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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  Fantastic car - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By hayguy - September 9 - 12:07 am

  My history of five BMWs, two Lexuss, one Mercedes added a 2013 Avalon Hybrid Limited with the tech package. I have put 9,000 miles on it since June and it is probably the best car I have owned. It is very stylish inside and out, luxurious, quiet, quick and very frugal on fuel. On a recent trip to Mesa. Az, the Kanab, Ut. to Mesa leg with speeds from 75 to 90 yielded an actual mileage of 38.2 MPG. Passing on the two lane roads was amazing. Accelerating from 70 mph and pulling back into lane over 100 mph…with a hybrid! This car does not lack for power! In Blizzard Pearl the car receives constant compliments and people often stop me to ask questions about it. What a car!

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  The Best SUV Made - 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By darwindropple - September 8 - 7:10 pm

  I love cars and over the past ten years or so I have owned two GMs, one Ram, and four Toyotas. While not all have been SUVs, there is no question that in terms of quality, construction and reliability, nothing compares to a Land Cruiser. However, as the LC200 dismal sales indicate, many people do not agree. 1) Why pay so much money for a Toyota with bland styling? There is no good answer to this question! If the badge and the styling are the top priorities you are better off with a Mercedes or Land Rover.

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  This is a great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lauren - September 8 - 6:00 pm

  I bought one for my daughter in college. I liked it so much I bought another one for my daughter in high school. The combination of the low cost, fuel efficiency, design, build quality, and Toyota reliability made this choice a no brainer.

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  Best car of the 7 weve owned - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Nancy - September 8 - 6:00 pm

  We purchased this new, and after 7 years, I have had only one repair, other than routine maintenance. The breaks needed to be replaced after 85,000. The car is extremely quiet, which I really like. It now has 93000 miles, and I expect to have it another 7 years!

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  Paint peeling off front bumper - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Jill - September 8 - 7:20 am

  Went to dealership. Said rock chip caused peeling, wont cover repair. I have had Toyotas before, under the same driving conditions for 4 yrs without this problem. Also, 1st gear is geared too high, have to rev engine or slip clutch to take off. Also, console storage and cup holders are not as usable as my 04 Corolla. Gear shifter hits cup in cupholder when shifting into 2nd, 4th or reverse.

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  Sienna SE is pretty good, but could be better - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By stratpack - September 8 - 4:13 am

  we choose the Sienna based on build quality (I work for a Toyota supplier). The reliability seems to be there, but Toyota went cheap on a couple of things. The interior plastics belong on a lowly Kia, they are hard to the touch and Im guessing will be prone to sqeaking in due time. The sliding doors stick frequently. The van is fun to drive, for a van, the steering is precise and the handling on the SE is probably the most fun of all minivans. The looks are pretty aggressive and hats off to Toyota for putting 19" rims on it, giving the van a sporty stance. Swagger wagon marketing is valid on the SE.

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  Beware of Gas Mileage and Erratic Acceleration - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By bosnol - September 7 - 8:10 pm

  Although stylish and roomy, the Venzas gas mileage, even for a 4 cylinder, is poor compared to what is advertised, especially since we are careful, conservative drivers. It might be the overly sensitive accelerator pedal that results in excess gas consumption. The ride is not smooth either compared to the Ford Escape (we have had an Escape for 2 years). The satellite radio does not perform as well as it does in the Ford models such as the Escape. The dashboard mileage display screen is wired way too sensitive and cannot be adjusted.

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  Avalon is the Greatest - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon - September 7 - 3:40 pm

  Our 2000 Toyotal Avalon is the best car we have owned. Smooth ride, excellent handling and great pick- up. Solid, safe car for family. Very comfortable seats.

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  Big Disappointment - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By camrykiller - September 7 - 3:34 pm

  I bought this car because it looked cool, and I always had Toyotas. I thought it would be fun to drive, and good on gas. Wrong. The car is ridiculously boring to drive. At 49,000 miles, the paint is peeling off the hood and front bumper...should be rusting soon. This car has the worst blind spot in auto history with the ridiculous pillar thing in the back rear. The interior is cheap, and it drives like a tonka toy car. Although the car will probably run forever, I would not buy this car again. I traded it in at 49,000 miles for a 2007 Honda Accord. Let me tell you....There is no comparison! The Toyota Matrix is so boring to drive and is a waste of money unless you just want A to B

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  Reliable as none - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Javier - September 7 - 12:36 pm

  This is my second consecutive Corolla and my third consecutive Toyota in general. Since I discover Toyota, and comparing with previous other car-makers, I will buy Toyotas until the day I die. My previous Corolla ran for 153,000 miles and it never needed a repair. The interior is like you purchased a luxury car. The drive is smooth and it gives you the sensation that every piece is in the right place. I keep buying this car because it gives me security that not matter the distance or the time I will always make it to my destination without a problem. Thats a big peace of mind.