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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  Good Enough for me - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By satirival - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This SUV surprised me with a smooth ride and luxury like features for the price. One this is that I now have 3000 miles and heard a knocking noise in my steering. Took it to the dealer and they replaced parts of the steering column. I just hope this isnt the start of a sour relationship because I love this thing.

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  GOOD! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Ariel - March 12 - 1:20 am

  This car is great for the family. It has just the right amount of space for me and my friends. It is great for new drivers. It is one of the best cars that i have ever driven!

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Bryan Duncan - March 11 - 10:57 pm

  Nothing. Great Car hope to get a 2018 soon!!!

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  An absolute delight! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Thrilled-to-own - March 11 - 6:36 pm

  Just replaced my first truck (a 92 Toyota compact truck) w/ a 06 Tacoma. I would not even consider another brand due to my experience w/ my 92. I honestly did not have a lot of money to spend, so I went w/ a manual transmission/regular cab. All I can say is omg wow what a lot of truck for not a lot of cash. The interior is solid as a rock, and very well put together. I have found myself frequently checking my payment book and marveling at how fantastic this vehicle is for such a low payment.

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  Worth the $$$$$ - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By gene-n-vonda - March 11 - 1:06 pm

  I have owned many different vehicles, mostly american made, but this was my 1st non-american made vehicle, and should I add... BY FAR the BEST of ALL!! I am sold on my Toyota. Great mileage, freat ride & handling & gives me the SUV look & room that I love. What more could you ask for?

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By rcbuck - March 11 - 5:03 am

  Drove this from FL to NH just after purchasing. Found the auto to be comfortable and a pleasure to drive. I had read reviews that mentioned soft ride and floating. I found that his car stayed fixed on the road as well as my BMW 325I.

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  Outstanding - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By tm - March 11 - 3:16 am

  AS with every Toyota that I have owned, this car has been trouble free and everything that I anticipated. I highly recommend this car to anyone that needs an affordable and trouble free auto. Knock on wood.

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  Smart vehicle purchase - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By apache1894 - March 10 - 11:53 pm

  I bought my 4Runner used, with 74,000 miles on it in Feb. 2013. I was not concerned about the mileage, as the engines on these SUVs only begin to break in about about 100,000 miles. The vehicle is heavy, and feels as durable and as robust as a tank...and I used to be a M-1 Abrams tank commander, so I know toughness when I see it! :o) As the truck sports a "mild mannered" 4.7L V-8, the engine is powerful and provides great acceleration. Love the sound of the engine too! The interior of the vehicle is laid out well, and has great ergonomics, which make it comfortable to drive long distance. This is the best vehicle that I have ever owned...smart vehicle purchase indeed!

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  Toyotas most important product and it shows - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Owner - March 10 - 4:14 am

  This surprisingly roomy vehicle gets great fuel economy, is comfortable, and has very high feature content at any price point. The positives are easy, here are some negatives that might not be apparent: (1) No memory seats, which is nice with multiple drivers; (2) Audio does not adjust adequately to ambient noise; (3) interior is on the noisy side; (4) No spare tire on the Touring trim; (5) no automatically closing hatch; and (6) mediocre thigh and lumbar support for taller drivers.

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  I love this car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By jbradford - March 9 - 11:36 pm

  Everything about this car is wonderful, I got the fully loaded se camry for 2008, with the v6, navi, roof, upgraded wheels, every available option, msrp about 33000, but, it is well worth it. This car is fast. You dont even have to try to go fast and you look down and your going 80 on the expressway, plus it has the tiptronic shift which really unleashes a beast under the hood. Cornering is excellent, I can take a 30 mph corner at 55-60 mph. I also have the vehicle stability control and traction control. The navi is very user friendly. I love this car in every way. Heated seats are nice and the leather sport package is great.