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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  2005 Toyota 4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By David Cruise - June 11 - 6:00 am

  I use an SUV for commuting, utility trailers and boat trailers. I also expect to help the local crew coach tow a 7000lb GVW shell trailer that can carry 6-8 boats at once. I had a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder that was underpowered for the job. It had a stiff ride that I liked but my family would not ride with me. This car rides great and has many standard features that you need but that you dont think to look for.

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  I love it! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By shannon - June 11 - 3:43 am

  I bought this car this September, it was a trade up from a focus and I couldnt be happier. I dont have one complaint about it. Its wonderful.

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  The Yaris is great - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jd6102 - June 10 - 10:03 pm

  I went from driving a full size trick to the Yaris and I am perfectly happy with the size my kids actually have just as much if not more room in the Yaris. And my gas bill was cut at least in half.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By smoothsailing1 - June 10 - 5:42 pm

  Have owned this car 8 months. Went with the Camry after driving some of the competition, as the Camry was the best overall fit for me. Drove several versions of the 2013 Honda Accord sedan, but the sound system, radio and navigation system in the Accords are having major problems with the navigation locking up, radio pre-sets failing and the sound is just not up to par with other sedans. Stayed with the V6 and am averaging 33-34 mpg on the highway. The blind spot monitor is so very practical and works perfectly. The 2013 Toyota Camry is a well designed and implemented package - it does everything well; drivability, comfort, technology, mpg and ergonomics. Toyota gets a A+ on this one.

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  Highlander Heaven - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By nancrosy - June 10 - 5:10 pm

  I love driving my Highlander. I initially bought this because of its safety ratings and the side curtain airbags. It handles well in the Buffalo snow and ice, which is much to its credit. The seats and legroom are generous enough for my two 6 foot-plus teenagers. The ride is smooth and quiet. It requires only routine maintenance and is very reliable.

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  The 2016 is WAY better than our 1984 (long gone... - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By MS - June 10 - 10:15 am

  Bought a short bed double cab Sport 4x4 Tacoma as surprise gift for husbands 60th birthday two weeks ago. White. All the bells and whistles. Was he ever surprised, and he loves it!! We had looked at every pickup manufacturer on the lots and Toyota still rocks it best. Mud flaps should come standard but I added them the next week. Also added leather at purchase. Only thing Ive noticed is that I wish there was a little more front seat leg room for the passenger. And the nav system needs to be reprogrammed at the dealership: "Home" currently cant be set up. Also wish the XM stations, once preset, would display what the channel is, not juat the channel number. The hunting for gears thing referenced in other reviews has not occurred with us, but its mostly flat here or light hills. 700 miles and counting.

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  Hate it!!! - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By rrrr - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Because it doesnt die after 10 years and almost 160k miles. Still drives like new and I like to buy another car! Bought many 2nd cars for my wife so I could drive those. I am the only driver for this Corolla and it drives great - unfortunately! I keep looking at other cars that I want to buy but wont until this one dies. Never a problem - 1.8l, 5spd can race from a stop light with best of cars!

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  SHARP LOOK - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By StaceyB - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR YESTERDAY, A CONVERTIBLE. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD HIS SOLARA FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS AND LOVES THE DRIVE OF SMOOTHNESS. I DROVE A BEETLE CONVERTIBLE FOR 15 MONTHS, BUT WHEN I SAW THIS SOLARA CONVERTIBLE, I TRADED AND DO NOT REGRET IT. WONDERFUL LUX. CAR, SMOOTH AS SILK ON THE ROAD, SHARP AND CLASSY LOOKING. I HAVE THE BLACK EXT. WITH TAN LEATHER, TAN TOP. OHHHHH MY GOSH!!! SWEET!! THIS IS OUR 3RD PURCHASE FROM PANAMA CITY TOYOTA, OUR SALESMAN JJ HAS BEEN GREAT EACH AND EVERYTIME.

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  Black 4X4 Tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By JusTAcasaubon - June 10 - 10:00 am

  This Tacoma is the second toyota i have purchased new and i am definately addicted. I truly believe the Toyota Tacoma is one of, if not the most, reliable smaller class pick up truck on the road. Its looks far surpass any other make or model and the quality of its construction is superb. I do wish i had arm rests, but Its not a deciding factor.

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  Great Car for the money - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By john r - June 10 - 8:16 am

  I have owned this car for 6 years. I bought it with 24k miles. The only problems I have had are the transmission started to slip some and cause hesitation. I had the tranny flushed and this solved the problem. The paint is now peeling on the drivers front and rear quarter panel but I do not have a garage and it has gone through several storms. Overall a great car with no problems at 107K miles to date. I bought this car certified and I recommend that very highly.