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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  Luv It - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mac - January 19 - 5:36 am

  Have owned all types of vehicles since 1950s. This is by far the best all around, useful and the most fun to drive of any I have owned. It will tow 5000 lbs, gets about 22 mpg, huge cargo area with the seats down, seats 5 and with the sunroof open and the windows open is almost as fun to drive as any vehicle I have owned... and I have owned about every make at one time or another.

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  2010 Toyota RAV4 Limited - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By paulm - January 19 - 3:30 am

  Bought this vehicle two months ago and could not be happier with it. Everything actually works, its fun to drive, gets decent gas mileage and it was delivered without a scratch or ding on it. Im hoping to keep it that way. And with the v6, no problems with passing on the highway. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a new ride.

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  The best. Period! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By gtsfreak - January 18 - 11:05 pm

  Have owned a 2004 Celica GT-S since January 2011. What a blast to drive. Hopefully, Ill get the infamous Toyota reliability out of this car as I did from my 1991 Celica ST. Its a shame Toyota discontinued this model back in 2005. Car runs smooth. Terrific handling. Sharp interior. Unfortunately, Celicas take a beating from the public. I cant tell you how many times people have purposely scratched, keyed and dented my car out of jealousy. It happened to my 1991 Celica as well. For some reason, they just cant let a sweet looking car look sweet for long. On the other side of the coin, even today, people will stop to complement me about this great looking car. It rocks! Very pleased with it.

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  Love it! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By teamtodd - January 18 - 10:46 pm

  We purchased a loaded 08 Sport, minus leather, and we just cant drive it enough! It is so smooth and quiet; feels like you are gliding. Our first trip we averaged 27.3 on the road and in the city we are averaging 21.2. Overall we are very pleased with our new purchase.

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  Camry XLE V6 - excellent. Extremely reliable - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - January 18 - 8:26 pm

  This 2007 Camry V6 has been the most reliable and maintenance free car Ive every owned(And Ive owned at least 20 cars!). I have 130,000 miles on it, only maintenance has been two sets of tires, one set of brake pads, wiper blades and cabin filter. Oil/filter changes are done free of charge by the dealer every 5000 miles. It still has the original battery! The engine is very smooth and powerful(better than my wifes newer BMW). I still get 30 mpg on the highway. It runs the same now as it did 9 years ago. My only very minor complaint about the design is the rear seat should have folded down 60/40 instead of the small pass through. I think the reclining rear seat didnt allow for the folding, poor design choice. No one ever reclines the rear seat. Great car!

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  Great Value - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Suechik - January 18 - 1:10 pm

  I had researched the Honda Civic and the Saturn Ion Quad Coupe before purchasing my Toyota. The Civic was equal with the exception of comfort on the inside. Comparing the Civic to my Corolla, the seats are just more comfortable. The Ion coming from GM and their reputation forced me to the Toyota Corolla. I am happy with my purchase. The Corolla also has a little more get up and go than does the Civic. If you are vehicle shopping, definitely consider the Corolla.

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  So far so good! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Bailey - January 18 - 10:19 am

  First 1700 miles..have been fantstic. Picked the Toyota over the Jeep Grand Cherokee n Ford Explorer! Look at the cheap fiber board wheel wells of Jeep n Ford at least Toyota has plastic in the front n some plastic in the rear, If going on dirt roads fiber board wheel wells WILL NOT hold up over time. The Toyota fuel economy is much better than expected. Getting 24.5 in city n 27+ on highway so far. Plus the V6 engine is the same as a Lexus RC 350. Love having radar weather over navigation maps too. That is free for life. Overall a 10 plus so far...!

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  A Worthy Investment - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunnerKen - January 18 - 10:10 am

  It’s all in the details. This 100% Japanese-made wonder is exactly what those who appreciate automotive excellence in engineering are looking for. From the convex mirrors on the “D” pillars so you can see what or who might be approaching as you think about backing out into the parking lane, to the 3 jets in each of the two windshield washer spigots on the hood, to the extra compartment in the glove box, to the oil filter on the 4.0 liter V-6 located on the top of the engine, to the quality of the leather on the seats, to the built-in trash bag holder on the rear of the console, to the wonderfuly quiet ride and smooth suspension. It is all so very impressive. We couldnt be more pleased.

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  Back to Toyota - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Papa G - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Just got the FJ. I had a Land Cruiser about 10 years ago and regret selling it. Havent had it in the dirt or snow yet and cant wait to do so. Its great on the road, you forget youre in a serious 4X4. The rear view camera helps with the blind spots when parking. My wife spent her teen years off roading and she is eager to get the FJ dirty. Its a challenge with the doors and our two boys. But the 12 year old isnt complaining as he will take this car over when he is 18. Safe and solid, we will sleep better knowing he will be in the FJ. Now whos got my old Land Cruiser? Can I have it back please? I miss it a little less now that I have this creature.

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  Biggest little car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Snowy - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car and has exceeded my expectations. I wanted a plain old manual transmission with no other gadgets and amazingly found a used one for sale. I bought this car for gas mileage and was expecting it to be a compromise in other ways but IT IS NOT! I consistently get 29 to 32 MPG without trying to maximize fuel economy and have gotten 42 on one road trip. The size of this car is deceiving and there is plenty of room inside. With the backseat down I have been able to fit anything I need and I have even transported a medium sized desk with the hatch fully closed! Its fun, smooth, quiet and handles great! Ive had a bunch of cars but I couldnt be more pleased with it.