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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  Totally Toyota Family - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By dagger101 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely perfect in every way! I purchased this with 52K miles on it a year ago. Not a squeak or rattle in it! Could have bought a new bare boned domestic for about the same money but have no regrets! I own this, my daughter has a Celica, my father owns a Tundra, my mother has a RAV 4 and we just bought a 2002 Camry last weekend. Boy does our salesman love us!

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  they should make these again - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By ruppertdawg - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I love our Camry wagon. They are very hard to find and darn near impossible to find with the V6. We have the V6 fully loaded: leather, sun-roof, third back seat etc. Car runs like a Maxima V6 and rides quiet and very smooth. Like a luxury car. Needs bigger/better positioned cup holders. The V6 is a must for the heavier wagon. We take it on trips all the time, now has 110,000 miles and runs like new. Toyota should make these again.

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  The Avalon 2002 - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By JPZ01 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Toyota and the first Avalon. It handles very well and gives the feeling of driving a Lexus. No regrets upgrading from teh Camray to the Avalon. It really is the flag ship of the Toyota line of autos.

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  Awesome! Simply Mahvelous! Wow! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By MAC - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Wow! What an incredible vehicle! We traded up from a Camry and glad we did! From the outside it looks small, but once inside it has an amazing amount of space (especially after folding the back seats) Can carry lots of stuff (use often in our craft business, garage sale shopping, etc) Doesnt feel too big and can see everything on the road (unlike the huge SUVs) Doesnt feel like an SUV, but like a large Camry. SMOOOOOOOOOTH! Highly recommend. Can be a bit pricey but well worth the money. We purchased the 6 Cyclinder and love the get up and go! Thanks Toyota!

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  Good/Safe/Reliable - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ron - September 25 - 5:05 am

  Had a 14 4cyl. Tacoma access cab that I hit/bounced off a bridge 2 X at 70 MPH all bags (except passenger - no passenger) went off. It was totaled but crumpled as designed and trans/engine went into pavement as designed. It saved my life and no injuries. Replaced it with this 13 pre runner with a 4.0 six cyl. Get real avg. 20 MPG. Installed a Firestone rear airbag kit and the ride improved dramatically carrying 10 psi. with no load. I am an old guy and do not race around but plenty of power for me. We have had a 4runner, Landcruiser and several older off road junk tacomas. They all did their job and lasted if maintained.

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  A Lot of Car for the money - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By pbcole - September 24 - 5:53 pm

  Talk about Quite & Smooth-this car drives like it cost twice as much.hard to beat this one.

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  No problems - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By bj - September 24 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased a used 2001 Camry in may of 2003 with 23000 miles on it. I drive it daily back and forth to work 38 miles each way. I also drive it anywhere I want to go with it. I average around 30 mpg virtually all the time. As of now I have about 92000 miles on it with absolutely no problems. I have not replaced the timing belt nor have I had to replace the brake pads. This is an extremely reliable car. Also have a 94 4cyl Camry with 196000 miles on it with only a few problems. Couple of front axles and brakes plus on oil pump. Long story on the oil pump but it still runs and drives great.

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  Bad seats - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By drgagnon - September 24 - 3:00 pm

  Love the car but the seats are a problem. My wife and I never had back pain until we purchased this Yaris. But I like it enough to try to change the seats. This is an expensive proposition with minimal out of market options. Ill probably have to sell the car to save my back. However, driving the Yaris is fun and above expectations considering the price.

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  Like a Lexus - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Basuk - September 24 - 3:50 am

  Driven several BMW, Mercedes, and Land Rover SUVs Highlander Hybrid is far superior in terms of comfort, fuel economy and reliability. I have been driving my new HiHy for about a month and still wondering how it is putting together especially the transition from EV to ICE is seamless. Because of my offices location I have to drive approx 3 hours a day, and driving this vehicle is really effortless and smooth without worrying wasting gas in traffic jams. This car is innovative, it has leading edge technology, and the most important it is extremely reliable.

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  Love my Yota - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Phyllis Conrad - September 24 - 2:43 am

  This is my first experience with a hybrid and I was somewhat apprehensive. My first year has been a wonderful experience. I did need to adjust some of my driving habits. My determination for decent gas mileage keeps me on my toes and attuned to the workings of the hybrid motor. So far I am very pleased and would go hybrid again.