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 SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dan - October 19 - 6:16 pm

  I have owned an Explorer, Tribute and Durango. The Highlander is by far the best of them all.The 4 cylinder gives a smooth ride and gas mileage.

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  Great Purchase - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Tim - October 19 - 2:51 pm

  I just purchased a C-HR premium and could not be happier. It wil be used mainly in the city and the amount of safety features was well worth the money. Great styling and very co for table interior. Acceleration could be better than however, works perfect for our use.

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  Good but not like the Prius - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By sergelbergeron - October 19 - 11:32 am

  Just bought our new HH Limited 2011 before Christmas. So about 6 weeks ago. Drives very good - 8K millage just 9L/100KM which is not what the book says but I think that will come. I am disappointed in many of the interior design. We owned 2 Prius and many of the Steering controls that are in the Prius and found in the dash - a good stretch away from the driver. I find the Smart key - proximity is not as good and often doesnt catch if I am coming from the rear side of the vehicle. I have not found a lock button on the rear liftgate so I have to use my Smart Key or go to a side door. The sound system is excellent - the cargo space is good but small features are absent

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  Ralph the Rav! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Sue Wise - October 19 - 8:41 am

  I love the little car and the fact that you sit higher than in a sedan. I am still learning how to use all the features but was not real impressed the few times we have tried the navigation. I went with the Limited to get some higher end features but some of the features could be tweaked to a higher level.

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  Wonderful vehicle to have. - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By QuasiTT - October 19 - 8:06 am

  For the short time Ive driven this car, Ive loved the comfort, feel and response. It drives like a car many more times expensive then it is and the fuel economy is surprisingly good. On a 300 mile trip, with the last 100 miles through the Tahoe Mountains, I still had 29.3mpg. Thats something to brag about in a car that will put you back in the seat when you need it most! Very well done!!

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  Camry XLE 6 Cylinder - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Bill Bivins - October 19 - 6:10 am

  After owning only "Detroit manufactured" cars for many years (I previously worked for GM and later Ford), I finally broke down and bought a reliable, competent vehicle which, however, is not all that exciting. For my retirement car, I thought I couldnt do better than the Camry. So far, very pleasant to drive, good feel of the road, well-executed, even if unexciting, styling. You cant go wrong with Camry.

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  My second Camry in the last three years - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Axesim - October 19 - 4:50 am

  I bought my first Camry LE 4 cycl in 2007. I had very major problems with it (transmission, brakes, burning oil, vibrations over 40 mph, torque converter, hesitation in accelerations, rattles, oil leakage and etc.). I took it to the service countless times for repair, but problems never ended. I sold it when I had only 14,000 miles on it. When Toyota came out with special offer for 2010 models and customer incentive program, I decided to give another chance to Toyota, bought 2010 LE 6 cyl this time. It is much quieter than 4 cyl. Driving is more fun, a lot of power and torque. I have only 1500 miles on it no problem so far. Gas consumption is better than my old 4 cyl.

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  Overall very happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Alan - October 19 - 3:00 am

  Ive been very pleased. The ride is smooth and quiet and the acceleration is better than I expected. I havent experienced any "pausing" as in other posts but have had some creaking from the dash during the cold weather (I thought it might have been my imagination until reading here). After 10,000 miles I still enjoy going for a ride! Mileage a little disappointing. 26 mpg (75% highway). On recent all highway trip got all the way up to 28!

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  Poorly built - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By John Cantlay - October 19 - 12:41 am

  Top of engine was completely rebuilt after 6 months of driving. Rear window shade broke 3 times and electronic pats of car are failing.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By joe - October 19 - 12:13 am

  The title says it. Of course I change the oil and filter every 2000 miles and do all maintenance like clock work. Manual 3rd gear with this motor is the best passing gear and merging lane combination I have ever seen in 42 years of car ownership. Need to pass someone on the highway at 50 mph? Downshift to 3rd and tromp on it. Pickup is superb, and they hear you coming.