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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  2nd time owner - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By krystle - November 21 - 12:40 pm

  I had a 2012 Camry sport I loved it loved how it grounded to the road the 2016 is sleek love the new design its a tad bit smaller than my 2012 BUT I love it my 2012 was having some shuddering problems with the transmission but totally love my 2016

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  2nd time owner - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By krystle - November 21 - 12:40 pm

  I had a 2012 Camry sport I loved it loved how it grounded to the road the 2016 is sleek love the new design its a tad bit smaller than my 2012 BUT I love it my 2012 was having some shuddering problems with the transmission but totally love my 2016

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  2nd time owner - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By krystle - November 21 - 12:40 pm

  I had a 2012 Camry sport I loved it loved how it grounded to the road the 2016 is sleek love the new design its a tad bit smaller than my 2012 BUT I love it my 2012 was having some shuddering problems with the transmission but totally love my 2016

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  Who needs a Smartcar??! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Justin - November 21 - 6:10 am

  When I drive my Echo, I forget that it is a 1.5 liter VVT-i and not a sports car. I was surprised when I test drove it, as I was expecting the response to compare to a Ford Tempo. The car has more interior room than my brothers 2008 Aveo, and my other brothers 2008 Focus! It is not the fastest car on the block, but it sure is fun to drive! I own the manual, so I wouldnt even want to ever drive an auto again!

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  Limited 4 runner - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By jlaree2006 - November 21 - 4:08 am

  I love my new Limited 4-runner. drives awesome, so glad we decided to go with this vehicle. Everything is amazing about the SUV, the comfort, the room, the leather, the sound system! I cant say enough good things about it!!!

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  Excellent reliability - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ITSME - November 20 - 1:53 am

  I am the original owner of this car, I used to drive 1000 miles + per month in this car for about 2 years. I have not had one thing need maintenance, it is even on the original AC coolant. The only problems have been from other people dinging my car. Everything in the car still works great, just needs a tune up to improve power. With regular oil services and tire rotations, I have never had this car in any shop at all. Great purchase for reliability.

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  X-Dodge Owner Not Looking Back - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By New2Toyota - November 20 - 1:00 am

  Previously owned 3 Grand Caravans. The first thing we noticed about the Sienna was the smooth and quiet ride, wow! The fit and finish are beautiful/sporty with a bit of "Swagger"! The gas mileage is good for a vehicle of this size and power. U-turns in tight spaces are no longer a problem. This van has the best turning radius of any weve owned! Another nice touch is the rear windows wiper blade. It is placed at the top of window, hidden under the rear "spoiler". Since two of our three children are now in their teens it is very nice that the cabin is so roomy. The whole family is pleased with this van.

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  No Regret - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By PRC of Massachusetts - November 19 - 12:56 pm

  I narrowed my SUV search to the Toyota 4Runner, the Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan XTerra. I chose the 4Runner because of comfort of driving and historical reliability. The 4Runner, despite being on a truck frame, delivers an exceptional ride. Its quiet and tight. You can just tell that it has 150 to 200K miles of driving in it. Although it was a little more expensive than the Nissans, I think it was well worth it.

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  Bullet Proof!! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By fdporter - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I have almost 140,000 miles on my 4Runner. The only repairs have been to replace the rear wheel bearing seals at 90,000 miles. Other than that it, has been routine maintenance. I am averaging over 40,000 miles per set of tires, and even put 90,000 miles on it before replacing the timing belt. I have replaced the front pads only twice, and the rear shoes only once. This thing is bullet proof and still looks brand new!!

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  4RUnner - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By cws - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Most reliable truck I have ever owned. Currently at 102000 miles and only have needed to do regular maintenance. Ride is what one would expect from a truck with such ground clearance. Exterior remains exceptional and interior is of good quality with only a few ergonomic issues. Would certainly buy another 4 Runner.