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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  Small details to get to great - 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  By Magoo - January 3 - 11:24 pm

  Interior lighting when you open your car door at night should be better. This is a safety concern because getting in quickly can be an issue. Trunk needs space for emergency kit. Everyone needs to trade with car supplies and the trunk has no notched out space where this makes sense. Had to get velcro commercial grade tape to keep our safety box from sliding around all day.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Jon - January 3 - 4:30 pm

  This car give you everything from good fuel economy, good space for cargo, great style, very reliable, fun to drive with the six speed manual and it is quick when its RPMs are in the 8,000 range. Good car over all and would buy another one with no hesitation.

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  almost perfect - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By thunter - January 3 - 3:23 pm

  I test drove a Camry LE, 4 cyl. automatic and a Camry SE V6 automatic. I fell in love with the Camry LE, 4 cyl. and purchased it in early February. It has plenty of power to merge on to freeways here and more than enough oomph to manuvere around traffic so I felt the V6 didnt add that much to the performance. I also preferred the Camry LEs traditionally tasteful interior to the SEs more metallic tones. So far, its been almost perfect.

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  2 cents worth - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Inmyopinion - January 3 - 2:23 pm

  The windows (front, rear, and side) are small. At ATM driveups its a LONG reach down and in wet weather will soak your armpit! The rear quarter windows should open for ventilation. Rearward visibility is poor thru a small back window over high bed sides and tailgate. Windshield is small with a LARGE hood limiting visibility of obstacles directly in front of bumper. (Nice BIG front bumper!) Seats sit almost flat on the floor and at 62" I felt rather aukward, yet they are comfortable. No need for tilt wheel as my knees were close in the full up position. Rear seats face forward but offer no leg room for adults, great for pets and kids. If your an adult Id opt for a tundra if possible.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever had! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By sockem_dog - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Theres nothing fun or flashy about this car... but it holds up so well you dont care about that. I had the original brakes replaced at 115,000 miles and there was still plenty left on them. This car has been through hot and cold weather and never a problem. If you want reliability, get this car.

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  Great car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By LAE9 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota, I purchased after extensive research. I was discouraged with repair costs and quality of previous cars. I have put 80K plus in 3.5 years on this Camry. Not one problem, regular oil changes etc. only. Yes, it could have more power, but well worth living without considering all the other good things. I will always buy Toyota based on my past experiences with other cars. Toyota has more recommended used car models than any other make, and I know why. My kids are tired of me saying "BUY A TOYOTA" !!!

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  I Love my 4Runner! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stevec9999 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  First of all, this is the first Japanese automobile that I have ever owned. That said, I will never buy American again! I wish I could give a balanced review giving both the good and the bad; but, I honestly have nothing bad to say about my 4Runner. Great feul effeciency, responsive ride, comfortable interior, quick acceleration, awsome sound system, etc... So far so GREAT! -- GOODBYE FORD --

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  Got one of the First off the Line -2003 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By L. - January 3 - 6:36 am

  I love this truck. One problem is the back hatch. If Im not careful all groceries fall out when I open the back hatch. This problem has cost me dozens of eggs :) Also the hatch window opens with the remote key, but I have to start the car to put it back up -- not convenient at all! Other than those things...I LOVE THIS TRUCK...and I know my daughter is safe. Thats the main thing.

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  Wish I had my Camry back - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By RJD - January 3 - 12:06 am

  My 07 Camry LE was wrecked and not the same after being repaired, so bought this Corolla. MPG is excellent, but the interior is cheap, with hard plastic everywhere. Center console has uncomfortable hard plastic to rest your elbow on. The car handles well in the snow with the traction control. Outside/wind noise is quite apparent at times. In spite of these complaints, its a very good little car and Id buy another one if I had to, but wish I had my Camry back. The Camry was luxurious compared to this Corolla. This car sits low, making it hard for me to get out of, even with the seat elevated as high as it will go. This car will run 70+ mph on the interstates without batting an eyelash.

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  V6 Base AWD - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mjt - January 2 - 10:43 pm

  I compared the RAV4 vs CRV and eventually got the RAV4. The RAV4s interior feels cheap - I like the CRV interior better and the CRVs top mounted rear door make more sense. But the RAV4 won me over the CRV with the V6, handling and the interior cargo space. CRV only has 52 inches while RAV4 flow flat back seat gave me 70 inches. The RAV4 has more room and is more comfortable.