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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  Review of 2016 Camry xse - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Kendo slice - September 26 - 6:47 am

  Originally went to purchase special edition Camry but found the blue way too cartoonish and bright. Then had my sight on the white and prepared to start the bargaining process. After talking to the salesman we noticed a black xse model in the showroom. Although the xse had less features than se (hands free charge, moonroof, push start) and was $2k more, we just fell in love with the black suede/leather interior. Ended up getting $5k off msrp and getting full value for trade in, (Nissan wanted $2k less) 3.9%, lifetime power train, 2 years maintenance free. Over all the car rides well behaved and adequate for a 4 banger. You also cant beat the fact that it has 6sp automatic and not the cvt most manufactures are going to. Very spacious in the front/back with plenty of trunk space. My only complaint with the car is the infotainment display. It is a little laggy but I think most cars are probably going to be on the same par. I like what Toyota did by integrating the navigation on your phone onto the screen. Which eliminates the need of purchasing one with navigation.

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  A stellar car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dondoh - September 26 - 12:26 am

  I waited until I put on 2000 miles before reviewing as I was afraid my initial enthusiasm would cloud my judgment, but nothing has changed. This is a terrific, well-designed car. Many comments here lament the lack of power, but it scoots fast enough for me. In fact it feels MUCH faster than our 96 Civic - Love the CVT. So far I have been averaging over 51 MPG (calculated, over 53 mph displayed) and I have not been trying hard. I have a 12 mile commute with a suburban-highway-city mix. Toyota really thought out all the details. Everything is where it should be and form follows function well here. (ps. The reverse beep issue that others raise is easily solved for free at the dealer)

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  Great purchase, awesome vehicle. - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dr. Hot Lunch - September 26 - 12:20 am

  This is my first 4Runner, and I am very pleased so far. The ride is smooth, quiet, and theres plenty of interior room for my wife and our little one. The exterior looks sharp, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. Ive only had it a day, mind you, but its really fun to drive. Theres tons of cool features that I have to figure out with the NAV/Radio system. the keyless ignition system will take some getting used to, but its really cool. Im liking the all time 4WD, and once you lock in the 4H, it feels especially solid. You can tell its very well built, and we feel very safe and secure driving this machine. Looking forward to many years in this bad boy...

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  Great rig - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Taylor Brewer - September 25 - 9:58 am

  The seats are slightly less comfy then I hoped and the windshield wipers clean in a wierd pattern. But overall I love my rig. Great mileage for the cargo space and a v6 4wd. I wanted a Tahoe/suburban for my hunting and fishing rig- price stopped me from getting one. Settled for a 2012 rav 4 and actually am glad i did. - 6 months later I am even more happy with the decision. Great rig!

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  How do they cram how that "CAM"? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By AMAZAHN - September 25 - 8:33 am

  The ONLY thing they need to know is after buying a Camry will be buying the next MODEL!

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  Excellent car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By greg - September 24 - 9:40 pm

  We bought this car new. It has not had any problems. We even pull a 10X6 trailer around town three or four times a year. It has 106,000 miles on it. My kids have broken the back exterior door handles due to pulling down instead of just out (due to their height). Other than that - it is a great car and we consistently get 31 mpg. There is a funny noise it makes when it is 45 degrees or colder until it warms up.

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  terrific car that is let down by poor service - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Jimmy Drew - September 24 - 8:24 pm

  This car is the poor mans Lexus for sure. The ride and handling and power are excellent. The interior is nice but could be better. Research the price... my car was $40K and I walked out with it selling for $36K. Be sure and do your research....

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  Sharp Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TMac - September 24 - 4:16 am

  This is my first truck and I love it. My last car was a 2-seater convertible and decided to go the opposite direction this time. The Tacoma has exceeded my expectations on almost everything. Toyotas design outranks all competitors and the performance is great. Plus you can trust that Toyota reliability. A+++

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  My New Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - September 23 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car several weeks ago. I check other economy cars, and found the Yaris to offer the most in comfort and drive. The cup holders are not good, they are not where they belong, but the rest of the car, fit and finish and drive is suberb for a tiny car.

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  The more I drive it, the more I like it. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Al - September 23 - 10:06 pm

  I originally planned to get a used Camry or Accord but found that vehicles 2 years old with 40-60k miles cost more than my new Yaris. When I first saw the Yaris I almost laughed as I am 64" and I thought "No way will this work". I got in and was quite surprised at the room for my legs and head. I also had tried out a Scion HD and my head was touching the ceiling. And to be honest, I really liked the Honda Fit....but not for $3,000 more. First tank I got 37 mpg and I have had it a month now and have filled up twice. Dont miss the weekly visits to the gas station. The manual trans is smooth and fun and the center instrument panel and controls are just fine. No regrets!