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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  Toyo fun - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Farrell F Alexis - January 8 - 12:53 pm

  This car is really nice. My friends really like the design. The performance is great especially the handling. With the right conditions outside, the acceleration is superb. It is very pleasant to drive. It is surprisingly quiet when the engine first starts. A 9/10 for the 2009 Toyota Camry. The gas mileage is good but could improve a little more.

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  Gass - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlitos - January 8 - 10:09 am

  Fuel economy not great

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  It is good. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kate Smith - January 7 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my Yaris a few weeks ago. I used to own a Hyundai Elantra and this is far better. When you are on the highway or in the city it really gets up and goes, unlike the Elantra. It gets great gas mileage and is super cute. The only thing I dont like about it are the cup holders. There are two for bottles in the doors, but the main center one is a bit too far back to be useful when you are driving.

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  Great, reliable car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By nfonnesb - January 7 - 6:33 pm

  I have had this vehicle for over five years and havent had one problem with it. It is snappy off the line and gets great gas mileage (32-34 mpg around town and 36-38 mpg on the highway). I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a safe, reliable car with good gas mileage.

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  Great car - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By Rick Talley - January 7 - 1:52 pm

  Great car, great resale

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  1995 Camry is the Best - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By 1995 Camry-the best - January 7 - 10:03 am

  I have had this car since brand new and after more than 10 years, I still love it. From the way it sounds, to the comfort, to the driving position, to the seats, everything is terrific. I have 100,000 miles on it and I would not give it up if someone gave me a new Cadillac for it. It is simply the best and it has saved me a ton of money over the years.

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  Awesome gas mileage! Roomy too! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By George - January 7 - 9:03 am

  Wife was tired of the gas guzzling GMC Envoy so we read up on the hybrids and concluded the Camry the best choice after the test drive. The options and extras are what you would find in a Lexus, really nice! Quiet, classy, comfortable ride, and the most FUN Ive had driving a car in a long time. The wife loved it so much, she wouldnt let me drive it, so I went out and bought me one. Traded in my 2001 Montana minivan and am having a blast with it. I am 62, 340 plus and have more than enough room to enjoy the ride. The best road mileage I have gotten is 52.7 mpg going 60 mph (no a/c). Best in the city was 44.3 mpg. It constantly beats the sticker ratings of 40/38 all the time!

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  Perfection! - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By TonyG5003 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2001 for a 2003, and was pleasantly suprised to see the telescoping steering wheel and stereo controls on the steering wheel. Also, the dashboard has a more pleasing shape to it. The only drawback to owning a Land Cruiser, is that you are never satisfied with anything less. Its an expensive love affair!

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  Efficient, hi-tech, comfortable - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By katherine - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive, and never fails to interest passengers. Zero problems after one year. Handles very well in snow. Wasnt expecting such a huge improvement over previous vehicle (1992 Saturn SL1), but got it in all areas. Feels solid and safe.

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  really fun ride - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By bubster - January 7 - 2:00 am

  fun, fast, really a treat to drive