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 MPG at a great price - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By amancheski - February 14 - 3:53 pm

  I have had my 02 Celica GT 5speed since February 2013 and have had it on some long trips. Drove it from Upper Michigan to South west colorado and back. Even in the mountains i was maintaining over 30 mpg. While in the mountains at about 32 to 33 once we got to the flats i was between 36 and 37 mpg. For a car that sits so low to the ground and is light it rides very well sometimes I think it rides smother than my lifted Tundra. Havent been able to really test how well it does in snow to much as winter was winding down when i first got it but I can say that it does handle slippery roads very well. With not having any traction control or abs just make sure you know how to operate thus said.

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  Fuel Economy? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By wd - February 14 - 3:23 pm

  It is what it is, fuel efficient, not pretty, reliable, roomy for an econo box, and echo friendly. Ive slowed my driving pace substantially from the past and Im playing the "computer get the mileage up" game, but getting 39 MPG. Not complaining, but how others are getting over 45 MPG is hard to believe. I wouldnt want to drive in line behind them.

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  WOW! Says it all! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By dlogan - February 14 - 11:56 am

  Researched, looked, drove mid-sized SUVs for months before accidently coming across this wonderful spot of RED in the dealer parking lot! I have back trouble and needed a TALLER vehicle for comfort, this unexpectedly fit the bill! Went in stopped the paperwork on Jeep and have been extremely happy! Travel about 2000 miles per month and have a great time doing so! Love it with 3 kids and a TALL 61 husband!

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  A great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By eigendude - February 14 - 10:46 am

  Bought it used a few years ago. Besides the normal maintenance and a few burnt lightbulbs, the car is very reliable. Nice, smooth ride, good acceleration (manual transmission), good gas mileage. Starting to have a few rust spots (live in Montreal, Canada), but nothing bad. Overall, its a great car.

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  Sequoia 4x4 Limited - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By R.Womack - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Best overall vehicle I have ever owned in the last 39 years! I took a decibel meter and checked the quietness of several SUVs at 70 mph before purchasing the Sequoia. The others were not even close to the quietness of the Sequoia. It is smooth,powerful,has room for 8 with comfort and yet will turn tighter and handles better than my Pathfinder. If you want the best large SUV on the market and can write the check, look no futher.

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  great suv - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mustangmike - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I had a 97 expedition with 130k miles and did not feel it would go to 200k. I have only put 5k (bought with 16k) miles on the landcruiser but have little doubt it will go the miles. Buying used save a ton, close to trad in value. Wish mpg was better,just matches the expedition at 14. Car is very solid.

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  Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By SRT-4 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Poor tire quality; Steering Rack replaced at 15,000 mi (noise when turning left); Drivers seat track replaced at 16,000 (broken weld); Dealer indifferent to problems; factory floor mats of poor quality. Otherwise, very comfortable, reliable, good performance, handling.

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  Did not meet expectations - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Poor Richard - February 14 - 10:00 am

  After $2k worth of brake work under warranty they are again going bad. The transmission shifts with a jerk and the dealer wont do anything about it. The techs at dealer are not qualified to fix reoccuring problems like the brakes. I would not buy this truck next time.

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  kgs - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By keith saunders - February 14 - 10:00 am

  fuel econ 22, less than my 1990. needs more power if you tow/ go on hills very reliable,easy to drive not much dealing on price

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  Midlife Crisis - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Greg Cascino - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Lexus-like vehicle with all extras; Absolutely Red with Ivory leather interior is a great combination; navigation system is easy to use; beautiful leather, chrome and wood, A real head turner. Performs as well as a Lexus ES330.