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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  best truck ive driven - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By catianelite - June 11 - 3:39 pm

  ive had the truck for a month and a half now and just had my first oil change and so far I love it the ride is amazing soft but it is not bad when I had to go on some bumpy roads quiet on the freeway and im impressed with the engine the 2.7 has the power to merge even with cargo but great on gas too if you dont need the V6 go for the 4cyl its a great little engine nice sound system too I was impressed

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  BEST CAR - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By steelerfox - June 11 - 7:22 am

  I have a 2002 celica gt with original action package. i love this car. i got this car as my first car 3 years ago and i will never get rid of it. this car will remain in my garage even after i get a new car. this car is amazing fun to drive… possibly to much fun. it has been extremely reliable and the only problem i have had is an eval check engine light. fortunately i know a mechanic who helped me get that sorted out. this car is gorgeous and people tell me how much they love it all the time. it does very decent for a little car in the snow. i live on lake ontario in NY and we get quite a bit of snow but she has never let me down. the back seat is useless but who cares its not a family car.

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  Great Little Car! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By carcarrrazy214 - June 10 - 5:40 pm

  My parents bought this car used when it was a year old and had about 25k on it (bought from a rental car company). It has served us great. The 1.8L has plenty of pickup to really move the car, but still gets phenomenal mileage (30 mpg in mostly city driving). It has been bulletproof thus far, and that will probably not change. I love the size of the trunk (and folding rear seats). The seats are comfortable and easily accommodate all drivers, both large and small. I highly recommend to anybody that needs a trustworthy economical car.

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  Love my Echo… - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By bispo1 - June 10 - 1:46 pm

  I now have 216,000 + miles. No major maintenance required. I’ve kept up on the oil changes every 5000 miles and plugs and all the filters every 50,000 miles. I also had the transmission serviced at 100,000 and 200,000 mile marks. Mileage runs about 34 hwy and 28 city. I’m not one to baby a car, I drive it hard (that’s why the MPG is so low)… I’m 6’ tall and weight is running a little over 200 lbs. The seats have held up excellent, both in form and material. I have plenty of leg and head room… Total reliability

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  2007 Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe - June 10 - 11:33 am

  Fantastic vehicle for the price. Power and economy are much better than my previous Cadillacs. 12V power outlets need to be better placed and memory stearing wheel needs to be added on entry and exit. We have had a problem with the windshield washer reservoir leaking fluid on two ocassions during the first year. The hose keeps coming loose from the reservoir. This is an extremely quiet vehicle that gets 27+ mpg on the road and 22+ all around. Fun car to drive and the ride is as good as anything on the market.

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  Another happy Prius owner - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Lowell - June 10 - 2:33 am

  We traded a 1995 Cadillac Seville, SLS, for our Prius, and have never been sorry a minute. The interior is exceptionally well designed, and the electronics are superb. Good air conditioning, easy to read instruments, good storage space, and comfortable for 4 adults. Weve been pleasantly surprised on its long trip capabilities, having taken it on two trips of over 2,000 miles. Our friends say, "Thats what we all should be driving".

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By healthylaugh - June 9 - 8:46 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota in over 20 years - they are so well-built, that I havent needed to shop much! This is a beautiful truck and I love how fast and powerful it is when you need the extra merging power/get up and go. I havent had one stitch of trouble with it and not a single factory defect, either. My Prius gas mileage is missed, but I really needed a truck, so the Tacoma was the natural choice.

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  Lowest ownership costs of any car!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Roger - June 9 - 6:46 pm

  Great little car. I bought it to commute to work in and it fits perfect. Best low cost to gas mileage car out there. zips around very nice.I added keyless entry for 150 aftermarket and it is now fully loaded!

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  Fred Brooks - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Camery - June 9 - 3:13 pm

  Purchased new, enjoy the car. Only reason I am trading is it is getting old and I want a new Camry. There is nothing wrong with the car. Have it serviced at dealership on regular basis. Interior is like new as well as outside. Kept in garage when not in use.

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  Like a Lexus, only less out the pocket! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Happy SE Sport owner - June 9 - 1:20 pm

  I have this car for a week...Love it! Very powerful with the V6 and the sequential shift is amazing. When I test drove this car I thought I was in a Lexus. I test drove the IS 300 and the ride/acceleration is no different.