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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  Its an FJ thing.... - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tbrock60 - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  Its obvious that most "professional" automotive journalists dont get the FJ and dont understnd its purpose. It isnt a AWD cross over, it is a very capable Off Road Vehicle. A properly equipped FJ is unequaled in off road capability, comfort and reliability. The often complained about "limited visibility" is easily remedied by adjusting your mirrors properly. Gas Mileage? Do you really buy an off road vehicle for gas mileage? Im getting between 23 and 24 on the highway...much better than my Dodge Ram! All in all, you either understand the purpose of the FJ and love it or you dont get it and the vehicle just confuses you.

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  Good - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Balaji Pandian Selvarajan - March 14 - 2:08 pm

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  A Fun Vehicle to Drive - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By JDAWG13 - March 14 - 6:10 am

  Ive only had the car for a week but I love it. Its a fun little car that has guts when needed. When you need to pass on the highway it has enough power to immediately accelerate. When you have that ability it equates into peace of mind.

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  104K mi and still a beast - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By waywardlorax - March 14 - 2:17 am

  This car is simply the best. It is a zero frills, going to get you to your destination every time vehicle. I have put 104K on it myself, purchased new in 2007. I have done regular-ish service, going about 7500 between oil changes. I used to drive aggressively, but after calming down I now get 37-42 on the highway. I hit 45mpg once.... I never get under 30mpg, ever. The only downside I can think of is that I will not be in the market for a new car in a long time. I reasonably expect to hit 200K and I no longer have a commute to work. (<1mi). Also, I have no ABS and I now live in the northeast. This hasnt been a problem yet. Ive made it through very heavy snowstorms.

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  Exterior looks great but lacking basic features - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By kane - March 14 - 2:13 am

  I was really excited for the redesigned Tacoma as i was in the market for looking for a new car and it came out at the right time. However once i test drove the truck, i was disappointed in some of the basic features that were missing for such a high price tag. First is the ability to adjust the height of the driver seat. I felt the seats were too low and with the hood of the TRD sport blocked me from having a better view of the road. The truck doesnt have these items as standard features: Automatic headlights, HomeLink, Bi-Xenon lights, although i think you can add those for additional cost. The new hard tri-fold cover was a nice feature. The engine was pretty loud and felt much slower than the 2011 version i have drove.

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  Reliable, Economical Econo Box - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By MidMich - March 13 - 7:56 pm

  Today my 07 Corolla hit the 100K mile mark. To date, the overall MPG is 34.08. At 74K miles the engine component module went out but was covered by Toyota. At 81K miles, the intake manifold gasket was replaced for $135. These are the only problems I’ve had with the car. The OE G/Y Integrity tires were worn and replaced at 48K miles. I replaced them with G/Y Assurance ComfortTred which gives the car a quieter and more stable ride. There is still plenty of tread after 52K miles. The brakes are original. Seating position is good except very little lumbar support. I use a little pillow. I’m 6’2” and am comfortable driving 500 mile days. It’s a very good econo box.

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  Been very happy with this baby - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Eric Whitcombe - March 13 - 7:48 am

  Only auxiliary audio input, no USB. No bluetooth. I was disappointed with the Satellite radio interface built-in. The display does not scroll when content liek song tiel or artist exceed the display width. The digital FM interface does so even more disappointing. But aside from that it has given me great service for years.

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  Love It!!! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rlmblm21 - March 13 - 4:30 am

  Ive had this car for 2 months now and have enjoyed every minute in it. So fun to drive and people actually stop me in parking lots to tell me how great the car looks and to ask me what kind of car it is. (Mine is the blue one with black top, charcoal grey interior.) Amazing handling; hugs the road, but engine doesnt make a sound.

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  fantastic - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By brendan23 - March 13 - 4:28 am

  we have had this car for 13 years and is fantastic.

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  Best car and so reliable - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By marie - March 13 - 3:56 am

  I have been so happy with this car especially the fantastic mileage that I am getting. On long distance trips, I have figured that I get 50 miles to the gallon. I feel very safe and secure in this car and the maintenance has been insignificant. Just changing oil and the basics. I drive a great deal and it is wonderful in the winter weather. I will definitely stay with the Yaris.