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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  My first Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Oneness1 - June 24 - 8:30 pm

  On long trips the 2007 Camry LE we purchased does great, except when I set the cruise. I noticed it shifted hard going up hills. When driving around town I noticed a serious hesitation upon acceleration in intersections. I honestly feared of getting broadsided. After researching on the internet I found that the computer for the transmission needed reprogrammed (flashing). This did the trick... my car now shifts very smoothly, does not hesitate and when the cruise is set, you can hardly tell it has shifted. The other thing I have noticed is a distant helicopter sound. This started about a month after purchased. We think it is the tires, but are not sure. The dealership cant figure it out.

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  Mileage is better than advertised - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By happy matrix owner - June 24 - 5:16 pm

  Bought the car new after test driving Honda Fit, Scion XD, 08 Matrix. Was looking for best combination of gas mileage and space. This one has it. Now have 2800 miles on the car and the worst mpg was 32, best was 34. This is daily commute into Washington DC, combination of half highway, half parking lot.

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  Nice Wheels - Typical Toyota Part 2 - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Love Findlay - June 24 - 1:40 pm

  Almost four months with our new Highlander and no issues since we drove it off the dealer lot. 5000 miles and averaging 19 mpg consistently....22 for hghwy trips. My wife loves the push button start and key fob that unlocks the vehicle for her. Vehicle is still quiet, smooth and has very comfortable seats. The seat heaters feel great on the lower back even during the summer and the JBL sounds great. The rear seat is roomy, comfortable and the rear climate control is as comfortable as the front...nice.

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  Simply Spectacular! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Hunch - June 24 - 5:43 am

  I also own a 2006 BMW 325i, and I have to say that the new RAV4 V-6 is every bit as much fun to drive! The 269 hp engine delivers phenomenal torque, extending a challenge to my 325i for a race! Thumping the gas pedal is exhilarating and I cant recommend doing so highly enough! I leased this vehicle but will likely buy it at the end of the lease and just get leather seats installed. Itll be like a new vehicle and will probably only have about 30,000 miles by that time. And since its a Toyota, I figure Ill get another 270,000 miles out of it! If you havent driven the V-6 yet, get out there and run one! Youll love it!

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  I didnt buy it to be a "mommy-van" - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Rick G. - June 24 - 2:36 am

  I am a recently retired teacher and an avid surfer with no kids so I wanted a vehicle that was not just very roomy and had AWD but also comfortable if not luxurious. Having owned 2 SUVs and liking them I was tempted to buy another but I wanted more cargo space for my gear yet comfort too. The 06 Sienna was my choice and Im glad I made it. The car is fully equipped with a beautiful leather interior, incredibly comfortable to drive and has great cargo space. I love all the extras in the XLE: AWD, power doors and windows, a great sound system and gorgeous interior appointments. The car handles beautifully has a very smooth, almost luxury feel to it and is just fun to get into and drive.

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  This truck rocks! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Rufus - June 23 - 11:03 pm

  The more I drive it, the more I like it! I Just took a trip to a wild park north of where I live, 400 kilometers round trip, I was driving normally, using the air conditioning, I got 23.5 miles per gallon, U.S. gallons, I think that is pretty good! I use it to haul my snowmobile up to the mountains and drive to work. I just put a K&N reusable air filter on it this week, I noticed a little more snap off the line, but it was already a very quick little truck. All in all I am very happy with it.

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  Matrix-Great buy - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix - June 23 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had my Matrix for little over a year now and love it. The gas mileage is great and its fun to drive. Wonderful if you have kids in sports.

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  Family car - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Paul Birley - June 23 - 2:57 pm

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Joan - June 23 - 10:50 am

  I just bought this SUV 4 weeks ago. I love it. It rides like a car and interior is roomy well equipped. I looked at all the mid size SUVs and this is the one I kept coming back to.

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  Best Family Car Ever Made - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By htkirbys - June 23 - 9:20 am

  I was surprised at the liveliness and handling of a four-cylinder car this size. This must be the best buy possible for ordinary folks.