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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  Worth the Money - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryan G. - February 20 - 6:23 am

  Bought this truck new; despite the updated bodystyle, this truck gets looks. Purchased the XSP package, everyone asks me about the 20" tires & rims. I tell them it came with the package. Truck has been extremely reliable, will tow & carry whatever I need it to. Do not drive much (only about 7K per year), the gas mileage is what it is; a consistent 15 mpg around town.

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  dental in illinois - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Wayne Galasinski - February 16 - 2:04 pm

  had this vehicle 6 months already,vehicle performs well, no problems so far, but interior is very dull and controls hard to find...It has toyota reliability . Oct 10,2016 I do not own this vehicle anymore. I bought a Honda Odyssey as a trade a few months ago.

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  Big surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By brooksey - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing in its perfomance!

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  An OK crossover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Decent but not great - February 15 - 5:46 pm

  Smooth if no bumps on the road. But you can feel the bumps. It is not luxious, but comfortable enough. The seat is a little hard (nylon seat). It is not as comfortable as my old camry. The seats are definitely big. Definitely roomy. Good exterior and interior design. The plastic material inside is cheap. Decent mpg for a large car. Mine is 4 cylinder and the computer read out is 24.7 mpg, not sure how accurate it is. 4 cylinder is not that powerful, but good enough for daily commute. Passanger seats and backseats are very roomy and comfortable. It took me a while to get used to different control knots in the front panel.

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  Camry is good - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By rob - February 15 - 2:23 pm

  I bought the V6 version before I realized I would be driving about 40k a year. Although I am currently getting in the high 20s and low 30s for the mpg. I spend about 3 hours a day in the car and it is fairly competent. The driver seat could use more upper lateral support as I tend to lean out of the seat towards the center. The car has a superb ride for a Lincoln or Buick, but I wish now that there was an SE V6 for the stiffer suspension when I bought the XLE . The car is well equipped even better so than the Accord, which I have owned several and think I prefer overall. The Camry is overall a solid car and sure to please the masses.

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  Ive had Toyotas since 1971 My NX car Hyundia Sanota - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By robertgdean - February 15 - 8:52 am

  For those who own a 2009-2011 Corolla LE Things that were added "Great". What they forgot is to put a arm rest in center console. I had one on my Camry LE.1992..wished I still had the arm rest. CON.power steering goes out when U reach 15mph or then the transmission kicks in 3rd geer when slowing down. Im told that was to save gas/BULL For those dealing with the head rest, Pull them out an place them in backward. The seats. go to a junk yard and take out a Camry seat in good shape, get it. I drove back fr NC to NASH handling bad. used to putting one hand and was able to glide. Of all the cons heresAproIt has to be one of the SAFESTCARSon the road. Im living PROOF myCorollaWillSaveUrLIFE

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  Toyota Trundra 4x2 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By James Marlowe - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Valve train start-up is noisy. Harsh ride even being a 4x2. Smaller interior than the other makers; 90% of a Chevy or Ford. Body squeaks. Fuel mileage averages around 17 mpg. Lacks stopping power. Horn sounds the same as a subcompact. If you want a full-size pick-up, buy American.

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  The Getaway Ride - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Ronaldus - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Great small truck to get away for a quick weekend trip with just enough room for 4.. and it saves you money on gas!

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  Great Family Sedan - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By jaegan - February 14 - 6:40 am

  When picking a sedan to replace my 350Z, I selected the Avalon over the G35, Altima and Camry. One might think G35 would have been a closer match to the Z but no sedan can match sports car handling - so I got the car that offered the most of everything else. The Avalon has a good bit of power, cavernous rear passenger space, reclining rear seats, excellent build quality, and a luxo-plush ride. Ive noticed that it takes some throttle modulation to "help" the car find 1st or 2nd gear. Cloths seats are far softer than leather. You can get over 30 mpg on the highway (at 65-70 mph). Conversely, 19 mpg in the city is common. Overall, a surprisingly great value in XL trim (paid $25K).

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  Corolla wagon - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By mark - February 13 - 11:16 pm

  Love the car. Best car I have ever owned. I have owned a 1995 5speed witch is better than an auto witch I have now. I bought it with 165,000. It runs like a new car.