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:

• 

  Extremely Fun to Drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tyree326 - December 23 - 4:23 am

  Love the utility of this vehicle. Was not looking for a luxury car with electric seats, heated seats, moonroof, etc. Toyota has done a great job with this one. Lots of head room and great for either city driving or off-roading. Averaging around 20 MPG between city and highway driving. Smoothest automatic transmission Ive ever driven! Anxiously awaiting a diesel option so I decided to lease. I chose the the Black Cherry FJ.

• 

  296,700+ miles and going strong.. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Louise - December 23 - 1:26 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. Bought it used with @169K on it. Have had a few problems and Im meticulous about maintenance. But by and large, Id buy another Camry with no hesitation. Am driving it to Montana and back (2600 miles) in two weeks. I have lots of confidence in this vehicle and Toyota, in particular. At almost 300,000 miles, this car still looks sharp, gets 30+ mpg (its a 6 cyl), has no rattles or other noises.

• 

  Just bought another one!!!! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By nosaints - December 22 - 8:44 pm

  I purchased my first Prius in 2010 and have recently traded it in on a new 2013 Prius. This car is actually fun to drive and comfortable. my wife and I took 2 extended vacations to the mid-west traveling a total of over 15,000 miles. A lot of people refer to the Prius as a compact car. I assure you that this car is a midsize. I have nothing but praise for the auto. A 5 star rating should be a 6 or 7. We see the hybrids out there have really not caught on, Why, because on the charging of the hybrid has to be done with an additional exterior 240 volt power receptacle. The difference between the charging receptacle needed is that the Pruis uses kenetick energy to charge itself, no plugging in.

• 

  I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND TO BUY TOYOTA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By pb - December 22 - 3:33 pm

  My car only has 66,000 miles and I had to spend so much money to get it fix 2 weeks back the car was giving me a problem of stopping middle of road and was not going over 40 mph I took to dealer and he said some animal somehow got in the car and chew all the cables (how animal can get inside from the bottom of the car) I believed what he said and paid $700 to fix it after 2 weeks all of sudden my car stopped right in center of the highway and I towed to the dealer and now he said it is related to the prior problem and I have to pay $1,100 to fix this. Never ever buy Toyota.

• 

  Great Convertible for Friends & Family - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dr Peter Baldwin - December 22 - 7:13 am

  The Solara is a fantastic convertible that comfortably seats 4 passengers. I routinely take my colleagues out on golfing trips. Theres plenty of room for everyone and their clubs. Im always getting compliments. Sure I could afford a BMW or a Lexus, but it seems foolish in this economy to overspend on a car. This car has everything I need and more. I love the built-in satellite radio. Sure, the blind spots are bigger than on a standard car, but thats a trade-off of having a convertible. Its not a mini-van. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a reliable, performance driven, roomy convertible. Its like a Lexus without the price tag.

• 

  2017 Camry - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Christopher Poh - December 22 - 3:15 am

  Get a decent price to buy it.

• 

  Why bother with a Lexus? - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - December 22 - 1:46 am

  My Avalon is as well built, comfortable and reliable as my friends Lexus but about $15000 less. Acceleration is a bit less and cornering is not as sharp but it takes regular gas and I run out of courage long before I get near the cornering limits.

• 

  Not really excited - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Threadbunny - December 22 - 1:33 am

  Traded in my 2003 Honda CRV for this car which does have much better gas mileage, but The hatch back is extremely small especially when hauling groceries and book bags. Outside scratches too easily despite having the protective clear coating applied. Standard is a little slow on the pick up. Inside is nice though. Seats are comfortable and does have nice leg room. Just not big enough for a family of 5.

• 

  My New Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cathy t - December 21 - 11:56 pm

  I just love this car. If youve ever driven a Camry, this is just a scaled down version of one, in my opinion. With the 15" wheels, it hugs the curves and has good acceleration. I was going 80mpg and never realized it. Thats part of the Toyota experience. You cant go wrong with anything built by Toyota.

• 

  Great Ride! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bret - December 21 - 10:23 am

  We have owned this vehicle for just two weeks now, but it was love at first drive. I am 65" and there is enough leg-room for me to sit in the back. We traded in our gas hog 4x4 SUV and do not feel cramped one bit. The car is fun to drive, great on gas (avg. mpg keeps going up, but we are regularly getting between 35 and 42 mpg). What more could you ask for?