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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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By lovetoyota - February 16 - 2:10 am

  This has been a great car. I drive over 2000 miles a month. Most of the time I get 38 miles to the gal. If I keep it at 65 on interstate I can get up to 43. Great reliability.

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  Brand new Camry SE 2017 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By EDMUND SERGE - February 15 - 11:35 pm

  It does not have a lot of power but it is ok. Breaks should be redesigned, it does not have sufficient boost to brake. A little bit of noise coming from outside when windows closed.

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  Brand new Camry SE 2017 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By EDMUND SERGE - February 15 - 11:35 pm

  It does not have a lot of power but it is ok. Breaks should be redesigned, it does not have sufficient boost to brake. A little bit of noise coming from outside when windows closed.

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  Brand new Camry SE 2017 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By EDMUND SERGE - February 15 - 11:35 pm

  It does not have a lot of power but it is ok. Breaks should be redesigned, it does not have sufficient boost to brake. A little bit of noise coming from outside when windows closed.

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  Great car! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Wes - February 15 - 3:30 pm

  This is our first new car in 7 years. Im a real techy, gadgety type of guy and absolutely love this vehicle. We are getting approx 44 mpg with less than 1000 miles on the car so far. Traded in a 2001 PT cruiser that got a whopping 18 mpg in the city. The gas bill is already much lighter. Plenty of room for the rear facing car seat, stroller, and a full weeks worth of groceries. Its true that the MFD actually makes you a more "speed aware" driver. I dont see any speeding tickets in my future. Im too busy trying to get 75+ mpg every 5 minutes. Highly recommend this car. Especially the touring edition. It definitely looks better than the base model.

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  a home run - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Captain - February 15 - 4:33 am

  The Toyotas have always been big on quality but not so much on performance - not any more! Certainly not a BMW/G35, but very competent for such a large car. Drives much more like a Lexus. Uncommonly quick, smooth, and comfortable. Have been averaging 26 mpg overall and it will do 30+ highway - amazing. Looked at Maxima, TL, ES, G35/M and 300 and the only car that approached it was the M35 at $42K+. I cant imagine a better overall value at $30K. It will be interesting to see what Lexus does with this engine - how about a LS350 for $45-50K instead of 60+. Advice: stick with the Avalon, trim lines from high 20s to mid 30s.

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  Update at 1800 miles - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Stewn - February 15 - 2:46 am

  At 1,800 miles I couldnt be happier with the Camry Hybrid. Went 502 miles on just under three quarters of a tank and averaged 39.2. The trip included steep mountain freeway driving. It handles well, has ample power and is extremely quiet except on the roughest of roads. Overall mpg is 36. Try to drive 70 mph when it is safe to do so. At a steady 65 on relatively flat road I would expect to average 40+ mph.

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  A Great Little Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Gary - February 13 - 7:13 pm

  I purchased my Matrix 5-20-2006, there is now over 3600 miles on it. Before I purchased the Matrix I had a Tundra, great vehicle but I grew tired of putting $60.00 a week in gas. The Matrix took a little getting used to but now its fun to drive, roomy, economical, turns on a dime and cute. (A real chick term, Sorry guys.) It would help to have adjustable steering wheel and a little more ground clearance but no vehicle is perfect. I am more than satisfied with my purchase.

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  Great car for the money - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By K.D. Keever - February 13 - 6:39 pm

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  The best car out there! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By cad - February 13 - 2:40 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle that was great on gas mileage, reliability and safety. After two + years of test driving and research, I settled on the Toyota Yaris 4 door lift back. I have no regrets over my choice. This car is fantastic! Lots of fun to drive and peppy to boot. It wont win any drag races, but the handling is fantastic. Tight turns, gets up to speed on the highway and is very stable even on windy days. Performed admirably in recent ice storm. I commute on a heavily trafficked highway with lots of construction vehicles and not once have I felt overwhelmed in this car. My gas mileage averages 38mpg with 70% highway, 30% city with conservative driving (no speeding).