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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  Gas Relief! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By opie - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding fuel economy! Its not unusual to get 40+ mpg even while running A/C. Even though the car is small, it has very good manners on the highway, and is remarkably comfortable, even after a long drive. Its always nice and quiet without feeling too many bumps. I do alot of highway driving and I am still surprised by its comfort on the road! One more thing that is quite incredible...it starts every time you turn the key!!! Fantastic reliability!

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  outstanding minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ambergonzalez2 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been awsome. I have had fun with it and my husband and I fight over who gets to drive it. It is very spacious. I have a day care and travel frequently with 6 children and we still have room to move and feel comfortable.

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  Freeway Access Is No Longer Suicidal! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Stellarink - July 4 - 4:00 am

  Throughout 25,000 miles in 1 year, 24 mpg w/V6 in a metro city is great while my 4-cyl 06 PT Cruiser gets less than 18. The V6 and a comparable large rear window is the reason Toyota got my green. The turning radius surpasses my smaller Cruisers. As you can tell, my practical focus is on safety, function, and economy. My wifes preference is style and speed. With the Rav, we get both. Researching options and reports, Toyota seems to exceed American auto-makers for trouble-free longevity. My wife (53") and I (62") both ride in stable comfort whether driving or riding. Leg and cargo room are ample and head room abounds in front & rear seats. Acceleration? Pray and fly with angelic speed.

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  Thrilled! - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By nannyk - July 3 - 6:31 am

  First time Prius owner and have only had for a week. But husband and I could not be happier. Great handling and ride. Roomy with that rear wagon space. We loaded two grandkids in car seats and our labrador in the back- then went to Costco and all fit comfortably. The dash design feels just right. We got the v5 with the advanced tech package and have not been able to explore it adequately. But so far so good. The front and rear moonroof is a terrific feature especially living in the rainy/overcast Northwest. Im giving up my most beloved MBZ SLK 350- its painful but manageable adjusting to the great looks and ride of this car. Ill miss track days but oh well- getting too old for that anyway

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  Till death do we part - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By duncan16 - July 3 - 6:28 am

  Full-time 4x4 gives you traction all the time and you get a combined mpg of 25, that is amazing. I actually am a car moder (that means I modify my cars so they arent stock). I suggest that if you want to change anything about this car it would be; get Yokohama AT/S tires for the best all around traction no matter the surface and the tires will last you forever, get performance intakes and filters to help with higher rpm performance. Those are very basic, if you are looking for anything better I suggest you go to RAV4world.

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  Making the Adjustment - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By christianwill - July 2 - 3:00 am

  Researched fully, then bought. On the 30-mile ride home felt sure it was a mistake. Weird feeling, strange steering and braking, odd visibility, felt every bump in road. Gloom. Other cars in family are Expedition, Explorer, Focus, all recent models. Two days later I cant stand to drive them anymore! Point is, the Prius takes a bit of adjustment, like a new style of clothing you are not sure is you. V8 love is replaced with unexpected delight in the hybrid system. Controls, shifter, keyless entry are take 48 hours to get to know. I am really surprised how much fun this thing is to drive. I wish I knew whether the Touring suspension tweaks are worth it - drive the standard too.

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  Greatest Car Ive ever owned - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By wb - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I rated this car a 10 in every cat.

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  My first and favorite car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By viktoo - July 2 - 2:00 am

  awe struck evrytime i got behind the wheel. I am 19 year old college student and i was so fortunate when my dad gave me his used 96 Avalon XLS three years ago. An amazing acceleration coming from a 3.0 V6 engine that made me fall in love with this car. One of the nicest machines on the road that never wne in for an servicing execpt the 3000 mile oil change. Even though it is a great family car because it is extremelly spacious, even the young and youthful love it. If you buy it i am positive you will not go wrong. A great car, a great price.

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  94 Camry LE sedan 4cyl - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By rferrara - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased vehicle used from an independant dlr in 1996. Vehicle has been extremely reliable. No major repairs required just normal mainteance items, tires, battery, brakes, timing belt, etc. Very economical car to own & operate. 125K miles on odometer - still driving it.

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  Excellent - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By priscilla Hauck - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Just love it! My husband and I leased it two years ago, and now we are going to purchase it, because we want to keep it.