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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  Affordable and Sporty - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By S - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for something with a good history, with a style that wouldnt go out, and fuel efficient. I also found a great Toyota dealership that made me feel very comfortable in knowing I made the right decision.

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  I Love This Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By flin1 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Camry to facilitate the needs of our four driver family. I think I got a good deal on it because it had been sitting on their lot for a couple months and was not moving because its a manual 5 speed. I made a low bid and they called me back a month later. I cant believe how much I love this car. Its simply the best car Ive ever owned and drives like a dream. The only thing I can compare it to is the BMW 320i I test drove 25 years ago. I loved my old Saab 99 but I think this even surpasses it. The previous owner mounted 16" 5 spoke wheels and Michelin 16/55/215 tires. It corners like its on rails and the 4 cyl engine is very quick and gave 31 mpg on the last fill up.

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  Yaris Rules! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Padrooga1 - May 21 - 4:03 am

  I bought the Yaris Liftback, because I needed a car. Shopping around at slightly used cars I decided I could buy a new one (Yaris) for the price of the used. The Yaris was just being introduced and gas prices were rising. Those were big factors for me in purchasing this vehicle. This is my first foreign car that Ive ever owned. I also choose a foreign vehicle because of the reliability. I plan to drive this vehicle for many years. The ride is wonderful, I fill the tank 2 times a month. It rides smoothly for a small car and you really feel like your riding in a big car. I also like all the airbags and saftey options this car has!

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  01 Toyota Tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chad Simmons - May 20 - 6:13 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed owning and driving this vehicle. The appearance alone is worth the price; however, the reliability and power greatly increase the satisfaction. I would recommend this vehicle to all midsize truck owners.

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  No Regrets - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Scott C - May 20 - 8:00 am

  Just traded in my 01 4Runner for the 05 4Runner. Had serious reservations about releasing my old 4Runner. I loved it but needed 4WD. I test drove the Pathfinder and Honda Pilot. Both were not as fun to drive as my old 4Runner. Since my wife has a Landcruiser, I didnt need the V8 4Runner but the price was less than V6 (with rebates and dealer incentives),so I bought the 05 4WD V8 instead. This SUV is better in every way compared to my old 4Runner. It has effortless power and super smooth ride. As with my old 4Runner, the steering and braking is so much better than competition. The drive train feels better than the Landcruiser as well. The 4WD V8 4Runner is essentially the Landcruiser Prado

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  Great Buy - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By LindaB - May 20 - 6:56 am

  I bought my used Corolla just over three years ago and it has been problem-free. It now has about 70,000 miles on it, gets great gas mileage and does not burn oil. The AC and heater do their jobs well and its easy to handle. With an upgraded sound system, the original speakers sound great. This may be the smartest auto purchase Ive ever made.

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  "Oh" What a Feeling!! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By oaklandathletic - May 19 - 8:23 pm

  I looked all around to purchase a truck. I have has Chevrolets all my life. This Toyota is my first and I love it. I will be forever a Toyota owner. This truck is a joy to drive. The power is good enough for my comute 100 mile round trip. I love the body style. The JBL upgrade stero is very good.If your on the fence on which to buy Toyota is the complete all around package. This truck ROCKS!! Buy one you will like it!!

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  Best Small Car Ever - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Viki Benton - May 19 - 9:03 am

  I had always preferred large vehicles but took a chance on a small, economical commuter vehicle. It looked so ugly at first but upon getting in it, you find that it is large inside and really comfortable! And quality for an inexpensive car. I have had mine 5 years and I love it more than any other car I have ever had; its just the best car ever. I will drive it til it drives no more! A GREAT CAR! And it is actually a very good looking little car!! Wait till you get inside one and drive it. Exterior holds up well too.

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  greatly improved suspension design - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By richie - May 19 - 5:16 am

  These comments apply to 3 identical new Echos purchased from July-October 05,equipped with 15" wheels,175 section tires. Fine road grip. Heavy duty roll bars completely eliminate body roll. Corners flat. Nimble power steering, very precise, goes where pointed. Crosswind stability vg- etc. Very firm ride, no float on heaving road, a little rough on bad pavement (See my "8" rating for Comfort.)(Would rate it "10" with 2 or more people,or on good roads). Shifting easy, but downshifts from 5th to 4th take a little aligning. Stoplight Grand Prix acceleration a blast,shocks the unwary.Recommended tire inflation shows up small bumps...Reducing to improve ride gives PRONOUNCED understeer on fast turns

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  Camry more than you would expect - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bruno R Valenti - May 19 - 5:15 am

  The camry has been a very impressive car, although I have a 2.5 simpler motor SE without the Entune, I have found the radio to be very good along with a decent bluetooth, it rides smooth and very quiet, It is very impressive and I have to admit I am impressed, I traded in an E 350, I miss the weight and AWD security option, but other than that it is simple, reliable and impressive