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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  OK Car, but wouldnt buy another one - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By becrs - June 20 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car used with 18000 miles on it a little over a year ago. I drive 18 miles to work each day about 3/4 of them are interstate and highway with some decent sized hills. I average about 30 mpg. Which Ive very happy with, actually the mpg is the only thing I really like about the car. I live where it snows and the headlights are always dirty making seeing hard. I have to clean them almost daily when the roads are wet. Ive never had to do that with any other vehicle. The cabin is very noisy and it doesnt handle very well on snow and in slush (Im very experience in driving in it too). There are two very small spots on the trunk that are rusting. Ive never had this on a car befo

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  I love it! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By katiek68 - June 20 - 12:30 am

  I LOVE my Camry! Its the first 4 cylinder vehicle Ive owned, but Im very happy with the power it has. I agree in other reviews, though, about the transmission not being able to figure out what gear its in when its driving below 40 mph. It took some getting used to at first. But, other than that, I have no complaints! It says it gets 26mpg, but Im averaging about 29-31 city/highway, which is my favorite thing about the car. I feel very safe when Im in it and I love driving it. All 4 windows have auto function and that is definitely a plus. My first Toyota and Im very impressed!

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  Excellent truck, on and off road - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By AZDriver - June 19 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my Tacoma for a year and half and this truck is great! The truck is comfortable, spacious, and has excellent power. I use the truck to take me on my trips camping, snowboarding, fishing, and many other adventures and this truck seems to handle them all with ease. It also has a great ride on the road.

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  Great car! Love it!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Donutdolly - June 19 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my Venza when my Lexus 2007 350ES lease ended. Once I took a test drive, I decided on the spot to buy the one on display--4 cyl Blizzard Pearl and fully loaded. This is such a terrific car for in-town and road trips. I put 5000 miles on it the first 6 weeks! Love every feature. 15 min after I drove away from the dealer, I parked at a shopping center and got asked, "What is that??? I love that car!" Hardly ever see others on the road, but I couldnt be happier to own this Venza. Have had Mercedes, BMWs, Volvos, Lexus in the past, and this is my favorite.

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  Great, fun car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Eddie Vedder - June 19 - 5:03 pm

  Getting 50 MPG & only filling up every 2 weeks. Smooth ride & roomy interior. Backup camera is very cool & helpful. Lots of safety features including side airbags, traction control, and ABS. Hybrid technology is well worth the premium.

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  Classic Reliable Ride - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rayboy - June 19 - 12:33 pm

  I drive 4-700 miles per week as a field representative in W NY. I want to drive a safe reliable powerful fun vehicle as opposed to the standard issue company car. This FJ Cruiser received a 5 star rating (best rating available) for frontal crash test. It also received a 4 star rating for side impact crash test. The 4wd option works great on my icy hill. Unlike some of the 4wds Ive owned, this FJ allows me to engage/disengage the 4wd therefore allowing me to save money on gas, 20mpg. This FJ also has a 5000 lb towing capacity which is more than enough to tow my 3000 boat. The ride is unbelievably smooth and powerful with the 4.0 L 6cylinder engine.No carpet/easy clean interior!

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  2017 camry - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Andrew Tooker - June 19 - 10:48 am

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  Got What I Expected... - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By eglzfan - June 19 - 8:41 am

  Purchased a 2012 4Runner 6 months ago. After 10K mi. the vehicle still performs as it did on day 1. The 4L engine is the largest V6 available in a mid sized SUV. Fuel mileage avgs 19-20 mpg with the best at 23 on longer road trips. If you actually test drive this SUV you will notice a stiff ride, similar to that of a truck...thats what I like about it. Ample storage space satisfies the needs of our family and all our stuff. Dashboard electronics work as expected and nav system got me up north without a problem. Biggest complaint would be lack of headroom. At 6 Im at the upper limit without hitting my head on the roof. Compared to similar SUVs out there this is a great buy.

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  Love my Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Maggie Montgomery - June 19 - 8:00 am

  My 2005 Matrix is very well built, hugs the road so nicely, and makes not one unwanted sound. The motor is strong, has good pick-up, and handles easily. I feel quite secure driving. It has extra security with an engine immobilizer so that no one can start the car without a special key. Helps with my auto insurance.

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  Great Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Skierdad - June 19 - 2:23 am

  Drove every half ton truck out there and chose the Tundra over them all. Tons of power. Have pulled a 4 place ATV trailer loaded up, boats, etc. No issues. Added a matching topper and the truck is sharp looking. Can load up the wife, kids, and 2 dogs and all our gear for a drive anywhere we want to go.