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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  ce camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ALFRED - October 21 - 8:00 pm

  Just got back from Maine. I have to say the car rode great,comfortable and gas mileage great. Very roomy with four adults. The new design turns heads wherever we go. The only draw back is using the cruise control, kicks out of overdrive on very slight hills.

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  I love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gayle - October 21 - 11:13 am

  I love this car. Besides being a clean air car and fuel efficient, I got what I think of as luxury features such as bluetooth technology and a navigation system at a modest price. I love the keyless entry and the fact that I dont even have to put my key in the ignition to drive the car. The milege is great as gas prices keep rising.

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  I Love my Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tina G - October 21 - 8:30 am

  I am having a great time adjusting from my Grand Caravan to my Yaris. The gas savings have been awesome with milage averaging 39-41 MPG with a mix of stop and go and highway driving. It is comfortable, handles great and is pure joy!!

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  I want another one - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Danno - October 21 - 2:36 am

  Just bought one for my daughter. Ive been driving it until she comes home for Christmas break. great car, fun to drive. Its a great value and I wouldnt mind having one for myself.

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  The Best - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Susan - October 20 - 1:26 pm

  It has all the features you could want. I love the power of this 3.5L V6, I catch myself speeding a lot, and racing people from stoplights and actually winning in the mommy mobile. It gets decent gas mileage about 21 mpg around town. The JBL sound system is very nice and so is the DVD system. The seats are very comfy and the ride is smooth and quiet. you cannot go wrong with this van.

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  75K miles and NOTHING has ever broken! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Mark Karagianis - October 20 - 1:56 am

  This is really a wonderful car, the best and most reliable that I have ever owned. I still have the original brakes! I routinely get 26-28 MPG city, and 30 highway, but thats at 80- 85, where the car wants to cruise. The only thing that I miss is a limited slip differential, as when the power comes on, its hard to avoid wheelspin in 1st and second, expecially in the tight turns. Still looks great, too. I really dont want to sell yet . . .

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  So Far, So Good - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lefa - October 19 - 1:15 pm

  We bought a Camry Hybrid on Dec/2012. I am writing this on April/2013, after 5,500 miles. During the winter we obtained 38-39 mpg (for a whole tank, combined Hw and city). Now in the Spring we are easily getting 40-42 mpg (again, for a whole tank, combined Hw and city). We drive a lot and get a lot of traffic jams in city drive. But we are very happy and satisfied with the millage. Also, the range ("autonomy") for each tank. It avoids being at the gas station all the time.

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  I Love My 4-Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob B - October 19 - 7:26 am

  This has been my 3rd 4-Runner, and the best of the best. I have over 70,000 miles on it and have found nothing wrong. It gets used off road a fair amount and it still as tight as if it were new. One thing I have found about 4-Runners, they are very sensitive to kind of off road tires and vibrations caused by some tread designs.

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  greatest car ever owned - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Larry Ketcham - October 18 - 9:29 am

  new tires 210000 miles

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  This car just wont quit - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ECHOdriver - October 18 - 8:13 am

  I bought my Echo, as a new car, 6 years ago. I drive 80 miles to work, 160 round trip, 6 days a week. 50,000 per year. I have logged 300,000 miles on this car. Fuel mileage is awesome. 43 in the summer, 40 in the spring and fall, 38 in the winter when its below zero. Very few repairs. Rear shocks and O2 sensor at 100,000 miles. Front brake pads at 220,000 miles. Left front wheel bearing at 260,000 miles. These are the only repairs Ive had. Still has original struts, rear brakes, etc. I am comfortable in this car. The drivers seat is worn out, but still, 3 hours a day in my Echo and I can honestly say the car is comfortable. This car still drives great. No squeaks or rattles.