortable, roomy for cargo and people and also very stylish. I love the interior chrome finish, and the premium stereo in mine is just great. I have noticed that there are rough edges on the plastic on the doors and center console (as it says in the consumer review), but for the price I think its a very well put together car. I love the looks my solar yellow matrix gets, and its hard to miss in a parking lot! Overall a great value. I cant believe how many extras I got with my xr model, and this car can really pick up speed too!