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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  Satisfied owner - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By albino52 - June 30 - 4:16 am

  Vehicle has far exceeded our expectations. I have found this fun to drive and it has excellent cargo space and the side opening makes loading less stressful. I find the drivers seat not deep enough thus doesnt provide adequate leg support.

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  Ton of Fun - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By SportsCarGuy - June 30 - 12:43 am

  Gets more looks and comments than any other car Ive owned. With top down Ive carried HDTVs and eight foot tall shrubs! Fast, agile, absolute blast to drive. The later model has better looking front and back lamps but the 01 is essentially the same beast. Most think its a Porsche but my budget knows what it costs.

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  Avalon heaven! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By LinB - June 28 - 11:03 am

  First-time Toyota purchaser, cant say Ive regretted it one bit. The Avalon surpasses the previous cars Ive owned by light years in build, design, features and most importantly, quality for the money. The ride is smooth, yet firm. The detail to quality on the interior as well as the exterior is obvious. No cheap plastic parts that break off w/ lots of use. The 268 hp V-6 engine performs well, but does have a sluggish response occasionally in low gear. The styling is gorgeous inside and out. My husband is 64" and this car suits him well. The rear legroom is also a plus for passengers.

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  How much better can it get? - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By greg - June 28 - 5:06 am

  This is mine and my wifes fourth 4- runner. We just traded our 01 in on a 05. Wow! We loved our 01, but this vehicle is a work of art. The fit and finish is next to none. The styling is outstanding and form and fuction is fantastic! How much better can it get? Scary thought.

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  Gas mileage dropping - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By G. Evans - June 27 - 8:23 pm

  When I first bought my Camry, I was happy with my 37.5 mpg. After about 5000 miles the mileage dropped to 33 mpg and at 15000 miles I am only getting 29.7 mpg. I have complained to the dealership three times to no avail. They say they have put it on "the machine" and there is no problem with the vehicle. The service people continue to tell me that it must be the way I drive. I am distressed that I paid more for a hybrid and got way less trunk room and only get the same gas mileage as my previous Camrys. There has to be something wrong for this to be happening!

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  Had a Civic - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By RAY - June 27 - 4:06 pm

  I traded my 02 Honda Civic EX in for the 05 Corolla LE. Hands down, better car all around. Its more peppie, more zip, better interior and after almost 8 months, no problems. My Civic within the 1 st 3 yrs, compressor, struts, fan had to be replaced. This is much better car. The JBL sound system is much better versus the upgraded Honda one.

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  Surprised and having fun - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jdonalds - June 27 - 2:40 pm

  We didnt purchase the Prius because of its fuel economy, but that was a factor. We actually selected it because we liked the car best. It looks small from the outside but feels bigger on the inside. This is a new type of driving experience, not just another car. Toyota really put a lot of thought into the technology and features of this car. We purchased package #2 which includes the smart key but not the GPS or blue tooth voice control feature. Quiet ride, great radio, nice features all around.

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  Love my Taco - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeffery May - June 27 - 10:24 am

  I bought a 2000 per runner in 2001 with 25k miles on it. Now I have 238200 Mrs and it is still going strong. I have replaced brakes, battery and tires, kept the oil changed every 5k miles.

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  Really like it - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Lucretia Franklin - June 27 - 5:33 am

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  Verry happy with the car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixownerinPA - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for around 2 months/3000 miles, and am very happy with it. For sure its not the quickest thing on the road, and I kinda miss my 5-speed, but its still fun to drive, ride in, and look at. The AWD system works well, and adds some confidence on wet roads (still waiting for the first big snowfall to try it in the snow!). The back seat is really roomy -- and the tall doors make it easy to get the baby in and out of the car seat without anyones head getting bumped (his or mine...).