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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  Couldnt Be Happier!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - October 10 - 9:03 pm

  The car has run outstandingly well from the day I bought it. Theres been no mechanical or noise problems with it. Id highly recommend anyone buy this car if they are seeking an affordable, comfortable, reliable vehicle.

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  Toyota S--pure enjoyment - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By colleen6303 - October 10 - 8:53 pm

  I have had my Corolla S, with the bells and whistles, and have enjoyed every minute of it. Even my teenage kids think its a hot car, and the fuel efficiancy is wonderful too. Keep the BMW, Mercedes, and whatever else is out there... my next car down the line will be a toyota.

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  My second not my last - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Pam - October 10 - 2:10 pm

  As older drivers, comfort is of utmost importance. After driving for 8 hours we arrive without the normal stiffness. It is wonderful to handle and with the wonderful turning radius it will practically turn on a dime. Took a little practice parking as it handled a bit differently than the 1998. The auto doors work beautifully and makes it so easy to let guests into the van without getting in and out. The AC is great. I am a Toyota fan. I love the reliability and dependability that is standard with all Toyota products. Oh sure maybe it doesnt have all the trap doors but you wont see it by the side of the road dead.

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  Good Economic Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Tipp City Ohio - October 10 - 2:06 pm

  This car is not for someone that is looking for style or fashion. Its a work car. Great gas mileage, great reliability, and performance for a 4 banger. The steering column needed to have telescopic function or sat closer to the driver. The interior is boring as a Buick, and the exterior looks like a granny car. But this car is built with quality and economy in mind. Blast them for making a Lt Blue version. My wife fell in love with it and now I feel weird driving a baby blue car. Oh well, its hers anyway.

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  Awesome - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Packman - October 9 - 10:20 pm

  Extremely reliable vehicle. Slim profile (compared to full-sized trucks and SUVs)and adequate ground clearance allows one to maneuver in tight off-road situations. Dependable, tight vehicle thats lots of fun to drive.

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  My Second Sienna, There Will Be More! - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Chris - October 9 - 7:13 pm

  This is my second Sienna, so yes,my experiences with this vehicle have been extremely positive (I still have the first one, an 05). If Lexus made a mini-van, this would be it. I love the power doors, power tailgate, AWD, Bluetooth, GPS, Rear DVD, heatedseats. Honestly, you cant get a better mini-van, period. Its true that the gas mileage is not the best (12L average per 100km on the highway and about 13.5L per 100km in town) but mine both have AWD plus all the gadgets that need to be powered. I suspect you would be hard pressed to do that much better....I would have bought a Hydrid if it was available... I have mine with running boards and hood deflector and XM satellite radio.

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  TSS-P is great - 2017 Toyota Prius v
  By R Wertenberg - October 9 - 4:35 pm

  The radar dynamic cruise control is great, but the pre-collision system truly falls short to the point one wonders if it is working. Even when set at the greatest distance for protection, it rarely engages except as (or after) braking in a true emergency situation. That is not a good implementation in my personal opinion. If I compare it to the performance of the radar dynamic cruise control that appears to work as one would expect (if a car pulls in front of you it automatically decelerates up to and including braking if required) at a comfortable distance (that you set in a similar fashion). If you are going to be moving something long, please know that the front seats do not fold forward, you need to remove the headrest and fold them back before folding the back seat forward. Overall it has been a very good car so far and it has a surprisingly comfortable ride.

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  Loss of engine oil - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe - October 9 - 3:46 pm

  Same thing happened to my Avalon . No light no warning. Dealer said just made it in before the engine went. Happened to our friend with the same car. Do not understand why Toyota has not done a recall if this is happening with a lot of Avalons. Took almost three weeks for parts to come in. But the gave us a loner car. Love the car this is our first Avalon and will not be our last.

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  Best car EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Rig Jig - October 9 - 12:16 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned! I put 60,000 miles on it in two years and have not had to do a thing except change the oil, and that only has to be done every 6,000 miles! Just had it in the dealer for normal service and they told me the brakes look new!!!!! How is this possible. GO BUY ONE AND IT WILL BE THE BEST CAR YOULL EVER OWN.

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  tr - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By tommy2tome - October 9 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive suv -drives lika a car in fact much easier