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:

• 

  What a Feeling! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dnoorg - March 13 - 10:00 am

  No problems with truck, runs like a dream.

• 

  Sweeeeet..... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By degreesofsanity - March 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car in February. We had driven the Nissan Maxima, Honda Accord (owned a Civic and CRV,so didnt want the same old blah Honda design) and looked at others as well. We finally narrowed in down to the Maxima and the Camry SE V6. We drove them back to back, Camry first. The Camry SE absolutely blew away the Maxima. The Maxima is more powerfull at 255 hp but the build quality wasnt there. It had a rough ride and a cheaper looking interior. The Camry is very roomy and comfortable. The engine purrs like a kitten. My wife drives it to work, but I cant wait for when I get to drive it on the weekends!!! Fabulous car....definitely not dissapointed.

• 

  I LOVE THIS FABULOUS CAR! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 2005 Toyota Solara - March 13 - 3:36 am

  Although I also own a 1998 740IL BMW, I find myself driving my Toyota Camry SLE Convertible more than my BMW! Its fun to drive, I especially love the easy to use GPS, and the convertible top is so easy and quick to use. Its surprising solid.....and Im a European car snob. Before this Toyota, I had only owned BMWs. After owning this car, I plan on sticking with the Japanese cars from now on!

• 

  Solara Convertible - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By grogers - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Terrific vehicle - Lexus like build quality at a Toyota price. Havent driven the new Chrysler, but if want a convertible and need more than 2 seats, this baby is tough to beat!

• 

  One great truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Lavinder - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new Toyota Tundra 4x4 access cab,v8, last month. Within three weeks, I have put almost 800 miles on it. I was pleased to see that I have been getting a consistent 16 mpg. This is my first vehicle with a motor larger than a 4 cyl. Every chance I get I am feeling the power and acceleration. When I start driving sensibly, I know i will get even higher gas mileage. Titus-Will in Tacoma, WA gave me the best deal with no BS. I was in and out of there in less than an hour. Half of that time I was waiting while Jim Love was finishing up with another customer.

• 

  Hatchback, SUV or Wagon, a GREAT CAR! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixfan - March 13 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw the car, even though I thought it was the right car for me, I was hesitant to buy it because of the looks. But now it looks better now that I am used to it. It is a great car, quiet and roomy, with good handling and braking. And because it is a Toyota, build quality and reliability will be sound. I love my car!

• 

  Almost perfect - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By scuff - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Basically a great vehicle. Faults are poor rearward visability and a hard to read dashboard. With polaroid sunglasses it is unreadable. Why they used dirty white numbers/letters instead of bright white Ill never know. Mileage is good for a vehicle of this size - about 17.5 mpg average including when I tow our 22 ft. Hi-Lo (low profile) trailer.

• 

  1 month and loving it. - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By joe holmes - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  There is very little I would change about this vehicle. I love the look, color, handling, and comfort. My only complaints are very few and should not be a deal killer for anyone thinking about getting one. No coin holder, left arm rest should be padded, built in blind spot mirrors should be adjustable, speakers are so so, cabin noise is a little on the loud side when driving over 80, and the Bluetooth does not do text messages. Again these are all very minor but are items That would have been icing on the cake.

• 

  6.5 years after first review - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ottrb - March 12 - 10:12 am

  We still own our 2001 echo. It now has 171,000 miles on it and no problems yet. Only repair has been the downstream O2 sensor. I replaced it myself--bought the diagnostic tool,maintenance repair manual CD and O2 sensor and came out ahead of the game. The reliability of the Echo is outstanding. After having owned American cars for over 30 years I now own two Toyotas--the Echo and an 03 Highlander. And I wonder why it took so long to see the light and get rid of the American junk. Maybe (according to Edmonds) the Echo was overpriced but after 10.5 years of reliable ownership the Echo has more than paid for itself in reliability and value.

• 

  Prius V three - 2013 - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By rzca - March 12 - 2:57 am

  Our Chevy just used too much gas so we traded for a Prius V. Since we already own a hybrid we were not surprised or troubled by some of the things people mention here regarding acceleration, etc. We have found the fit and finish of the car to be excellent - the materials are what we would expect in a vehicle that was designed to maximize fuel economy. Everything works beautifully from the Nav to the radio - it is simple, intuitive and well designed. I am 6 feet tall and have no trouble being comfortable in the drivers, front passengers or rear passengers seats (which recline!). The cargo space is truly amazing - we love this car and recommend it highly!