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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  This car is great! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel Robles - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Call me crazy... I purchased a Lexus GS300, replacing my Camry, and now I am trying to hunt down another one. I put 75000 miles on my Camry in just under 2 years, it was a wonderful car, and I wish I could have it back.

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  I love my corolla - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Mal - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been great. I havent had a major problem and I drive 100 miles a day to work. I change the oil every 5K and have just installed platinum spark plugs. It is really reliable and I feel confident in it. We are considering purchasing a second one since my husbands gm car is really starting to die.

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  UPGRADE FROM RAV4 - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By YRAM - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I WAS WAITING FOR A USED HIGHLANDER. I UPGRADED FROM A RAV4 WHICH WAS TOO SMALL. I HAD IT 5 YEARS AND WAS MY FIRST TOYOTA SO I WANTED ANOTHER AND LOVE HIGHLANDER STYLE. BEING USED IT DOES NOT HAVE ALL THE FEATURES I WOULD LIKE ,BUT I LOVE IT. IT BIG, ROOMY SMOOTH RIDING, GREAT ON GAS, LARGE CARGO AREA FOR HAULING AND HIG UP OFF THE GROUND. IT IS THE NICEST AND MOST FAVORITE CAR I EVER DROVE. THE DEALERSHIP IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST AND HAS GONE OVERBOARD TO MAKE EVERYTHING PERFECT. ITS A 2001 IN MINT CONDITION AND HAD 20,00 MILES ON IT. SO HAPPY WITH MY NEW BUGGY. THANK YOU

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  Tacoma 2002 - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Khoi - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck. Ive owned the inline 4 in the past and it was adequate for everyday use. But changing over to this 3.4 L V6 is great. This engine has so much pep in it. Althought I would love to see how it could really perform with the TRD supercharger.

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  Corolla -S Rocks - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By brian m - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving a 92 Camry since 94, I drove it into the Dealer with 194k, I told them that since they only had 4 Corollas on the lot that I would have to order mine, the dealer assured me that the were not in production anymore, so I settled on a Black Corolla S, it had all the options I wanted and more, except for the moon roof, wich the dealer promised me they could install and it would be exactly the same as the factory install, turns out it wasnt nothing like the factory install and after the 24 hour waiting period, I pressed the buttons and it didnt work, its under warranty so I guess they will be fixing it soon, at any rate, driving this car is extremly fun

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  Not a full size - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Mandle - July 2 - 4:15 am

  Although I am very happy with this truck, folks stepping down from a full size will likely feel a bit cramped. Until they need to park anyway. Then the more reasonable dimensions are welcome.

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  first hybrid - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By kittkatt23 - July 1 - 12:23 pm

  bought this used, <7k in January. it a big improvment over my 08 Mazda 5. The rear room is the same, but the mpg is 2x of Mazda 5! i have hubby, a toddler and 2 mutts. all of us fit just fine. Hubby loves it. it has planty of room for him (62") the entune sys is good. i just wish it would remember the settings so that i dont have to press a dozen buttons just to get pandora to play. i avg out 42.4mpg (fuelly) my computer tells me its almost XX, but its alway -3 of what the computer says. not sure why. love the low maintenence vs Jettas. just tire rotation and oil change. ill be keeping this one for over 5 yrs for sure!

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  Very Happy with purchase - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Asim - July 1 - 7:43 am

  Only issue is Premium AWD limited has NO ottoman chairs ,no 3rd row automatic recliners chairs,and NO middle console that slide back. ALL these features are included in LIMITED FWD. other wise great car , interior and exterior great , feels like LEXUS VAN in toyota lineup.

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  So far, awesome! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By stephen portier - July 1 - 12:16 am

  I have only had this car four months and I already have 20,000 miles and nothing has gone wrong. I am in my car all day for about 175 miles on average and I have nothing to complain about. Sure its not the fastest thing in the world but who expected that? And everything else about it is perfect. Mine stays in a straight line for hours. Not to mention perfect gas mileage for not even being hybrid. I may not know everything but I love this car.

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  A fine car for the money... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By faldoc - June 30 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this V6 XLE only 3 days ago, but I already have about 450 miles on it. This is a very smooth car to derive, with a compliant and supple suspension. It is very fast, with smooth shifting, yet it is very quiet with very good isolation from road noise. It has a bit of thump on certain road surfaces. The V6 is very responsive. In mixed driving I got 27.8 mpg. On the highway it seems to get about 32 mpg. I like everything about the car: styling is good inside and out, with a luxurious feel and attractive leather and fake wood. I find the seats very comfortable, driving on the Interstate for an hour a time, or on country roads for 2. There is adequate trunk storage, and useful nooks.